Barnstaple Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Barnstaple featuring a small town or village as well as a small group of people
Pannier Market which includes interior views and markets as well as a large group of people
Barnstaple showing heritage architecture and a small town or village
Pannier Market featuring markets, interior views and signage
Barnstaple showing street scenes, heritage architecture and cycling

Find an exciting blend of numerous cultural and historical attractions with modern activities and water sports in this former river port along the River Taw.

The bustling town of Barnstaple is the principal town of North Devon. See the museums and art galleries, ride the cycle paths and row along the river. Shop in big-name stores and individual boutiques and relax with a cream tea at one of the many local cafés.

Visit Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum. Stroll through the formal Victorian gardens and nature reserves and stop in time to watch the live feed of the estate’s colony of lesser horseshoe bats. Visit the carriage museum to see the collection of horse-drawn carriages. Arlington Court also holds numerous events throughout the year, such as Christmas wreath making and Easter egg hunts. Check ahead to see what’s on and visit at the right time.

Cycle 30 miles (48 kilometres) along the Tarka Trail, which takes you through the beautiful North Devon countryside. Find the information boards to learn more about the trail’s history and the wildlife you can see here. Download the audio trail guide mp3 for even more information. Play the tracks at the right stops and you’ll have your own personal guide as you travel.

Head to Exmoor Zoo to see over 160 species of animals from all over the world. Follow the zoo trail to make sure you see all the exhibits. The zoo offers a large range of daily activities, such as timed talks and feedings. Book in advance to try a number of special activities. Experience a day in the life of a zookeeper or take a tour with a professional photographer. Bring children to the meet-and-greet sessions where they can feed and handle some of the animals. You can even feed a range of carnivores by hand, including wolves and big cats.

Barnstaple is easily accessible, with good train and bus links. The town is a little over 50 miles (80 kilometres) from Exeter International Airport. Find other nearby airports in CardiffOpens in a new window and BristolOpens in a new window. The town hosts numerous events, such as markets and public bands, so check ahead before you visit to see when these are on.

Kentisbury Grange
Kentisbury Grange
4 out of 5
Kentisbury, Barnstaple, England
The price is £104 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£104
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Wistlandpound and Arlington Court ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (218 reviews)
"Nice and quiet"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Kentisbury Grange
The Cedars Inn by Greene King Inns
The Cedars Inn by Greene King Inns
3 out of 5
Bickington Road, Sticklepath, Barnstaple, England
The price is £82 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£82
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly inn in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (509 reviews)
"Very friendly staff had a small issue with the room which was resolved quickly"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The Cedars Inn by Greene King Inns
The Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel
4 out of 5
Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple, England
The price is £145 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£145
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (483 reviews)
"Old world atmosphere"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

The Imperial Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dairy on historic North Devon Farm. Stunning Edge of Exmoor Location.
The Dairy on historic North Devon Farm. Stunning Edge of Exmoor Location.
Barnstaple, ENG
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Barnstaple. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Ilfracombe Harbour and Arlington ...
Great find
"So close to coast, yet in middle of countryside. Great pool and games room. Very relaxed, great for kids, will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

The Dairy on historic North Devon Farm. Stunning Edge of Exmoor Location.
Family party ten-bedroom Villa, hot tub and games room
Family party ten-bedroom Villa, hot tub and games room
Barnstaple, Devon
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions Queen's Theatre and Pannier Market ...
Family party ten-bedroom Villa, hot tub and games room
Sunset Cabins at The Oaks Woodland Retreat
Sunset Cabins at The Oaks Woodland Retreat
3 out of 5
The Oaks Equestrian Centre, Higher Mainstone, Barnstaple, England
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Barnstaple. Enjoy free parking, a garden and housekeeping. Popular attractions Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Lovely cabin
"Beautiful little cabin, perfect for a couple nights! It was a little bit difficult to find but worth the drive. Lovely scenery and the cabin has everything you need for your stay. Definitely would stay again!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2024

Sunset Cabins at The Oaks Woodland Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Barnstaple

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Queens Theatre enjoyable - parking free after 6pm. Street parking elsewhere at a premium.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good centre for visiting other places of interest .

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn’t spend much time in Barnstaple itself although it does seem to have a good selection of shops and amenities. Conveniently placed to visit wonderful coastline and the Tarka Trail, part of the south west coastal path for miles of walking.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Tea on the Taw cafe was very nice...definitely recommended this

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Business trip, so can speak for the tourism, but a lovely spot with far more than I expected...go visit

Cities near Barnstaple