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

Lynton and Lynmouth
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Explore Lynton and Lynmouth's stunning coastline, famous cliff railway and great local food. Visit by onward bus 309 or 310 from Barnstaple railway station.
Ilfracombe
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Visit the historic seaside town of Ilfracombe and explore its harbour, coastal walks, aquarium and the famous Tunnel Beaches. Get there by onward bus 21, 21A or 301 from Barnstaple railway station.
Instow and Bideford
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Discover Instow's beach and the village's great North Devon produce, then walk the Tarka Trail and explore Bideford's pannier market. Get there by onward bus 21 or 21A from Barnstaple railway station.
Barnstaple and Braunton
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Wander Barnstaple's independent shops, great eateries and pannier market, then hop on the 21, 21A or 21C bus to Braunton for award-winning fish & chips and a trip to the town's museum.
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.
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.

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
20 min on bus 21 or 21A from Barnstaple railway station
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
30 min on bus 21, 21A (and other buses) from Barnstaple railway station

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
1 hour on bus 21, 21A or 301 from Barnstaple railway station
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
1hr 5 min on bus 309 or 310 from Barnstaple railway station
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
1hr 20 min on bus 301 from Barnstaple railway station
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
See bus connections on Traveline journey planner
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.
Promotion supported by the Community Rail Development Fund, a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and Community Rail Network.