Bideford & Barnstaple Holiday Cottages
Did you know...Barnstaple regularly wins awards for its flower displays?
Barnstaple is a large market town in North Devon, and stands on the River Taw. With the area’s finest shopping, a fascinating history and a convenient location for visiting surrounding attractions – Barnstaple holidays offer plenty to see and do! Nearby, Bideford was once amongst Britain’s largest ports, and remains a bustling quay. Self-catering Bideford holiday cottages are great choices for family-friendly holidays, or just a break for two. Bideford and Barnstaple are the perfect locations to get away from it all - at any time of the year.
- Barnstaple’s Pannier Market is held every Tuesday and Friday
- Bideford is known at ‘the little white town’
- Atlantic Village in Bideford is the largest shopping centre in North Devon
Barnstaple & Bideford Tourist Information
Holidays in Barnstaple and Bideford are amongst the most varied north Devon has to offer. With plenty of visible history, sweeping coastal views and a selection of unique family-friendly attractions – the area is perfect for a getaway at any time of year.
The Bideford Long Bridge, which spans the River Torridge, dates back to the 13th Century, and is made up of twenty four arches – each of a different size! A Bideford holiday wouldn’t be complete without taking the ferry across to the Isle of Lundy. Just off the coast of North Devon and three and a half miles in length, Lundy retains an air of mystery – partly because it is only visible from the mainland at certain times. Whilst on the island, why not climb Britain’s tallest lighthouse and admire the Atlantic views?
Those who are keen to take in the area’s coastal views may fancy picking up the Tarka Trail from Barnstaple to Bideford. This trail starts at Barnstaple railway station and runs on traffic-free paths through to Bideford, nine miles away.
Click here for more Bideford & Barnstaple Tourist Information and dog friendly holidays in Bideford & Barnstaple.
Eating Out in Barnstaple & Bideford
Those staying in self-catering Barnstaple holiday cottages will have plenty to choose from when it comes to mealtimes. Whether guests are looking for traditional inns with homemade meals, or a special meal for two with striking views – it can be found in the area.
For traditional fish and chips during your Barnstaple and Bideford holiday, Woody’s Fish Restaurant and Take Away is a great choice, whilst Sacks Restaurant combines good food with historical features. With an antique floor and one of North Devon’s oldest wells, diners at Sacks are treated to a unique setting with character. Zenas – a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant - is very popular, and The Quay Cafe was 2009 winner of ‘Best of the West’ Award and featured in The Guardian’s ‘50 Best Cafes’ list.
Click here for more information on eating out in Bideford & Barnstaple and Bideford & Barnstaple history.
Barnstaple & Bideford Family Attractions
For a great family day out visit Exmoor Zoological Park in Barnstaple – the park is home to all kinds of exciting animals and hosts regular events and activities. Visitors may even get a glimpse of the famous Exmoor Beast! The zoo is open all year round except for three days over Christmas, so no matter which season you choose to stay in a Barnstaple and Bideford holiday cottage - the zoo will not disappoint.
Barnstaple Heritage Centre is situated inside ‘Queen Anne’s Walk’, a beautiful Grade I and II listed building close to the river. With its distinctive statue of Queen Anne which dates back to 1709, the building now houses exhibitions from Barnstaple’s lively past.
Those on Barnstaple and Bideford holidays will really feel as though they’re in the countryside with a day at The BIG Sheep, just outside of Bideford! This attraction is great whatever the weather, as there is plenty to see and do indoors and outdoors. Activities include pony rides, sheep racing, daily lamb feeding and many more.
Click here for more information on Bideford & Barnstaple family attractions and Bideford & Barnstaple walks.
