Holiday Cottages in Barnstaple

Barnstaple is the beating heart of North Devon; with everything you need being found here during your North Devon holiday. If shopping is on the agenda, Barnstaple’s high street and shopping centre, Green Lanes, are where you’ll find a wealth of high-street retailers, as well as various independent shops and restaurants that are sure to pique your interest.

Both the Pannier Market and Butchers Row are iconic features of Barnstaple town centre. Dating back to the 1850s, Butchers Row originally consisted of over 30 – yes, you’ve guessed it – butchers! Today much has changed though; whilst the butchers are no longer there, the row does host a range of unique shops and eateries, with the area slowly becoming a trendy food and drink hotspot. Our personal favourites here include Block Restaurant and the Cupcakery.

Running parallel with Butchers Row is the Pannier Market, which hosts a market from Tuesday to Saturday. You will find a number of stalls selling a variety of goods, such as local food and drink, flowers, homewares, crafts, and toys.

With a long-standing market history dating back to the 13th century, a visit to the Barnstaple Museum is a must to uncover some of the fascinating details of Barnstaple’s bygone era as a vital river-port market town, supplying essential goods and fare to the local villages.

For lovers of the outdoors, you can hire a bike or walk along the Tarka Trail and take in the sights of the River Taw before stopping off for a drink and a bite to eat in Chivenor, Braunton and further afield – if you’re taking the northern route. The southern route, however, will take you through the likes of Fremington, Instow, Bideford and so on.

If you’re looking for something different to do away from the nearby beaches and countryside, Barnstaple is home to various indoor activities to occupy the whole family. Some local favourites include Air Extreme trampoline park, Let’s Go bowling alley and Junglaroo soft play. You’ll also want to visit the new Tarka Leisure Centre, which is home to a swimming pool, soft play area and even an indoor ski slope!