Things To Do
in Barnstaple
Barnstaple is a historic market town in North Devon sitting on the River Taw, acting as a gateway to the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park. Its compact centre mixes medieval streets, a covered Pannier Market and Georgian architecture with modern cafés and independent shops. The town is popular with outdoor lovers because of easy access to surf beaches, estuaries and the Tarka Trail cycle/ walking network.
Expect a friendly, small‑town atmosphere that swells with visitors in summer and quiet, local rhythms in winter.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start the day with a stroll along the historic center of Barnstaple, taking in the stunning architecture and the iconic Pannier Market. Don’t forget to grab a local breakfast at one of the quaint cafes nearby, where fresh pastries and coffee await. Immerse yourself in the town's rich history by visiting the Barnstaple Museum, which showcases artifacts and stories from centuries past.
After lunch, head to the nearby Tarka Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride along the river, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Alternatively, visit the Marwood Hill Gardens to wander through beautiful landscaped gardens, each blooming with seasonal flowers. Spend some time relaxing at a local tea room, enjoying a slice of cake and soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
As night falls, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Barnstaple's many pubs, where you can savor traditional British fare alongside local ales. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the River Taw, watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors. Wind down the day by catching a live music event at a local venue, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the town.
Set off early for a day trip to Exmoor National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rugged beauty. Begin with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before driving into the park and taking in the stunning vistas. Explore walking trails that wind through lush forests and moorlands, keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home.
Spend the afternoon hiking to the iconic Valley of the Rocks, a dramatic coastal landscape that will leave you in awe. Enjoy a packed lunch with breathtaking views, and perhaps even spot some wild ponies roaming the hills. After your hike, visit the charming village of Lynmouth and take the funicular railway up the cliffs for a panoramic view of the coast.
Return to Barnstaple in the evening and indulge in dinner at a cozy restaurant, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures. Try some locally sourced seafood for a taste of the region’s flavors. Afterward, join locals at a nearby pub for drinks and live music to end your day on a high note.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer in a pub | $4-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $6-12 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to both coast and moorland for outdoor activities
- Compact, historic town centre with lively market and independent shops
- Strong local food culture — seafood, dairy, cider and market produce
- Good cycling and walking infrastructure (Tarka Trail, coast path)
- Can get crowded in peak summer, especially beaches and car parks
- Public transport is limited outside main routes and evenings
- Smaller town nightlife and fewer late-night entertainment options
- Weather can be changeable, affecting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Barnstaple
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic bridge and river viewpoints capture reflections, moored boats and the attractive mix of old and new architecture at golden hour.
Colourful stalls, period ironwork and bustling market scenes make for lively street and detail photography.
Wide sandy beaches, dunes and dramatic skies provide panoramic seascapes and dynamic surf shots.
Flat riverside paths with hedgerows, fields and estuary views — good for long-exposure shots and cycling action photos.
High moorland outcrops and valleys offer sweeping landscape vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Mudflats, saltmarshes and tidal reflections make this an excellent spot for bird and landscape photography.
Food in Barnstaple
Barnstaple Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and jam — a Devon tradition available in tearooms and cafés around town.
Must-Try!
Local crab, mussels and fish served in simple grills or as part of seafood platters at riverside and coastal restaurants.
Savory pastry pockets popular across the Southwest — grab one from the market or bakery for a quick, warming snack.
Traditional and craft ciders from nearby orchards — try a dry or medium cider in pubs and cider houses.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic covered market selling local produce, baked goods, cheese, pies and occasional street-food stalls; great for snacks and picnic supplies.
Weekend stalls around the market and riverfront offer seasonal specialties, hot pasties and seafood snacks during peak season.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite and patient; locals value courtesy — a simple 'please' and 'thank you' goes a long way.
Follow the Countryside Code: keep dogs under control, close gates, take litter home and stick to marked paths on dunes and moors.
Residential and rural areas can be quiet after dark; keep noise to a minimum in neighbourhoods and when returning late from pubs.
Safety
Tipping in Barnstaple
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave around 10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and tip pub/bar service only for table service.
Cards (chip & PIN/contactless) are widely accepted; carry some cash for market stalls, smaller cafés and rural businesses. Mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside — good for walking and fewer crowds; some coastal facilities may open later in the season.
Warmest weather and busiest tourist season with crowded beaches and popular trails; book accommodations early and expect lively markets and events.
Cooling temperatures and dramatic skies make for excellent photography and quieter trails; some services begin to reduce hours after September.
Colder, wetter and much quieter — towns are peaceful, but some attractions and smaller hospitality venues may be closed or have limited hours.
Barnstaple at Night
Hiking in Barnstaple
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A largely traffic‑free trail following river and estuary paths ideal for walking and cycling; sections range from easy riverside stretches to longer countryside routes.
A scenic valley with wooded walks, a waterfall and dramatic coastal cliffs where the moor meets the sea.
Coastal clifftop walking between sandy beaches with stunning sea views and potential for spotting seals and seabirds.
A unique dune system and Biosphere Reserve offering varied routes through dunes, saltmarsh and sandhills with rich wildlife.
Rocky headlands with excellent coastal scenery and challenging, rewarding walks for experienced walkers and photographers.
Airports
How to reach Barnstaple by plane.
About a 45–60 minute drive away; the closest major regional airport with domestic and some international flights and good road/coach links to Barnstaple.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car; useful for some UK and European seasonal flights, especially in summer.
Around 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; offers a wider range of international flights and can be reached by train/bus combinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long‑established Devon families and working households who make up much of the town’s community life.
North Devon attracts retirees due to the peaceful environment, healthcare access and lower housing density.
Seasonal influx of UK and international visitors, especially beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts in summer.
A smaller but present group attending regional colleges and working in hospitality and outdoor services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surf culture is strong because of nearby beaches like Woolacombe and Saunton — surf schools and competitions are common in summer.
Local amateur rugby and football clubs are popular community sports with active youth and adult leagues in North Devon.
Road cycling and leisure cycling on the Tarka Trail are popular among residents and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barnstaple.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are widely available in cafés and most restaurants; look for veggie versions of local dishes and market stalls offering salads, quiches and cheese boards.
Vegan options are growing but more limited than vegetarian — seek out cafés with plant‑based menus or ask restaurants in advance; many places will adapt dishes.
Most modern cafés and eateries can provide gluten‑free options if requested; bakeries and market stalls may have fewer GF choices, so ask staff before buying.