Location: Barnstaple
Top Things to do in Barnstaple
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Barnstaple, United Kingdom (UK)
Barnstaple (/ˈbɑːrnstəbəl/ ( listen) or /ˈbɑːrnstəpəl/) is the main town of North Devon, England and possibly the oldest borough in the United Kingdom. It is a former river port, located at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw, flowing into the Bristol Channel.
Restaurants in Barnstaple
1. Heddon Valley
Overall Ratings
5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew G - York
Heddon's Mouth, where the Heddon reaches the sea, is a justifiably renowned North Devon beauty spot. A lovely one-mile footpath leads from a National Trust car park at Hunters Inn through a wooded valley, alongside the lively river, to the beach. The going is gentle, and there's a parallel path suitable for motorised buggies. Arrive early, as we did, to have both footpath and beach to yourself. Try to visit when the tide is in. Waves crashing on rocks and sucking the shingle is an awesome spectacle. In addition to a car park at Hunters Inn, the National Trust provides a shop and tearoom.
2. Biketrail Cycle Shop & Cycle Hire
Overall Ratings
5 based on 77 reviews
AWARD WINNING Cycle / Bike Hire & Cycle Shop offering SEASONAL DISCOUNTS. Located alongside the Tarka Trail in North Devon, Access to 31 miles of traffic free Cycle trail. We hire bikes for use on the Tarka Trail as well as specialist bikes for exploring Exmoor, Devon & the Devon Coast to Coast (National Route 27). We have a wide range of bikes for all ages & abilities, Bikes especially designed for non cyclists as well as bikes for Disabled users. We also have a Mobility Scooter. Recumbents, Penny Farthing, Tandems, Children Tandem, Beach Cruisers, MTB, Hybrid, Vintage Bikes, Dutch Bikes, Dutch Family bike, Children's Trailers, Handcycles, Dog Trailers and more.
Reviewed By MickyBlueEyes - Birmingham
Friendly service, good selection of pricing options and the equipment is spot on. The best thing of all however is being directly on the Tarka Trail. With a young family this is ideal as no traffic to contend with. We had a great day out and will use again.
3. Broomhill Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By 224Clare - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Even in the rain this was fun walking around the hotel grounds looking for the sculptures some are not everyone’s taste in art but still a morning well spent for £11.50 There is a great stream running through the grounds too would recommend for the...MoreSo pleased you didn't let the weather put you off visiting Broomhill. Thanks for a great review!
4. Marwood Hill Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Marwood Hill Garden, Garden Tea Room and Plant Nursery Welcome to this very special private garden tucked secretly away in a Devon valley. Covering some 20 acres, with three beautiful lakes, this tranquil garden will provide a day of both inspiration and relaxation for the whole family.From the moment the first snowdrops poke their little noses through in spring there is so much to see throughout the year until the rich autumnal tints and shiny fat berries of autumn. The magnificent display of blossom from the massed camellias and rhododendrons is followed by a stream of colour in the bog Gardens, as carpets of primulas and iris in all the colours of the rainbow, burst forth. The National Collection of Astilbes follows in a foamy symphony of pastel hues and hydrangeas on the hillside, like French petticoats in sky and lilac, sparkle in the sun. We garden with wildlife always in our minds and providing habitats for them is extremely important. Tucked away around the Gardens are piles of branches and mounds of leaves home to lots of lovely bugs and beasts! Kingfishers are regular visitors to the lake and the areas of rough grass provide both food and hibernating site for the young of many butterflies and moths. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Children under 12 Free.
Reviewed By Gillian H - Barnstaple, United Kingdom
Having moved to North Devon 10 years ago, Marwood Hill Gardens have been a source of inspiration and advice under the auspices of former head gardener, Malcolm Pharoah and we visited several times a year.
I visited the Gardens recently after a break of about two years and was very disappointed how unkempt they were looking. I appreciate that at this time of the year we are finishing Summer and heading towards Autumn but I was astonished to see Himalayan Balsam well established throughout. Marwood should keep this scourge of the British countryside under control at least. Dr Smart would be so disappointed.
5. Safe Haven Exotics CIC
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
We started rescuing reptiles in 2008 and thanks to some very kind people we have been able to open this centre. We want to show you how wonderful these amazing animals are by opening the doors so you can come and spend some time watching, learning and enjoying them, just as we do
Reviewed By TheGeordieAngler - Haverfordwest, United Kingdom
My son and I were made aware of Safe Haven Exotics when they recently attended South Moulton Pannier Market and we were sold by Marc's enthusiasm and knowledge of the reptiles he had on show. He let children hold corn snakes and a boa and...MoreThank you very much for a lovely review. I am glad you enjoyed yourselves and felt it was value for money. We look forward to seeing you again.
6. Quance Wines
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
We are a small boutique vineyard set in the beautiful rolling countryside of North Devon. We produce a range of exquisite still wines and are open to the public for tours and tastings, by appointment from April through to September. Please contact us and we would love to see you.
Reviewed By Scramsay - Okehampton, United Kingdom
Summermore Vinyard offers a warm welcome to a truly beautiful spot in the peaceful Devon countryside.
The tour was great - detailed and really interesting - Jamie's passion and enthusiasm is enough to capture even the most reluctant listener! He has a great deal of knowlege and answered all questions with such ease - made it all seem so easy!
Great to see someone following their passion and turning thier dream into reality.
Highly recommended...
Can't wait to come back and try the wine!
7. Team Players Adventure Limited
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Newquay_Beach_Bum - Newquay
We had a half day sea kayaking and half day coasteering. Amazing all round! friendly, funny instructors and very knowledgeable. Thank you Team Players for a great family day out.
8. Saunton Sands Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 770 reviews
Reviewed By Lbmystery - Cullompton, United Kingdom
Great sandy beach with grassy sand dunes , large clean Beach, shallow, good toilets and shower and pay and display car park and a cafe. Shower outside for humans and dogs !! They also have dog bins and bags so no excuses not to pick up after you dog ! This place is ideal for kids too. Well worth a visit
9. Instow beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By John G
I have got no issues with people walking there dogs on hear but they need to watch there dogs not just letting them run around and not noticing when they are going to the toilet. Far to many people are just walking along talking to each other and not noticing there dog actions.
10. Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 758 reviews
Reviewed By Tracie J - Newbury, United Kingdom
We are National Trust members and have visited before but not at Christmas.
As there was a Christmas gift/craft fair advertised we thought we would call in.
Very disappointed with the craft fair itself, not very inspiring and quite dated gifts.
Also, considering they had the Christmas theme on outside, the house itself was not dressed for Christmas at all. No tree or decorations inside.
Arlington Court is, at any other time of year, well worth a visit with its carriage museum and horses, and lovely walks within the grounds.
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