Barnstaple

Travel Guide

Barnstaple featuring a small town or village as well as a small group of people
Pannier Market which includes markets and interior views as well as a large group of people
Barnstaple featuring heritage architecture and a small town or village
Pannier Market showing interior views, signage and markets
Barnstaple showing heritage architecture, street scenes 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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
$118 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$142 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Wistlandpound and Arlington Court ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (218 reviews)
"Nice and quiet"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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
$97 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$117 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly inn in Barnstaple. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (506 reviews)
Great accomodation
"Accommodation was great, breakfast was good too. Service for evening meal was very slow and food was average. Convenient stop off location for walking sw coastal paths."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

The Cedars Inn by Greene King Inns
The Royal & Fortescue
The Royal & Fortescue
3 out of 5
Boutport Street, Barnstaple, England
$128 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$154 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
"Right in the center of town and an easy walk from the train station in Barnstaple. Everything is right there in walking distance and it's all just as funky and charming and welcoming as can be! The hotel's foundation has sunken a bit (or more in some places) which is charming but a little disconcerting ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

The Royal & Fortescue
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.
Family party ten-bedroom Villa, hot tub and games room
Family party ten-bedroom Villa, hot tub and games room
Barnstaple
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Barnstaple. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Queen's Theatre and Pannier ...
Family party ten-bedroom Villa, hot tub and games room
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
Book a 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 Oct 30, 2024

The Dairy on historic North Devon Farm. Stunning Edge of Exmoor Location.
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 Jul 12, 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

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 25%

5/5 - Excellent

Anthony_allen_1

Has everything without hustle and bustle like other cities

Cities near Barnstaple