Visit Barnstaple & Braunton by train and bus

Visit Barnstaple and Braunton to discover delicious local food, independent shops and markets.

It’s easy to get there by train and bus. Take the scenic Tarka Line from Exeter to Barnstaple, then hop on the 21 bus opposite the station to take you to Barnstaple bus station. From there, you can explore Barnstaple before hopping back on the bus onward to Braunton.

PLACES TO EXPLORE
In our video, we catch the bus from outside Barnstaple train station into Barnstaple town, heading straight to explore an independent record shop, Discovery Music 2, then an independent book store, Tarka Books. After that, we stopped off for tea and cake at Queen Anne’s before exploring the Pannier Market.

Next, we walk back to Barnstaple bus station to catch the bus into Braunton to try Squires’ award-winning fish and chips. We end our day with a trip to Braunton’s museum to learn about its rich history.

GETTING THERE
Trains to Barnstaple depart hourly from Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central, seven days a week. You can either walk into Barnstaple town (10-minute walk), or catch the 21/21A bus opposite the railway station at stop B. These buses depart every 15 minutes Monday – Saturday and every half hour on Sundays.

The 21/21A buses run direct between Barnstaple railway station and Braunton every half hour through most of the day, seven days a week.

JOURNEY TIME
The train from Exeter to Barnstaple takes 1hr 10min. From Barnstaple railway station to Barnstaple bus station it’s a 7-minute journey. From Barnstaple bus station to Braunton it’s 25 minutes.

Adult Off-Peak Day Return tickets from Exeter St David’s to Barnstaple are £11.90. Book on the GWR website or app.

Save a third off the above adult fare for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £1) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £12 a year for local residents.

More to Explore

Walks from the railway

Rail Ale Trails

Foodie Guides

Beaches by train