3 cracking station cafes on the Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple

Eggesford Crossing Cafe

The scenic Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple has some great independent station cafes. So whether it’s a full cooked breakfast, coffee and cake, or something in between – treat yourself!

Barnstaple Station Master’s Cafe

Enjoy everything from pancakes to paninis and ice cream milkshakes to a full English breakfast. Seating available inside or in the suntrap rose garden. There are 17 tables to choose from, available on a first come, first served basis.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 8 AM
Contact: 01271 379744 | Facebook

Eggesford Crossing Cafe

This lovely independent cafe is located in Eggesford station yard, right next to the station, which is halfway along the journey between Exeter and Barnstaple. Get a table in the stylish interior or sit undercover in the outside area with a close-up view of the railway.

Enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, or tuck into freshly cooked, locally sourced food including full English breakfast, smoked salmon (pictured at top of this post), poached eggs and more. Eggesford Crossing Cafe don’t take bookings for breakfast, simply drop in on the day. Combine your visit with a great countryside walk right from the station.

Opening times: Thursday (9:00 – 14:00), Friday (9:00 – 14:00 / 17:00 – 22:00), Saturday (9:00 – 14:00) 
Contact: 01769 581427 | Website | Facebook

Crediton Station Tea Rooms

Part of the fantastic Turning Tides project, the Tea Rooms is staffed by people with and without learning disability and autism labels, by people heading into Supported Employment and by volunteers.

Serving up delicious locally sourced and handmade food, the Tea Rooms is currently operating a reduced menu with indoor and outdoor seating. Takeaway is also available. Customers are encouraged to wear facemasks when sat outside or waiting (when not eating and drinking). You can buy lovingly created masks made by the project at the Tea Rooms.

The Tea Rooms is also running an innovative pay it forward scheme where customers can pay for some or all of their bill. Alternatively, customers can choose to add some money onto their bill to pay for someone else’s. There’s no catch and no questions asked.

Opening times: 10:00 – 14:00 Monday – Saturday  (Takeaway only on Fridays)
Contact: 01363 772512 | 07412 955167 | Facebook | Website

And at Exeter Central…

Exeter Central station forecourt has some great places to eat and drink including the Exploding Bakery, Zuki’s Caffetteria and Pieminister.

Taking the train

All of these station cafes are on the scenic Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple. Trains run regularly seven days a week and depart hourly (Monday-Saturday, less frequent on Sundays).

Off-Peak Day Return fares:

Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central to:
Crediton £5.30
Eggesford £9.50
Barnstaple £12.00 (£11.90 from St David’s)

Barnstaple to:
Eggesford £7.60
Crediton £9.50
Exeter £12.00 (£11.90 to St David’s)

Quick tip – Off-Peak Day Return tickets allow you to hop on and hop off, as long you continue in the same direction of travel when you resume your journey. So why not stop off at a cafe along the way and then re-board for a day trip in North Devon?

More to Explore

Walks from the railway

Rail Ale Trails

Foodie Guides

Beaches by train