Barnstaple

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“Our holiday turned to a unique adventure for each and every generation as we found so much on offer” Richards family - York 2019

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Dining at The Park

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to…

Conferences at The Barnstaple Hotel

The Barnstaple Hotel is a great place to do business. With its convenient location, ample…

Conferences at The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is great for business meetings or conferences. With its…

As the social centre of North Devon, Barnstaple always has lots to do; whether it’s meeting friends for dinner and a night out, taking in a show at the Queen’s Theatre, or browsing the appealing mix of big brand shops and traditional family businesses along the High Street.

Rich history

Barnstaple is one of the UK’s oldest boroughs as well as being one of the largest towns in North Devon. It is home to a number of the well-known historic markets, as well as being the base of the flagship Brend Hotels chain. It’s no surprise that it is one of the region’s premier towns. As can be expected of somewhere with a rich history, there are plenty of things to see and do to learn more about the town’s heritage as well as regular events which celebrate the culture of this part of Devon.

One of the most famous heritage attractions in Barnstaple is the historic Pannier Market which plays host to a range of events – from regular markets to showcases of delicious local produce and incredible street food. The Pannier Market has been the host of markets for over 1,000 years and has been standing since the 1800s. While these days the markets are more varied, you can still find a regular famers’ market here as well as a wide variety of other events where you can find everything from clothes, art and other locally produced items. The Pannier Market is flanked by Butcher’s Row, a terrace of ten shops under an iron roof, which as the name suggests, historically was the location of a number of butchers. These days, there are instead a host of interesting independent stores which cements Barnstaple’s draw as a haven for shoppers.

Barnstaple is a town that offers a little bit of everything, but with a real family friendly focus, there are several family friendly attractions, eateries and other places of interest that are suitable for all ages.

Find out more about the region’s history at one of the local museums ,including the The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, which is the perfect way to discover more about North Devon. The collections and displays cover the natural and human history of our beautiful part of the country, including the Pre-History of North Devon, the Tarka Gallery and the Regimental Collection of the Royal Devon Yeomanry.

Not just a shopping hub

Though full of shopping opportunities and being one of the largest towns in the region, there are plenty of things to do among the bustling streets that don’t involve exercising your credit card.

The region is a cultural hub for artists and historians with regular art and craft events taking place throughout the year. You’ll also find a whole host of places showcasing the best in live local music and live theatre. Barnstaple is the perfect place for taking in dinner and a show as there are a wide range of eateries offering cuisine from around the world and the majority are independently owned and pride themselves on the quality of the local produce.

Barnstaple is also home to play cafes and an ever-popular park (complete with a skate park and bike trails for older kids). For wet weather days, you’ll find cinemas, soft play centres and bowling to keep everyone happy.

Find the castle and the elephant!

Just next to the library in the town centre, you’ll find the remains of Barnstaple Castle, this former Motte and Baily Castle was a main feature of the town during Norman times. The site is thought to have originally been a Saxon graveyard and has also been developed during the Victorian era. These days, you can reward yourself for finding the castle with the incredible views of the Taw Valley from the top.

It isn’t just the remains of a castle that can be found in the town. You can also find the remains of the Barnstaple Elephant which is housed in one of the town’s museum. The elephant was discovered in the town and has been dated back to a species that died out over 115,000 years ago!

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1869 review(s)
Dining at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

Don’t miss out on mouth-watering cuisine and a choice of luxurious places to eat while in Barnstaple.
At the Barnstaple Hotel, we know we’re one of the best places to…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1172 review(s)
Weddings at The Park Hotel

Barnstaple

When you are planning your big day, let us show you around The Park so that you can see all that this sophisticated 4 Star Barnstaple wedding venue has to offer. Imagine the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 21 review(s)
Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their stunning Seasons Bar or go al fresco with views overlooking Rock Park. Seasons…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2282 review(s)
Weddings at The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is the ultimate dream wedding venue.
With the picturesque setting of the River Taw, we are an excellent choice for those wanting to have…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1868 review(s)
Weddings at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

Your perfect wedding venue is right here in North Devon! When choosing the Barnstaple Hotel for your special day, you can relax knowing that you are in expert hands. You will…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2282 review(s)
Conferences at The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is great for business meetings or conferences.
With its prestigious location in Barnstaple and attractive river views, the 4 star…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1172 review(s)
Dining at The Park

Barnstaple

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to offer our guests great dining in amazing surroundings. You have the choice…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1172 review(s)
Conferences at The Park Hotel

Barnstaple

The Park is an inspired choice for business meetings and conferences, it is the top conference venue in North Devon.
Speak to our business team and you will soon…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 846 review(s)
Weddings at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

Based in a central location in the heart of Barnstaple, the elegant Georgian surroundings of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel create a really special atmosphere for your wedding…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 84 review(s)
Lord Fortescues Restaurant

Barnstaple

Their mouth watering menus are complemented by personal attentive service and the impressive surroundings. The Lord Fortescue, and every lunch time, as well as Saturday and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 846 review(s)
Dining at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 The Bank. The Lord Fortescue offers first class…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 719 review(s)
62 The Bank and Bar 62

Barnstaple

62 The Bank and Bar 62 are passionate about delivering friendly, honest and efficient service, with a vibrant atmosphere, in unique surroundings, and a menu that offers…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1868 review(s)
Conferences at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

The Barnstaple Hotel is a great place to do business.
With its convenient location, ample parking and excellent range of facilities, the Barnstaple Hotel is a superb…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 846 review(s)
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst offering all the modern comforts you’d expect. Located in the centre of…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2282 review(s)
Dining at The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine. Take your pick from the Arlington Restaurants, a fine dining experience with outstanding cuisine in elegant and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 54 review(s)
The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. You can choose from the table d'hote menu, which is changed daily or…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1172 review(s)
The Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, The Park, part of the Brent Hotels group, is North Devon’s exciting hub for visitors and locals alike. The glamourous…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1869 review(s)
The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

Discover the Barnstaple Hotel - everything you need to work, rest and play in the lap of luxury!
Part of the Brend group of hotels, The Barnstaple Hotel is a…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 846 review(s)
Conferences at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

The Royal and Fortescue is an inspiring venue for business meetings or conferences. For important meetings, conferences and seminars, you can rely on the experienced team at…
North Devon Food Trail

Make the most of your stay and have a foodie adventure
There are lots of incredible edibles to be enjoyed in North Devon. By asking locals to tell us about the…

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Rich history

Not just a shopping hub

Find the castle and the elephant!

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