Local Attractions
and Activities

Devon and particularly Barnstaple and surrounding areas are jam packed with wonderful attractions, adventures and activities! From historic importance such as Arlington Court and Barnstaple Pannier Market to trout fishing, falconry and beyond, there is something for everyone.


Family Activities around Barnstaple

Arlington Court (National Trust)
Arlington Court Arlington EX31 4LP (21 miles) is an unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The collection consists of treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, collected over several generations. The house itself, built in 1823 and extended in 1860, has an austere facade. However, inside the cosy rooms purvey a homely, family atmosphere.

The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave. Currently on loan from the Houses of Parliament is the Speaker’s State Coach, a glorious, gilded carriage with over 300 years of history.

Barnstaple Antique & Collectors Fair
Barnstaple Antique & Collectors Fair - The Cedars Hotel, Bickington Road, Sticklepath, Barnstaple, North Devon EX31 2HE (12 miles)

Approximately 25 stalls at a regular monthly well established venue, selling jewellery, china, pottery, glass, books, silver, coins, linens, woodware, & small furniture. Open 10.00 am until 4.00 pm. Admission is free.

Barnstaple Pannier Market
There's something for everyone at Barnstaple's historic Pannier Market

Operating six days a week through most of the year the market offers a huge range of exciting fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, a fantastic range of antiques and collectables for all those Bargain Hunters among you and much much more.

With a proud history and tradition the market has been voted amongst the top ten food markets in the country and any visit will bring the chance to enjoy this famous old building and to sample the friendly atmosphere generated by the traders and shoppers alike.

South Molton Panier Market
South Molton, Devon EX36 3AB

The pannier Market is open weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 1pm

The market boasts over 70 stores

You can visit the coffee shop for hot drinks and delicious food.

The Big sheep
Bideford, Devon, EX39 5AP

One of the west country's premiere indoor adventure playgrounds for children of all ages from 1 to 100! A working farm turned wacky tourist attraction. Combining traditional rural crafts, such as dog trailing and shearing, and it's onsite real ale brewery, with hilarious novelties such as sheep racing and duck trialing. Hours of entertainment is guaranteed for all ages whatever the weather - huge undercover areas! It'll be the BEST day of your holiday baa none! (19.5 miles)

Quince Honey Farm
South Molton, Devon EX36 3RD

Founded in 1949 the farm has grown over the years until today it is the largest honey farm in the country. You can view the complete story of honey production and beeswax from the hive to the finished product. (12 miles)

The Milky Way Adventure Park
EX39 5RY on the A39 North Devon

A fantastic place of adventure for all the family

Ride on the Cosmic Typhoon roller Coaster,

have fun on the gravity rider donut slide

Pilot a Cyber Shooter

Displays from the North Devon Birds of Prey Centre

Droid Destroyer Dodgems and so much more…

Tiverton Canal Co
The Wharf, Canal Hill, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4HX

A Truly unique family owned Canal Living Heritage Attraction.

The Brind family are proud to operate one of the very last Horse-Drawn Barges in Britain.

Season

1st April to 30th October

Lundy Island - Day Trips
A fantastic Island 10 miles off the North Coast of Devon (National Trust)

A place of outstanding Beauty, skies full of birds, Pirate haunts, a medieval castle, Seals and much much more..

Get on board the MS Oldenburg

trips from March to October

Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre
Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX31 4SG

A fantastic zoo with Pumas, marmosets, Lemurs and so much more…

Norse Hawk Axe Throwing

Horswell Farm, Cleave Lane End, Bishops Tawton EX32 0ED

Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon

The Square, Barnsaple EX37 8LN

The House at Coleton Fishacre (National Trust)

Brownstone Road, Kingswear, Devon, TQ6 0EQ

Saltram House (National Trust)

Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UH

Knightshayes House (National Trust)

Bolham, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RQ

Killerton House (National Trust)

Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE