The Old Piggery

In the Area

Goodleigh does not currently have a pub or restaurant in the village itself, but there is an excellent choice of places to eat and drink within a short drive.

The Cedars Inn, Shirwell -- A welcoming traditional country pub approximately 2 miles from Goodleigh. Serving home-cooked food, real ales, and a friendly atmosphere. A great local option for an evening meal without having to drive far.

Barnstaple (3 miles)

Barnstaple Pannier Market -- The covered market hall hosts a range of food stalls and cafes, open Tuesday to Saturday. Local produce, fresh fish, baked goods, and light lunches. A wonderful place to browse and eat.

Restaurants and Cafes -- Barnstaple has a wide selection of restaurants, pubs, and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets. You will find Indian, Chinese, Italian, and traditional British dining, as well as independent coffee shops and bakeries throughout the town centre.

Further Afield

The Fox and Goose, Parracombe -- Approximately 8 miles from Goodleigh, on the edge of Exmoor. A highly regarded gastro-pub serving seasonal, locally sourced food in a beautiful setting. Booking recommended.

North Devon Coast -- The coastal villages and towns of Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, and Croyde are all within 20 minutes and offer a variety of seafood restaurants, beach cafes, and traditional pubs. Ilfracombe in particular has a growing food scene, with several well-regarded restaurants along the harbour.

Barnstaple Pannier Market -- Just 3 miles away, Barnstaple's historic Pannier Market has been trading since the mid-1800s. Open Tuesday to Saturday, you will find local produce, antiques, crafts, and a lively atmosphere. The adjoining Butchers Row houses specialist food shops.

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon -- A fascinating free museum in the centre of Barnstaple, telling the story of the region from prehistoric times to the present day. Excellent displays on local wildlife, maritime history, and the Tarka Trail.

Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple -- North Devon's main theatre and arts venue, hosting a year-round programme of drama, music, comedy, and cinema. Located in the heart of Barnstaple.

Tarka Trail -- A superb 30-mile traffic-free cycling and walking path running from Braunton to Meeth, following the route of the old railway line through the Taw and Torridge valleys. Bicycle hire is available at Barnstaple and Bideford. A wonderful day out for all ages and abilities.

Arlington Court (National Trust) -- A Regency house set in extensive grounds approximately 6 miles from Goodleigh. Home to a fine collection of carriages, model ships, and decorative arts. The surrounding parkland offers beautiful walks, a lake, and a heronry. The Victorian formal garden has been restored and is well worth exploring.

RHS Garden Rosemoor -- Approximately 15 miles from Goodleigh, near Great Torrington. A stunning 65-acre Royal Horticultural Society garden with year-round colour, themed gardens, woodland walks, and an excellent plant centre and cafe.

North Devon Coast Beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are all within 20 to 25 minutes by car. These award-winning beaches are ideal for surfing, swimming, and rock pooling. Lifeguard patrols operate from Easter to October.

Exmoor National Park -- The western edge of Exmoor is just 15 minutes by car from Goodleigh. Explore dramatic moorland, deep wooded valleys, and the spectacular Exmoor coast. Look out for wild red deer and Exmoor ponies on the open moor.

Lynton and Lynmouth -- Often called 'Little Switzerland', these twin villages on the Exmoor coast are approximately 12 miles from Goodleigh. Connected by the famous cliff railway -- the steepest fully water-powered railway in the world -- they offer dramatic scenery, the Valley of Rocks, and excellent walking.

Walks

Goodleigh Village Walks -- Quiet lanes and ancient green paths radiate out from the village, offering gentle walks through rolling farmland with fine views over the Taw valley. Spring brings carpets of primroses, bluebells, and campion along the hedgerows.

Tarka Trail -- The 30-mile Tarka Trail runs from Braunton to Meeth along a disused railway line, passing through Barnstaple just 3 miles away. The flat, tarmacked surface makes it ideal for walking and cycling. The section from Barnstaple to Bideford is particularly popular, passing through Instow and Fremington Quay.

Codden Hill -- A prominent hill near Barnstaple topped by a monument, offering panoramic views across North Devon and out to Lundy Island. A short, rewarding walk from the road with far-reaching views in every direction.

Arlington Court Grounds -- The National Trust estate at Arlington, approximately 6 miles from Goodleigh, has waymarked walks through parkland and woodland, around the lake, and through the Victorian gardens. A peaceful and accessible walk for all abilities.

South West Coast Path -- The nearest section of the Coast Path is at Ilfracombe, approximately 12 miles from Goodleigh. From there you can walk in either direction along one of the most dramatic stretches of the entire 630-mile route -- east towards Combe Martin and the Exmoor coast, or west towards Lee Bay and Woolacombe.

Exmoor Moorland Walks -- The open moorland of Exmoor is approximately 20 minutes by car from Goodleigh. Popular walks include the Heddon Valley (National Trust), the Valley of Rocks near Lynton, and the high moor around Simonsbath and Exford.

Beaches

Woolacombe -- Approximately 18 miles from Goodleigh (around 25 minutes by car). A magnificent 3-mile sweep of golden sand, consistently rated among the best beaches in the UK. Excellent for surfing, swimming, and sandcastle building. Lifeguard patrols from Easter to October.

Croyde -- Approximately 15 miles from Goodleigh. A beautiful sandy beach set in a sheltered bay, hugely popular with surfers. The village has a laid-back atmosphere with good beach cafes and surf hire shops.

Saunton Sands -- Approximately 13 miles from Goodleigh. A vast expanse of golden sand stretching for over 3 miles, backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Quieter than Woolacombe and Croyde, and wonderful for long beach walks.

Ilfracombe -- Approximately 12 miles from Goodleigh. The Tunnels Beaches are a unique series of hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered tidal bathing pools, and Wildersmouth Beach sits below the cliffs in the town centre.

Combe Martin -- Approximately 10 miles from Goodleigh. A sheltered sandy beach at the eastern end of the village, popular with families. Good rock pooling at low tide.