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.

A large countryside Braunton holiday cottage with a large terrace and mature gardens.
Charlesworth
Braunton
Devon
England
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Charlesworth is a very impressive detached chalet bungalow perched above the village of Braunton in North Devon. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys estuary views from its lovely garden and boasts a sophisticated design, light-filled spaces, a table tennis table, a garden hammock and a summerhouse.

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Exterior of a converted Devon coach house with a double garage
The Old Coach House
Braunton
Devon
England
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

This large holiday cottage in Braunton, within easy reach of fabulous sandy beaches at Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe, can sleep twelve people in six bedrooms.

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A twin-gabled holiday cottage nestles between two tall trees.
Somers Hiscott
Yarnscombe
Devon
England
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6
In the heart of the North Devon countryside lies Somers Hiscott, a luxury six-bedroom holiday home which can comfortably accommodate up to 12. Located in Hiscott near Barnstaple, Somers Hiscott offers its guests peace and tranquillity on a large 41-acre private estate.
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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 Woolacombe, Croyde 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.