View Tawstock Castle, Barnstaple Spring Flowers at Barnstaple's Pannier Market

Find Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in Barnstaple

Stay in a Barnstaple holiday cottage in North Devon for a town and country holiday -with a few days on local beaches thrown in for good measure! From the moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the sea on the Atlantic Coast, the ancient market town of Barnstaple lies directly in between the two and makes no hesitation in boasting its beautiful surroundings. To the east, miles and miles of hilly countryside offer superb rural vistas. These have not gone unnoticed by visitors who adore the nearby beautiful (and award-winning) beaches and countryside, unchanged for centuries. Staying in a holiday cottage in Barnstaple or one of its sleepy surrounding villages is a very appropriate way to fit into this picturesque corner of the West Country.

The Tarka Trail, a 40-mile long foot and cycle path from Braunton to Meeth (halfway to Dartmoor), passes along the Quayside through Barnstaple. Bikes of almost every description for all ages (including wheelchair-towing bikes) can be hired at Barnstaple Station. The town itself has a vibrant, bustling hub with plenty of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and tea rooms. Enjoy lovely local produce on Barnstaple Quay at Tea-By-the-Taw, or pick up a bargain in the beautiful Pannier Market on Butcher's Row. Barnstaple is a bit of a cultural centre, too, with The Queen's Theatre presenting a year-round drama, music and dance programme in an 800-seat auditorium. The Barnstaple Fringe Theatre Festival presents a creative and inspiring programme in all sorts of nooks and crannies around Barnstaple in late June (well worth a weekend break in one of the town's self-catering cottages). The White Moose Art Gallery and a 3-screen cinema all help to keep cultural visitors happily content.

Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

On the outskirts of Exmoor and only a short drive from the North Devon coastline is Ford Hill, a luxury 3-bedroom North Devon holiday cottage with a beautiful garden. Elegantly decorated throughout, Ford Hill is a hop, skip and jump from many of the area's best attractions, including Woolacombe Beach.

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A North Devon riverside cottage with a large lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A romantic riverside holiday cottage in Bratton Fleming perfect for celebrating any of life’s special occasions, The Folly lies on the fringes of Exmoor in North Devon, tucked away on a private lane, with large glazed double doors opening onto a beautifully furnished pet-friendly studio cottage.

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A hot tub with views across open countryside.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This beautiful two-bedroom barn conversion with a hot tub in North Devon is set in an idyllic rural location. It is only a short drive from the stunning North Devon coast and its outstanding beaches. Guests can relax and admire stunning coastal views from the large enclosed garden.

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Exterior of a North Devon rural barn conversion amid a large garden.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Stay at The Tallet, which is ideal for countryside self-catering holidays in North Devon. This dog-friendly holiday cottage accommodates ten guests, offering tasteful decor, sweeping countryside views, and underfloor heating. Explore the nearby coast and Exmoor National Park easily. The cottage lies on the edge of Exmoor and boasts five bedrooms, including a private hot tub, a shared games room, and a patio for alfresco dining. Book the Upper or Lower Tallet separately or the entire house for a complete rural retreat.

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Exterior of a terraced seafront cottage with a walled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Riversmeet, your ideal holiday home in Instow, North Devon. This sunset-facing seafront cottage offers breathtaking views of Instow Beach and Appledore. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it accommodates up to six guests. Enjoy the open-plan living area with modern amenities. Pet-friendly and close to local amenities, it's perfect for families. Experience coastal living at its finest. View the full description for more details.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Thatchers Cottage, sleeping up to six, is one of seven North Devon holiday cottages at Muddlebridge House, near Barnstaple. With an indoor swimming pool and two-acre garden, it is ideally situated for surfing, cycling, golf and fishing holidays - (in between days on the many nearby beaches). Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage, near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

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Exterior or a stone-built barn conversion surrounded by a flower-filled garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Escape to the picturesque village of Brayford, located on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, for a rejuvenating self-catering holiday. Experience the charm of Barn Cottage, a beautiful three-bedroom cottage with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, covered in wildflowers. This pet-friendly cottage is located in a small rural North Devon village, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

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Double-fronted mill cottage with flagstone patio and lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

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Plenty of beautiful holiday cottages are scattered around Barnstaple, providing a perfect base for exploring the whole of North Devon from Lynton and Lynmouth across to Bideford, Hartland and Clovelly.

It's an easy drive eastwards from Barnstaple to the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Here, the wildlife proves to be as intriguing as the rugged landscape where Exmoor ponies, red deer and wild birds of prey can be regularly sighted as you cross Exmoor's hills and valleys. To the north of Barnstaple, explore rugged cliffs and numerous award-winning beaches at WoolacombeCroyde and Saunton Sands. The South West Coast Path offers walks along the top of the highest cliffs in Europe between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. With golden sands stretching for miles and good surfing waves, North Devon's beaches attract visitors worldwide.

Barnstaple is a quaint little town with locations ranging from lovely independent cafes and coffee houses to vibrant cocktail bars with the character you would find in a bustling city. The town still retains its Norman Castle mound. Take a stroll along the beautiful Strand on the Taw riverfront (with lunch at Tea-By-The Taw highly recommended). Wander through Rock Park, a genteel riverside Victorian park with children's play areas. Go Go-Karting or 10-Pin bowling at Pottington, or take the day to indulge in some light shopping down the High Street. Book a walking tour of Barnstaple to discover Civil War bullet holes and a Victorian 'Den of Iniquity' in the High Street.

Visitors are welcome at all leisure facilities all year round. On rainy days, treat yourself to a swim and sauna at the Barnstaple Hotel or tennis at the town's large indoor tennis centre on Seven Brethren Bank. Also on Seven Brethren is the large, recently opened Barnstaple Leisure Centre with heated indoor pools, a gym and other activities.