Things to do in Barnstaple

Activities, attractions and tours

Barnstaple which includes a small town or village as well as a small group of people
Pannier Market featuring markets and interior views as well as a large group of people
Barnstaple showing heritage architecture and a small town or village
Pannier Market showing interior views, markets and signage
Barnstaple showing heritage architecture, cycling and street scenes

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What to do in Barnstaple

Popular places to visit

Arlington Court

Arlington Court

Find out about the history of Barnstaple when you take a trip to Arlington Court. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the lively bars.

Arlington Court
Pannier Market

Pannier Market

Built by the Victorians over 150 years ago, this charming marketplace is still open for business, with craft, antiques and fresh produce on offer.

Pannier Market

Exmoor Zoo

Meet the animals who call Exmoor Zoo home during your trip to Barnstaple. Wander around the gardens in this relaxing area or simply enjoy its bars.

Exmoor Zoo

Queen's Theatre

You can make plans for a show at Queen's Theatre during your stay in Barnstaple. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the lively bars.

Queen's Theatre

Woody Bay Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Woody Bay Beach during your trip to Martinhoe? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Woody Bay Beach

Heddon's Mouth Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Heddon's Mouth Beach during your trip to Barnstaple? Discover the countryside and bars in this relaxing area.

Heddon's Mouth Beach

Marwood Hill Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Marwood Hill Gardens, a lovely green space in Marwood. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the lively bars.

Marwood Hill Gardens

Survival Paintball

You can take time to visit Survival Paintball during your travels to Alverdiscott. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Survival Paintball

St Anne's Arts & Community Centre

You can learn about the history of Barnstaple when you stop by St Anne's Arts & Community Centre. While in this quaint area, you can savour the lively bars.

St Anne's Arts & Community Centre
Minehead featuring a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

Minehead

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe

Croyde featuring a coastal town and a beach as well as a large group of people

Braunton

Berrynarbor

Berrynarbor

Photo "Barbrook" by Ben Bender (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Ben Bender (CC BY-SA)

Barbrook

Photo "Muddiford" by Shaun Ferguson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Shaun Ferguson (CC BY-SA)

Muddiford

Photo "Tawstock" by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA)

Tawstock

Photo "Atherington" by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA)

Atherington

Frequently asked questions

Is Barnstaple worth visiting?
With a blend of walking trails and cycling, there are plenty of things to do in Barnstaple. While you're here, check out Saunton Sands, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Barnstaple?
When you've checked off major attractions like Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay Beach, spend some time experiencing the retail and food options in Barnstaple.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barnstaple?
Saunton Sands is one of the top tourist attractions in Barnstaple and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Barnstaple?
Three days in Barnstaple is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Queen's Theatre, Basett's Ridge and Funder Zone are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Minehead.
What are some activities to do in Barnstaple with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in Barnstaple with kids.

What to do in Barnstaple for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there's a range of things to do in Barnstaple for adults.
Are there free things to do in Barnstaple?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Barnstaple is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Basett's Ridge is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.