Get out and about in North Devon

You will fall in love with North Devon, there are so many fantastic places to visit that are within easy reach of the Barnstaple Hotel. Here is just a small selection to help you plan your trip.

If you love rock-pooling, swimming, or surfing, then there are great sandy beaches at Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands. The famous town of Clovelly, with its 14th century quay, is incredibly picturesque. The waterfront town of Bideford has fascinating shops and from here you can get a ferry to Lundy Island, 12 miles away in the Bristol Channel. The lovely seaside town of Ilfracombe is home to Damien Hirst’s Verity and the award winning Ilfracombe Aquarium. Braunton, on the South West Coast Path, is a pretty village with access to incredibly beautiful walks. There are over 12 miles of stunning coastline at Hartland, while in contrast there is the rugged, inspiring landscape of Exmoor National Park, with its wild ponies and deer. Known as the Cavalier Town because of its significant role in the English Civil War, nearby Great Torrington is set at the top of an inland cliff, and has wonderful views of the valley and the River Torridge.

If you prefer not to drive, then you will find that there is a good choice of bus routes from Barnstaple to many key places of interest in North Devon, and timetables are available from Reception. Or you can choose to take the train, and travel on the Tarka Line direct to Exeter and beyond.