Visitors Guide to Barnstaple

Welcome to Barnstaple, a charming town located in North Devon, UK.

With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural landscapes, Barnstaple offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re interested in exploring local walks, relaxing on the beaches, or discovering the town’s unique attractions.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need for a memorable visit.

Beaches Nearby

Barnstaple is blessed with beautiful beaches nearby that attract visitors year-round.

Croyde Bay

Nestled along the North Devon coast, Croyde Bay is a charming village renowned for its stunning sandy beach, rolling surf, and idyllic coastal scenery.

With its picturesque backdrop of rugged cliffs and dunes, Croyde Bay attracts surfers, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Saunton Sands

Stretching for three miles along the North Devon coastline, Saunton Sands is a captivating beach known for its vast expanse of golden sand and impressive sand dunes.

This picturesque destination offers panoramic views of the ocean, making it a popular spot for walks, picnics, and a variety of water activities.

Instow Beach

Situated on the tranquil estuary of the River Torridge, Instow Beach is a serene and family-friendly destination in North Devon.

Its pristine sandy shoreline, calm waters, and gentle slope make it an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying leisurely strolls along the shoreline.

With scenic views of the surrounding countryside, Instow Beach provides a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

These sandy shores offer stunning views and are perfect for relaxing or engaging in water activities.

Car Parking

From conveniently located car parks near the town centre to those near popular attractions, Barnstaple ensures that parking is accessible and convenient for those exploring its vibrant retail district, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re visiting for shopping, dining, or exploring the surrounding areas, Barnstaple provides a range of car parking facilities to accommodate your needs.

Here are some of the car parking available around Barnstaple:

• Cattle Market Car Park: Located near Barnstaple’s town centre, Cattle Market Car Park offers ample parking space for visitors, making it convenient for exploring the nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions.

• Queen Street Carpark: Situated in the heart of Barnstaple, Queen Street Carpark provides convenient parking for shoppers and visitors looking to explore the town’s vibrant retail district and cultural landmarks.

• Tuly Street Pay & Display Car Park: Situated close to Barnstaple’s main shopping area, Tuly Street Pay & Display Car Park offers a convenient parking option for those looking to enjoy a day of shopping or dining in the town centre.

• Barnstaple Station Car Park: Adjacent to Barnstaple Railway Station, the car park provides a convenient option for commuters and travellers using the train services, with easy access to the station and surrounding areas.

• Fairview Car Park: Located near Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market, Fairview Car Park offers a convenient parking solution for visitors looking to explore the market, as well as the nearby shops, cafes, and attractions.

• Belle Meadow: Positioned on the outskirts of Barnstaple’s town centre, Belle Meadow is a spacious car park that provides easy access to the riverside area, the Tarka Trail, and the town’s amenities, making it ideal for leisure activities and outdoor adventures.

Local Walks

Explore the natural beauty of Barnstaple through a variety of local walks.

The Tarka Trail is a must-visit, covering 180 miles of scenic walking and cycling paths that follow the route described in Henry Williamson’s novel, ‘Tarka the Otter.’

Take a leisurely walk along the Tarka Trail

Explore the scenic Tarka Trail, a 180-mile walking and cycling path that follows the route described in Henry Williamson’s novel, “Tarka the Otter.”

Find out the rest of the top 11 towns to visit in North Devon and be captivated by its natural beauty.

Heddon’s Mouth

Enjoy the natural beauty and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Marwood Hill Gardens

Find a hidden oasis at Marwood Hill Gardens, where vibrant flora, beautiful bridges, and winding paths create a serene and enchanting experience.

Yeo Valley Community Woodland

Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience of Yeo Valley Community Woodland as you wander along well-marked trails, surrounded by captivating forests and the soothing sounds of the nearby river.

Manning’s Pit

Experience the beauty of Manning’s Pit, a nature preserve offering open fields, woodland paths, and a tranquil stream, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll in the midst of natural serenity.

Relax and have a picnic in Rock Park

Rock Park Barnstaple is a picturesque riverside park offering serene walking paths, lush green spaces, and stunning views of the River Taw, providing a peaceful escape in the heart of Barnstaple.

Places to Eat and Drink

Experience the vibrant culinary scene in Barnstaple, where an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offer enticing menus and refreshing beverages, ensuring a delightful dining and drinking experience for every taste.

Lush Bar & Restaurant

Indulge in a contemporary dining experience at Lush Bar & Restaurant, where delectable cooking, creative cocktails, and a stylish ambience await.

Address: 55 Boutport St, Barnstaple EX31 1SH, United Kingdom
Phone: 01271344477

Latitude 48

Immerse yourself in a fusion of flavours at Latitude 48, a restaurant known for its diverse menu inspired by global culinary traditions, offering a gastronomic journey like no other.

Address: 96 High St, Barnstaple EX31 1HR, United Kingdom
Phone: 07471841934

Claytons & The Glasshouse

Delight in a culinary fusion of modern British food and creative cocktails at Claytons & The Glasshouse, a charming establishment with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Address: 2 Cross St, Barnstaple EX31 1BA, United Kingdom
Phone: 01271323311

Silver Tree Thai Food

Savour the authentic flavours of Thailand at Silver Tree Thai Food, where expertly crafted dishes, aromatic spices, and a welcoming ambience transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand.

Address: Unit 1 Maiden St, Barnstaple EX31 1HA, United Kingdom
Phone: 01271322221

Honeymoon Restaurant

Embark on a culinary adventure at Honeymoon Restaurant, where exquisite Chinese food, attentive service, and a cosy setting create a memorable dining experience.

Address: 3 The Strand, Barnstaple EX31 1EU, United Kingdom
Phone: 01271329800

Places to Stay

Experience a wide selection of comfortable and inviting accommodations in Barnstaple, featuring a range of options from cosy beds and breakfasts to modern hotels, ensuring a delightful stay for every traveller.

Rose Cottage, Barnstaple

Rose Cottage is a charming and cosy accommodation option located in Barnstaple, providing a tranquil retreat with its picturesque setting and comfortable amenities.

Honeysuckle Cottage, Barnstaple

Honeysuckle Cottage is a delightful and inviting vacation rental nestled in Barnstaple, offering a warm and homely atmosphere along with modern conveniences for a memorable stay.

Collacott Farm Camping

Collacott Farm Camping is a scenic camping site that offers a rustic and immersive outdoor experience, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and enjoy a peaceful stay in Barnstaple.

Whitemoor Camping

Whitemoor Camping provides a serene and family-friendly camping experience in Barnstaple, with spacious pitches, modern facilities, and a tranquil countryside ambience, ideal for those seeking a relaxing getaway.

Things to Do

Barnstaple offers a plethora of exciting activities and attractions, providing visitors with a diverse range of things to do and explore, ensuring a memorable experience in this charming town.

Explore Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market

Explore Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market, a vibrant hub where you can browse an array of stalls offering fresh local produce, crafts, clothing, antiques, and much more, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere and local culture.

Visit the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon

Learn about the local history and heritage of Barnstaple and its surrounding areas by visiting the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon.

Enjoy a boat trip on the River Taw

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the picturesque River Taw, taking in the scenic beauty of Barnstaple’s surroundings while cruising along its tranquil waters.

Explore the architecture of St. Peter’s Church

Be amazed at the exquisite architecture of St. Peter’s Church, where intricate details, stunning stained glass windows, and a serene atmosphere come together to create a captivating glimpse into Barnstaple’s rich religious heritage.

Take a hike at the Heddon Valley

Located near Barnstaple, the Heddon Valley offers a wonderful walking experience through scenic woodlands and along the river.

Attend a performance at the Queen’s Theatre

Immerse yourself in the world of entertainment by attending a captivating performance at the Queen’s Theatre, where you can enjoy live theatre, music, and cultural events.

Shop at the Green Lanes Shopping Centre

Shop to your heart’s content at the Green Lanes Shopping Centre, where you’ll find a diverse range of shops, boutiques, and eateries, offering a delightful retail experience.

Visit the North Devon Leisure Centre for activities and swimming

Stay active and have fun at the North Devon Leisure Centre, offering a variety of activities and swimming facilities for all ages, ensuring an enjoyable experience for fitness enthusiasts and families alike.

Barnstaple Long Bridge

Take a leisurely walk along the historic Barnstaple Long Bridge, offering scenic views of the River Taw.

Braunton Burrows

Experience the beauty of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning dunes and wildlife.

Explore the beautiful Boutport Street and High Street

Wander through the beautiful Boutport Street and High Street, where you can explore a mix of independent shops, cafes, and historic buildings, providing a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

In Summary

With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural landscapes, Barnstaple offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re interested in exploring local walks, relaxing on the beaches, indulging in delicious food and drink, or finding the perfect place to stay, this guide will provide you with all the information you need for a memorable visit.

We invite you to share your experiences or recommendations in the comments below and join us in celebrating the beauty and allure of Barnstaple.

For your next Bideford adventure, we also have a visitors guide to Braunton that you can check out.