Shippon, Swimbridge, Devon

In Barnstaple

Lilico's -- A popular independent cafe on Boutport Street, well known locally for its excellent coffee, brunch dishes, and homemade cakes. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere. Open daytime Monday to Saturday.

The Old Station House -- Set in the beautifully converted former railway station on the Tarka Trail, this cafe and bar makes a perfect stop before or after a cycle ride. Good coffee, light lunches, and locally sourced meals.

Pannier Market food stalls -- On market days the Pannier Market hall comes alive with food traders selling artisan bread, local cheeses, cured meats, freshly made pies, and street food from around the world. A wonderful place to assemble a picnic or grab lunch.

Butchers Row -- The Grade II listed arcade beside the Pannier Market is home to several independent food shops, including a traditional butcher, a cheesemonger, and a delicatessen. Excellent for locally sourced provisions and specialist ingredients.

Nearby

The Pyne Arms, East Down -- A traditional thatched village pub approximately 6 miles from Barnstaple, known for its welcoming atmosphere, real ales, and hearty home-cooked food using local produce. A proper North Devon country pub.

Braunton -- The large village of Braunton, approximately 5 miles from Barnstaple, has several excellent dining options. It is well worth exploring for its independent cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.

RHS Garden Rosemoor -- The garden's restaurant and tea room, approximately 18 miles from Barnstaple, serves a seasonal menu using produce from the garden and local suppliers. A lovely destination for lunch or afternoon tea, set within 65 acres of spectacular planting.

Pannier Market and Butchers Row -- Explore Barnstaple's famous Victorian covered market hall, with markets running six days a week. Browse crafts, antiques, local produce, and street food, then wander through the Grade II listed Butchers Row for artisan provisions.

The Tarka Trail -- One of the finest cycling and walking routes in Devon, the Tarka Trail follows a disused railway line for 30 miles from Barnstaple to Meeth. The northern section along the Taw estuary to Bideford is flat, traffic-free, and suitable for all abilities. Bicycle hire is available in Barnstaple.

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon -- A free museum in the town centre, telling the story of North Devon from ancient times to the present. Highlights include displays of locally made Devon pottery, natural history exhibits, and a gallery dedicated to the area's maritime past.

Queen's Theatre -- Barnstaple's beautifully restored Victorian theatre hosts a year-round programme of drama, live music, comedy, pantomime, and cinema screenings. Check the programme for events during your stay.

North Devon beaches -- Some of England's finest sandy beaches are within easy reach. Woolacombe (approximately 14 miles) offers a spectacular 3-mile sweep of golden sand, perfect for surfing and families. Croyde (approximately 10 miles) is a favourite with surfers, while Saunton Sands (approximately 8 miles) is a vast, unspoilt beach backed by the dunes of Braunton Burrows.

Braunton Burrows -- A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just a few miles from Barnstaple, home to one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain. The reserve supports a remarkable diversity of wildflowers, butterflies, and birdlife. Wonderful for nature walks.

RHS Garden Rosemoor -- The Royal Horticultural Society's showpiece garden in Devon, approximately 18 miles from Barnstaple near Great Torrington. Sixty-five acres of beautifully designed gardens, including a cottage garden, hot garden, arboretum, and woodland walks. Open year-round.

Exmoor National Park -- The western edge of Exmoor is approximately 20 minutes from Barnstaple. The national park offers dramatic moorland landscapes, wooded river valleys, ancient oak woods, wild red deer, Exmoor ponies, and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in England.

Lundy Island -- A unique day trip from Bideford (approximately 10 miles from Barnstaple). The MS Oldenburg sails to Lundy from April to October. The island is a marine nature reserve with puffins, seals, and dramatic cliff walks.

Arlington Court -- A National Trust Regency house and estate approximately 8 miles north of Barnstaple. The house contains a fascinating collection of model ships, shells, and costumes. The grounds include a carriage museum, Victorian garden, lake, and heronry.

Walks

The Tarka Trail -- Barnstaple to Bideford -- A flat, traffic-free walking and cycling route along the beautiful Taw and Torridge estuaries. The 9-mile section from Barnstaple to Bideford follows a disused railway line through tranquil countryside with wonderful estuary views and excellent birdwatching. Allow around 3 hours on foot, or 1 hour by bicycle.

The Tarka Trail -- Barnstaple to Braunton -- The 5-mile section heading north-west from Barnstaple follows the Taw estuary toward the coast. Flat and easy walking with views across the estuary to Chivenor. A good option for a shorter outing, with cafes at both ends.

Braunton Burrows -- Explore the vast dune system of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Several waymarked trails lead through the dunes and wildflower-rich grassland. The reserve is home to over 400 species of flowering plant. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a good circuit.

Codden Hill -- A short but rewarding climb to one of the best viewpoints in North Devon, approximately 3 miles south-east of Barnstaple. From the summit you can see across the Taw valley, north to the coast, and south toward Dartmoor. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the circular walk.

Arlington Court and Loxhore -- Pleasant walking through the parkland and estate of the National Trust's Arlington Court, approximately 8 miles north of Barnstaple. The estate has waymarked trails through ancient woodland, past the lake, and into the surrounding countryside.

River Taw walks -- From central Barnstaple, you can walk along the banks of the River Taw in both directions. The path heading upstream toward Bishops Tawton follows a peaceful stretch of the river through water meadows.

Beaches

Saunton Sands -- The nearest large sandy beach, approximately 8 miles from Barnstaple (around 20 minutes by car). A magnificent 3-mile stretch of golden sand backed by Braunton Burrows. Popular with surfers, families, and walkers. Lifeguard service in summer.

Croyde Bay -- Approximately 10 miles from Barnstaple. A beautiful sheltered bay with excellent sand, renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in the country. Surf schools, board hire, and beachside cafes. Very popular in summer.

Woolacombe -- Approximately 14 miles from Barnstaple. Regularly voted one of the best beaches in the UK, Woolacombe offers 3 miles of wide, clean golden sand. Excellent for surfing, bodyboarding, rock pooling, and family days out. Lifeguards in season.

Putsborough Sands -- A quieter alternative at the southern end of Woolacombe Bay, approximately 12 miles from Barnstaple. Sheltered, family-friendly, and with a good beach cafe.

Instow -- A small, sandy estuary beach approximately 7 miles from Barnstaple, facing across to Appledore. Calmer waters than the open-coast beaches, making it ideal for young children. The village has a good pub and a well-known ice cream shop.