Cottages in Barnstaple

Barnstaple is a lively market town situated just a few miles from the border of Exmoor National Park in South West England. The River Taw flows through the town and the beaches of North Devon Coast are just a few miles away. Barnstaple is known for its historic buildings, excellent shopping, and many family-friendly attractions. The pedestrian-friendly town is delightful to explore on foot while discovering the great cafés and restaurants throughout the streets. Go for walks along the river, drive to the nearby sandy beaches, and explore the unique attractions in the town centre. A visit to Barnstaple is a must for families, couples, and outdoors lovers seeking a peaceful holiday in North Devon.

Treat yourself to the a quaint cottage stay in the stunning town of Barnstaple. The town boasts an impressive selection of cottages in varying sizes, styles, and designs, with a little something for every type of traveller. Stay in a cottage near the town centre, just steps away from shops, restaurants, cafés, and attractions. Or, opt for a cottage outside the town with a large garden and sweeping views of the countryside. There are oversized cottages for large groups and smaller options for couples and solo travellers. Many properties are pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along. Cottages here exude style and class with tasteful decor and modern furnishings. You’ll have all the comforts and amenities you’ll need throughout your holiday as cottages in Barnstaple are well-equipped with Wi-Fi, heating, washing machines, and fully functioning kitchens. With so many excellent cottage options to choose from you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your holiday!

Barnstaple offers a lovely holiday destination for couples to enjoy some quality time together. Go to the coastline to admire the spectacular scenery of Heddon Valley. You can access the valley from several different points, but starting at the Hunters Inn is a popular choice and makes for a two-mile walk. The route goes through a wooded area and then eventually reaches the coast and sea, offering breathtaking views the entire way. Also, spend a romantic day at Castle Hill, which is a stunning historic country home boasting 50 acres of gardens. It’s a fantastic place for a walk with many different areas to explore around the property. Walk up to the castle, explore the walled gardens, stroll through the Millennium garden, have a cream tea at the garden café, and enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside.

Families of all ages can find many ways to enjoy a holiday in Barnstaple. Go to Air Extreme Trampoline Park where children can let off some extra steam and have loads of fun jumping and playing around on the trampolines. The park has different areas for children of different ages and many activities such as basketball, dodgeball, jump areas, and more! Also, spend a day at Lets Go for a few rounds of bowling. The bowling centre has arcade machines, a soft-play area, and some food options if you start to feel peckish.

This well-laid out museum boasts an incredible collection of displays and exhibits detailing the history of Barnstaple and North Devon. Admission is free, and you can spend as much time as you like exploring the different areas. Browse the displays of fossils, bronze age, and neolithic artefacts. Learn about how Barnstaple has evolved throughout the ages, from Saxon times until the Great War. There’s a lovely little gift shop here and a café where you can stop by for a bite to eat.

Spend the day at Exmoor Zoo which also serves as an animal conservation centre. Children and adults will enjoy up-close encounters of the large variety of animals housed here including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, birds, and more! The animals here are well cared for and are kept in nice enclosures. It takes around 3 hours to walk through the entire zoo and to see all the animals. Children can enjoy playing at the playground and there are some food options as well!

This enormous local market is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am – 4pm. Here you can browse the sea of colourful stalls selling everything from produce, to meats, cheeses, clothing, crafts, and more! It’s a great opportunity to find some unique, local products to bring back home with you as gifts or souvenirs. There are also food stalls where you can enjoy a hot meal or a nice drink.

Spend a day exploring the Regency house, gardens, and carriage museum at Arlington Court. Stroll through the spectacular Victorian gardens with colourful blooms, do a tour of the house, and pop by the café for a nice cream tea. The carriage museum boasts one of the finest collections of carriages in the entire United Kingdom. You can easily spend quite a few hours here exploring the many fantastic attractions. It’s best to go on a sunny day when the weather is warm since the gardens are one of the main attractions.

Barnstaple has a reputation for its excellent shopping and during a visit here you’ll want to set aside some time to discover the unique independent shops on High Street. You’ll find several big name brands like New Look, TK Max, Wilkos, and Pandora, as well as independent boutiques. Shop for clothing, jewellery, candles, crafts, artworks, and speciality items. There’s also a fudge shop and a sweet shop, as well as several bakeries!

The stunning medieval Barnstaple Long Bridge stretches across the River Taw. It’s listed as a Grade I ancient monument and was constructed in 1280. The bridge boasts incredible architecture as well as 16 pointed arches. Visit the bridge to snap some photos or to walk across it – the best time to visit is at sunset!

Rock Park is situated in the town centre and is a must-visit for all ages. Here you’ll find walking paths, gym equipment, play areas for children, and scenic views. The River Taw runs through the park, offering lovely scenery of the water. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon on a sunny day during the summer months!