BARNSTAPLE, DEVON

Barnstaple is a town in the county of Devon in the South West of England. Known locally as Barum, it is the main town in the local government district of North Devon and is the oldest borough in the United Kingdom.

Barnstaple is situated in the valley of the River Taw, seven miles from the mouth of the river, has many claims to distinction: it is now and has been from time immemorial, the administrative, commercial and agricultural centre of North Devon. It was the first town with Borough status in the country to celebrate its 1000 year anniversary. It should be appreciated that these facts are not only of historical, but also, of sociological and aesthetic importance for they have influenced the way the town has grown and developed, to no small extent and is certainly responsible, in part to Barnstaple's unique character.

A most significant factor in Barnstaple's development is its position as the centre of a great tourist industry. Barnstaple is the centre of North Devon with roads from it leading to Ilfracombe, Lynton, Taunton, Tiverton, Exeter and Bideford. In spite of its important position the town remains largely unspoilt and is one of the most delightful country towns in England deservedly popular as a place of residence.

BARNSTAPLE HOTELS

Bracken House Country Hotel

Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4TG.
Bracken House Hotel, situated on the periphery of Exmoor in Bratton Fleming, seven miles east-north-east of Barnstaple. It is an excellent base for exploring the beauty of Exmoor and North Devon.

Cedars Inn

Bickington Rd, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2HP.
Formerly an elegant country house and set within beautifully landscaped gardens.. The inn combines a traditional atmosphere with modern comforts. Self-contained lodges with excellent facilities.

DURRANT HOUSE HOTEL

Heywood Road, Northam, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3QB.
NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP It is our aim to provide you with the highest standard of personal service, comfort and cuisine. You are well placed to explore one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Foxhunters Inn

West Down, Nr Ilfracombe, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8NU.
A 300 year old coaching Inn situated on the north Devon coast within easy reach of all main beaches and coastal towns.

Stoke House

Higher Davis, Stoke Rivers, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 7LD.
Stoke House is situated in the rural picturesque hamlet of Stoke Rivers, with superb views across the Devon countryside. Within a 10 minute drive of both Exmoor and Barnstaple, 20 minutes from some of North Devon's most spectacular beaches

Sunnymeade Country Hotel

Dean Cross, West Down, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 8NT.
Charming, small, friendly, comfortable country hotel with own large enclosed garden set in beautiful countryside. Award winning home cooked traditional English food, using fresh local Devon and organic produce.

The Pines at Eastleigh

Eastleigh, Bideford, Devon, EX39 4PA.
A Georgian county house set in 7 hilltop acres with magnificent views over the Torridge Estuary to Lundy Island. Selected by the AA as 'One of Britain's Best in 2005'.

BARNSTAPLE RESTAURANTS

Chambers Brasserie - The Square, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 8LW
Henrys - 23 Joy Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1BP
La Pizzeria - 35 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1RX
La Viennetta - 27 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1RP
Mumtaj - 3 The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1EU

BARNSTAPLE ATTRACTIONS

Barnstaple Museum - by the old bridge Tarka the otter room, undersea room, history of North Devon.
Brannam's Pottery, tours and shops, Roundswell Industrial Estate
Exmoor Animal & Bird Gardens, South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Nr Barnstaple EX31 4SG
Jungleland, St John's Garden Centre, St John's Lane, Barnstaple EX32 9DD

TRANSPORT LINKS

Rail - Barnstaple Railway Station

Motorway Junction - M5 junction 27 (33 miles)

Airport - Exeter (37 miles)