Geographically, and in regard to roads and railway routes, it is centrally situated, and of late years has become popular not only with all classes of summer visitors but with permanent residents. It has good shops and social amenities and facilities for education and sport are excellent and the climate is good.
Many visitors approach the town from the Bridge, 700 feet long, which spans the river Taw, and the first impression is a pleasant one. The town proper lies in a charming valley, and the residential streets meander up the hillsides away from the business thoroughfares. On the right hand is the valley of the Taw on the left the river widens out until, at Instow, 6 miles below, it joins the Torridge, and, thus augmented, flows into the sea.
The bridge is called the Long Bridge to distinguish it from the
shorter Pilton Bridge over the Yeo. It was built about
1350, widened in 1796, again in 1810 and in 1865, and was further
improved in 1925.
A new bridge now exists drawing passing traffic away from the town
centre leaving the visitor time and space to enjoy this pleasant North
Devon Town.
Local towns and villages to visit
Appledore
Barnstaple
Bideford
Braunton
Great Torrington
Instow
Woolacombe
Tel: 01598710711
Brannams Pottery. C H Brannam Ltd
Roundswell Industrial Estate, Barnstaple
Devon . Tel: 0127143035
Docton Mill & Gardens, Docton Mill, Spekes Valley, Hartland, Bideford. Tel: 01237441369
The Big Sheep The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon Tel: 01237472366 Family entertainment park. With sheep racing.
The Milky Way and North Devon Bird Of Prey Centre, Bideford A galaxy
of entertainment for the whole family, 18 acres of outdoor fun and the
biggest undercover adventure facilities in the south west.
Tel: 01237 431255
Hartland Abbey Hartland, Bideford
Devon . Tel: 01237441264 Hartland Abbey, lies across a narrow, sheltered
valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast only a mile
away. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors
may wander freely around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to
the rocky cove. Peacocks and bantams roam at will whilst donkeys and
Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park.
Tarka Trail Cycle Hire, Barnstaple Junction Station, Junction Yard, Barnstaple Tel: 01271 324202
Bideford Bicycle Hire, Torrington Street, East-the-Water, Bideford Tel: 01237 424123
Otter Cycle Hire, The Old Pottery, Station Road, Braunton Tel: 01271 813339
Please mention westcountrylinks.co.uk when contacting
P.O. Box 55
Barnstaple
EX32 8YR
Tel: 0870 6085531
Open August only. If your looking for peace and quiet, beautiful scenery, yet only minutes by car to the wonderful beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe and Putsborough, then Lundy View campsite is for you. Close to Tarka trail and perfect for cycling holidays. Lobb Field, Caravan & Camping Park
West Meadow Road, Braunton Devon EX33 1EB Tel: 01271812090
Bideford Bay Bideford Nr Clovelly North Devon. Centred around an old Manor House makes a perfect base for exploring this wonderful corner of Devon. There's something for everyone on the park, from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and crazy golf to the challenge of a mini assault course. Bideford Bay. Static Caravans for Holiday Rent
Bulworthy Forest Lodges, Webbery Woods, Barnstaple. Situated between the North Devon towns of Bideford, Barnstaple and Torrington, the lodges are set down a picturesque tree lined woodland drive at the entrance to Bulworthy Forest and offer the perfect environment for a relaxing and memorable holiday.
North Devon Static Self Catering Holidays, Ideal for family self-catering holidays all year round, some allow pets, weekends, half term or just a short break !
Please mention westcountrylinks.co.uk when contacting
The Park Hotel
Barnstaple is set in a quiet corner of the bustling market town of
Barnstaple. When you stay at the Park Hotel, as with every hotel in the Brend
group, you are assured the very highest standards of cuisine, comfort and
service. Add that to our warmest west country welcome and you will feel at home
right away.
The Park Hotel has 40 luxury bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, colour TV
and tea/coffee making facilities. The bedrooms vary in standard, some of which a
have a fantastic outlook over Rock Park.
The Barnstaple Hotel. The hotel's lounge area, with
leather sofas and contemporary decor, is the perfect place to put your feet up,
and serve equally well as an area to catch up with friends, family or
colleagues.
You have the option of 2 excellent eating experiences at the Barnstaple Hotel.
The varied restaurant menu makes use of local ingredients and the Sunday carvery
is particularly popular among residents and guests alike. The stylish minimal
interior design creates a modern feel and creates an ideal setting for you to
enjoy a memorable meal in.
Devon Cottages Cosy properties in delightful settings, town or country. 0845 268 1255
The Vagabond Cavalier, Cooper Street, Bideford
Tel: 01237476447 Fax: 01237476447
Riversford Hotel, Limers Lane, Northam, Bideford Tel: 01237474239 Fax: 01237421661
Broomhill Hotel, Muddiford, Barnstaple Tel: 01271850262
Penang Restaurant, Taw Vale, Barnstaple Tel: 01271374223 Fax:
01271324602
Castle Inn, 01271 830438 Blakeshill Road, Landkey, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0NF
The Corner House 01271 343528 108 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1SY
Ebberley Arms, 01271 342627 Bear Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 7BZ
Fox & Goose Hotel 01598 763239 Parracombe, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4PE
Fox & Hounds 01271 373094 Fremington, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2NT
Jubilee Inn 01271 870487 South Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 9DT
Manor House Inn 01271 890241 St Marys Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 7EY
Royal Exchange,The 01271 325950 Joy Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1BS
Panniers 01271 329720 Flat, 33 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1RX
Pyne Arms 01271 850207 East Down, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LX
Ring Of Bells 01271 830364 Manor Road, Landkey, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0JJ
Rising Sun, 01271 327102 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1SR
