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Things to Do

Bench Overlooking Putsburough Sands and Woolacombe

Explore the very best of North Devon

Get the most from your stay at The Barnstaple Hotel and explore Barnstaple and the surrounding areas of North Devon. Enjoy a break filled with adventure, outstanding attractions and beautiful beaches all at your fingertips. A stay with us unlocks a whole lot more, let us exceed your expectations when it comes to a break nestled in the South West. 

Discover Events at The Barnstaple Hotel

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rose arbour at RHS Rosemoor

Exclusive GuestDiscounts

We love to treat our guests, and part of that is giving you ways to make the most of your visit to North Devon. We feel everyone should enjoy all that the area has to offer which is why we've teamed up with North Devon attractions to offer you discounts throughout your visit. 

Discover Our Exclusive Guest Discounts

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Bartender making smoking cocktails at Bar62 in Barnstaple

Discover theBarnstaple Collection

As our guest, you have access to some exclusive North Devon discounts and benefits through our Barnstaple Collection. Enjoy an array of discounted dining across our sister hotels from cocktails, to lunches and afternoon teas, there's a discount for everyone. 

Discover our Barnstaple Collection

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 Discover a stay full of Devon Charm

To give you a helping hand at getting the most out of your stay, we've pulled together a list of some of the most enchanting things to do. Make the most of your time in North Devon and the surrounding area by exploring all the area has to offer. 

Young family in gardens at RHS Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Distance: 13.4 Miles [26 Minutes]

Receive £8 entry instead of £12.65 when you stay with us

At Rosemoor gardens, you can enjoy 65-acres of beautifully planted flower beds, set within a pretty wooded valley. Around every corner there's a lovely surprise. The gardens are home to plants from around the world. Events take place through the year, there's lots of shopping to be done and children's activities keep little green-fingers amused.

go karting
Race World Go-Karting

Distance: 56.3 Miles [1 Hour 12 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us 

Race World Go-Karting track is Exeter's very best indoor racing track! With a 400m circuit, flyover bridge, state-of-the-art equipment, conference room and 4000sq ft viewing area, it has something for everyone!

woman walking out to sea with surfboard
Croyde Bay Surf Hire

Distance: 9.6 Miles [21 Minutes]

10% off surfboards, paddleboards & bodyboard hire when you stay with us

Your choice of surf equipment next to world-class waves at Croyde Bay. Croyde Bay Surf Hire stocks a selection of surfboards, bodyboards and stand up paddle boards for all levels of surfer, from first-timers to seasoned pros and will even deliver equipment straight to you. 

surfboard on beach at Saunton
Walking on Waves

Distance: 8.3 Miles [23 Minutes]

10% discount on all lessons

First Wave sessions are designed to get you off the beach, in the water, and having fun as quickly as possible. We meet up, get to know each other and jump into our “guaranteed to keep you warm” winter wetsuits. It’s only 100m to the beach (although if the tide’s out it can be a bit further to the sea) where we’ll go through the safety drill and give you a chance to practice before we get wet. Then it’s off to the sea to get some real experience with the help of the Walking-on-waves team.

couple on a kayak
OSKC Water Sports

Distance: 11.6 Miles [25 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

Watersports centre in Combe Martin offering all types of kayak and stand up paddle board activities including hire and guided kayak tours.

Stuart line cruise
Stuart Line Cruises

Distance: 60.4 Miles [1 Hour 21 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

Ensure you don’t miss out on one of Devon's top things to do and take a trip with Stuart Line Cruises. Sailing all year round, you can set sail and explore the rich wildlife and breathtaking views of the River Exe or set sail back 250 million years exploring the Jurassic Coast Line.

man on sup board at sunset
H2o Outdoor

Distance: 10 Miles [20 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

H2o Outdoor specialise in providing unforgettable experiences by combining high-quality activities with the outstanding natural beauty of this area. Coasteering, Kayaking, Surfing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wild Swimming are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed with them either on a single-session basis or combined to form an exhilarating adventure package. 

segway
EasiGlide Segway Experience

Distance: 10.9 Miles [22 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

EasiGlide offers Segway tours around North Devon and other areas of the South West. Rolling hills, ocean views, muddy fields, sand dunes as well as plenty of obstacle courses and games provide the ultimate thrill of riding a Segway.

children on slides at Milky Way
The Milky Way Adventure Park

Distance: 18.3 Miles [28 Minutes]

Receive 10% off entry when you stay with us [term time only]

An all-weather theme park with something for everyone. From the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, gravity rider donut slide, maze, fantastic outdoor displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre, Droid Destroyer Dodgems, and the Milky Way Railway - we can guarantee you won't be bored when spending a day here.

Becky Falls river
Becky Falls

Distance: 43.9 Miles [1 Hour 26 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

No visit to Devon would be complete without a visit to Dartmoor's iconic landmark. Come and breathe some of the purest air in England, explore 50 acres of stunning woodlands and enjoy a very, very warm welcome!

trampolining
Air Extreme

Distance: 3.2 Miles [9 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

Air extreme offers you a wide range of bouncing activities! Go and have fun in their massive indoor trampoline park in Barnstaple, North Devon, filled wall to wall with trampolines and much more. They advise customers to book online in advance to ensure you don't miss out. 

Broomhill Gardens
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens

Distance: 3.2 Miles [9 Minutes]

10% off sculpture park entry when you stay with us

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens are where art and culture meet in magical surroundings. This was created in 1997 and has now become one of the largest permanent collections of contemporary sculpture in the South West.

Dartington Crystal
Dartington Crystal

Distance: 12.7 Miles [25 Minutes]

20% off first Quality items in their store

Experience a brand new Visitor Experience at Dartington Crystal’s popular tourist attraction in Great Torrington, the home to the UK’s last remaining factory scale crystal and glass manufacturer. Delve into the history and heritage of Dartington Crystal before venturing around the modern-day factory as you witness glass-making demonstrations in a newly installed studio furnace.

exmoor zoo
Exmoor Zoo

Distance: 11.2 Miles [23 Minutes]

15% off entry when you stay with us

An enjoyable day trip for all ages, the zoos treats visitors to a close-up view within excellent animal exhibits. The closest local zoos are Exmoor Zoo, which is home to the only pair of black leopards (or Exmoor beasts if you believe the legends) on exhibit in the UK, and Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, a prehistoric park that features a variety of exotic animals alongside plenty of dinosaur animatronics.

Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey & Gardens

Distance: 24.4 Miles [41 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile from Hartland Quay on the N W Devon coast. The award-winning house, with its fascinating interiors and decoration, beautiful woodland walks, walled gardens and parkland, has been in the same family ownership for generations and provides a warm welcome to visitors.

someone painting pottery
Tarka Pottery

Distance: 14.2 Miles [28 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

Tarka Pottery is a pottery painting studio offering an exciting range of fun creative activities for kids, teens and adults alike! It's a great chance to get creative and relax in the pottery studio where plenty of help is on hand. You can choose from making a bowl on the potter’s wheel, painting a pot or joining a clay workshop or pottery class.

2 people in bee keeping clothes with bee hive
Quince Honey Farm

Distance: 12 Miles [22 Minutes]

10% off entry when you stay with us

Take a guided tour around the interesting displays and exhibits and learn fun facts about the honeybee before you take a closer look inside the working hives. Nowhere in the world can you get so close to live bees without needing protective equipment! The Happy Bee play hive is a large indoor soft play area, this is where you will also find the café offering homemade food and our special Devonshire cream tea with honey! 

Tapeley house and gardens north devon
Tapeley Park

Distance: 9.8 Miles [17 Minutes]

2 for 1 entry when you stay with us

Tapeley Park situated between Instow and Bideford is one of North Devon’s best-kept secrets. Take in the magnificent views over the Torridge Estuary to the sea beyond. Their grounds are renowned for their beautiful gardens, especially the Italian terraces where visitors can sit back and relax and make the most of the peace and tranquillity.

Quad biker
Keypitts Activity Centre

Distance: 9.8 Miles [21 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

A fantastic activity centre near Ilfracombe, offering Quad Biking, Axe Throwing and 4×4 Land Rover Experience. 

The Ultimate Adventure Activity Centre
The Ultimate Adventure Activity Centre

Distance: 11.3 Miles [19 Minutes]

15% off when you stay with us

Based in Abbotsham, North Devon the centre has been providing a comprehensive range of outdoor adventure activities since 2011. Choose from, high ropes, kayaking, coasteering, archery, paddle-boarding, mountain boarding, surfing, and the famous total wipeout-inspired assault course. Activity sessions run every morning, afternoon & evening.

walkers on coastal path
Guided Walking Tours

John Ward offers guided walking breaks and tailor-made adventures within the wild beauty of the coastline and moors of North Devon and Exmoor.  Walk the stunning coast and country of North Devon and Exmoor with a knowledgeable and friendly local guide and visit the 'hidden gems' of the area - from the old-world charm of remote hamlets to expansive moors and secluded coves. 

family shopping
Affinity Devon Shopping Outlet

Distance: 12.3 Miles [20 Minutes]

Fantastic shopping with over 30 stores from famous national brands, offering a fantastic variety of offers on normal retail prices. Clothes, food and drink, children's play area and regular events - what more could you want from a shopping trip? Open seven days a week.

Barnstaple Pannier Market
Barnstaple Pannier Market

Distance: 1.3 Miles [6 Minutes]

The Market trades every day of the week on butcher's row and hosts regular food festivals. A great place to browse for local produce.

fishing
Blakewell Fisheries

Distance: 2.6 Miles [8 Minutes]

Devon's premier fly fishing venue, with lakes stretching over five acres. There is also a great range of activities for youngsters.

father and daughter in a museum
Barnstaple Museum

Distance: 2.3 Miles [9 Minutes]

Explore the brilliant displays and collections at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. Among the many things to see are the Tarka Gallery, the Story of North Devon, and the Regimental Collection of the North Devon Yeomanry.

Arlington Court North Devon
Arlington Court

Distance: 9 Miles [20 Minutes]

Arlington Court is a beautiful family estate, which has been held by the Chichester family for over 500 years, with an impressive house, excellent gardens and a unique carriage museum.

woman playing bowls
Bowling

The Barnstaple Hotel is conveniently located for many local bowls clubs including Bideford Bowling Club, Bideford Victoria Park Bowls Club, Torrington Bowling Club, South Molton Bowling Club, and Kingsley Indoor Bowls Club at Westward Ho!

castle hill gardens in north devon
Castle Hill

Distance: 10.5 Miles [21 Minutes]

Castle Hill house and gardens are steeped in history and are, and have been for centuries, a home to the Fortescue family. Today it is loved and cherished by the Earl and Countess of Arran and is a wonderful visitor attraction. Visit Castle Hill’s open gardens and stay to enjoy refreshments at their new tearoom.

Clovelly
Clovelly

Distance: 20.8 Miles [34 Minutes]

World famous for its cobbled, traffic-free street, donkeys, sledges and historic harbour. The stunning views, peaceful tranquillity and cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port.

Person in water
Coasteering

We can organise a day of coasteering in Croyde with local specialist, Rock and Rapid Adventures. They will provide all the equipment and training you need for an amazing experience, as you swim, climb and jump your way along the dramatic North Devon coast.

Combe Martin Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

Distance: 12 Miles [24 Minutes]

At Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, you can see some wonderful wildlife including wolves, sea lions, meerkats and African Lions. Also featured are impressive dinosaur models and some unusual attractions, such as swimming with sea lions and experiencing birds of prey at close hand.

group of people canoeing
Exmoor Adventures

Distance: 31.8 Miles [1 Hour]

Exmoor adventures provides a range of award winning outdoor activities including coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, raft building, archery, stand-up paddle boarding, tree climbing, orienteering and team building activities across north devon, west somerset, exmoor and the quantock hills.

soft play
Junglaroo

Distance: 2.6 Miles [10 Minutes]

There are tubes slides, bumpy slides, crawl tubes, ball cannons, rope bridges, spider webs, dangly snakes, gliders, scramble nets, ball pools, log ramps, punch bags, edu blocks and so much more including specially dedicated area for the under 3’s to enjoy. Even the grown-ups can join in the fun as the play frame is designed for adults to enjoy too.

Haynes Motor Museum
Haynes Motor Museum

Distance: 81 Miles [1 Hour 46 Minutes]

Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford near Yeovil in Somerset, England, contains over 400 cars and motorcycles and a collection of other automobilia.

Heddons Mouth
Heddon Valley

Distance: 15.1 Miles [32 Minutes]

The famous Heddon Valley has exceptional walks and stunning views. Starting from the National Trust Visitor Centre, there is a selection of beautiful walks to choose from. The picturesque cobbled beach at Heddon's Mouth is only accessible by footpath.

Ilfracombe aquarium
Ilfracombe Aquarium

Distance: 12.4 Miles [27 Minutes]

This exciting award winning, all weather, fun, educational attraction provides a fascinating insight into the watery world of North Devon... The aquarium offers Local Aquatic Exhibits and showcases a diverse collection of animals displayed within beautifully recreated natural habitats.

man playing bowling
Let's Go! Ten Pin Bowling

Distance: 0.2 Miles [2 Minutes]

Right next door to the Barnstaple Hotel, Let's Go! is great fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Lundy Island
Lundy Island

In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure. Lundy has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain. Book a day trip on the MS Oldenburg to Lundy from Bideford quay.

Lynmouth
Lynton & Lynmouth

Distance: 19.1 Miles [36 Minutes]

The famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway is the highest and the steepest totally water-powered railway in the world! The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth providing stunning coastal views that will be the highlight of any visit. 

stream and gardens
Marwood Hill Gardens

Distance: 3.5 Miles [11 Minutes]

Marwood Hill Gardens is an excellent 20-acre private garden and lakes, with a Garden Tea Room and wonderful views.

man wake boarding
North Devon Wake Park

Distance: 18.5 Miles [29 Minutes]

Located in the stunning landscape of North Devon and only 10 minutes away from the coast, North Devon Wake Park boasts the best of both worlds. The WakePark has a variety of outdoor activities for all ages which include wakeboarding, Paddleboarding, slacklining and their unique aquapark. 

people in a cinema
Scott Cinemas

Distance: 1.6 Miles [7 Minutes]

Only a short drive from The Barnstaple Hotel, Scott Cinemas has 4 screens showing today's best blockbusters.

Group of people on high ropes
Skern Lodge Outdoor Centre

Distance: 11.5 Miles [21 Minutes]

Try an amazing range of sports delivered by trained staff. Activities include climbing, zip wire, archery, surfing, bodyboarding, and kayaking.

Surfer
Surfing

Our North Devon surfing beaches and surf schools are the closest in the southwest to London, the Midlands and the north of England. Travel time from London to Croyde, Devon is 3-4 hours by car and we are only 45 to 60 minutes from the M5, much closer than surf beaches in Cornwall. Croyde Bay in North Devon is renowned as one of the best and most consistent surf beaches in the UK.

tennis
Tarka Tennis

Distance: 1.4 Miles [6 Minutes]

There are 6 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts at this ‘Pay and Play’ tennis centre in Barnstaple.

Sheep with lamb on back
The Big Sheep

Distance: 11.2 Miles [19 Minutes]

Ewe will love this family day out, with live shows, farmyard animals, rides and entertainment. From tractor driving to feeding the baby animals, there's a little bit of everything to keep children and adults amused. Make the most of the sheep racing, duck herding, shearing displays and donkey rides. All between playing in the indoor and outdoor play areas. You'd be BAAArmy to miss it. 

audience watching theatre production
The Queen's Theatre

Distance: 1.4 Miles [7 Minutes]

At The Queens Theatre in Barnstaple, there is something for everyone, whether that’s a play, musical, ballet, opera, band or comedian. It’s fun and exciting, which makes it a fabulous venue to bring somebody you want to impress.

family of four cycling
The Tarka Trail

The much-loved book Tarka The Otter was the inspiration for this famous series of footpaths and cycle paths around North Devon . Experience the wonderful variety of the local countryside, including rugged moorland, gorgeous wooded valleys, cliff top views and beautiful sandy beaches. Bikes can be hired locally at Tarka Trail Cycle Hire in Barnstaple.

Watermouth Cove North Devon
Watermouth Castle

Distance: 11.5 Miles [27 Minutes]

On the outside, this is a Victorian Castle. But behind the walls lie a family theme park with rides, a maze, dungeons, play areas and beautifully landscaped gardens. Little ones will enjoy the castle treasure, the water show and the toboggan run whilst adults will enjoy learning about the history of the castle and will secretly love the rides too! 

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