Walks from the railway
Rail Ale Trails
Beaches by train
Arts & culture
Book Trail
Vinyl Trail
Times and prices
Parking and public transport
Travelling with kids
Taking bikes
Travelling with dogs
Assisted travel
It's easy to explore beautiful North Devon without your car.
Take the scenic Tarka Line from Exeter St David's to Barnstaple, with hourly trains seven days a week. Then explore the town centre, discover the Tarka Trail (on foot or by bike) or hop on a bus right outside the railway station to some great destinations...
Two-minute guides
Two-minute guides
THE TARKA LINE
Make your journey part of the adventure by arriving on the scenic Tarka Line from Exeter.
Trains depart hourly from Exeter St David's and Exeter Central, seven days a week. The Off-Peak Day Return fare to Barnstaple is £14.00. You can hop off at stations along the route as long as you continue travelling in the same direction (i.e. towards Barnstaple on your outward journey and towards Exeter on your return). Great country pubs and walks await.
BARNSTAPLE
The capital of North Devon, Barnstaple is a bustling market town with a beautiful setting on the estuary of the River Taw. The town centre is a short walk (see map) from the station, or hop on a bus right from the railway station.
There are food and other events all year round and the famous Pannier Market runs five days a week (Tuesday-Saturday). Browse the fresh produce, arts, crafts and antiques.
THE TARKA TRAIL
Photo courtesy of Devon County Council
Walk or cycle this beautiful traffic-free route, a former railway, alongside the estuary of the rivers Taw and Torridge. Hire bikes at Barnstaple railway station from Tarka Bikes between late March and November. Booking is advised, especially in summer.
Along the trail
Along the trail
Fremington Quay
2.5 miles from Barnstaple station
Stop off at the Fremington Quay Cafe for fantastic food and great views over the River Taw. Homemade fare is complemented by the best produce from local bakers, butchers and growers. The cafe itself is housed in a recreation of the old station building which served the quay and has been sympathetically renovated.
Instow
6 miles from Barnstaple station
Watch the boats and wading birds, try crabbing from the quay or wander the sandy estuary beach. Visit John's of Instow for great local food at their cafe and deli opposite the beach. Then sit back and enjoy the views across the water to Appledore. More
Appledore
By ferry from Instow
Take the short ferry ride from Instow across the water to the fishing village of Appledore. Wander the narrow winding streets and visit the Maritime Museum. The ferry runs from April to October. Limited times each day (due to tides). Check ferry times. More
Bideford
9 miles from Barnstaple station
The Tarka Trail passes through Bideford’s restored former station. Visit their railway museum and cafe (opening times). The Burton Art Gallery (free entry) has a range of exhibitions, gallery of local crafts and houses the Cafe du Parc. And check out the Pannier Market and monthly farmers' market. More
THE COAST
Woolacombe beach
Visit North Devon's picturesque coast line, fantastic for walking the South West Coast Path or hitting the beach.
Ilfracombe
Visit this picturesque fishing port, boasting galleries, theatre and top restaurants. For a slice of history, visit Ilfracombe Museum and the famous Tunnels Beaches. More
Lynton & Lynmouth
Explore these attractive villages, from the harbour, to great pubs and cafes to the famous cliff railway, the highest and steepest fully water-powered Victorian railway in the world. More
Combe Martin
Explore the village's shops, pubs and cafes and two nearby beaches, one of which is dog-friendly throughout the year. The bus also goes direct to the famous Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park when the Park is open. More
Woolacombe
An award-winning beach, recently voted the best in Britain. Neighbouring Barricane Beach has a great cafe (Easter to September) serving curry on the beach. More
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Rail information
Where to eat
Explore great places to eat and drink in North Devon - as recommended by locals - on Visit Devon.
Accommodation
Make a weekend of it. Find great hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation to suit you at Visit Devon.
Promotion supported by the Designated Community Rail Development Fund,
a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and Community Rail Network.
a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and Community Rail Network.
Promotion supported by the Community Rail Development Fund, a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and Community Rail Network.