Walks from the railway
Rail Ale Trails
Foodie Guides
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
Lynton and Lynmouth
Explore Lynton and Lynmouth's stunning coastline, famous cliff railway and great local food. Visit by onward bus 309/310 from Barnstaple railway station.
Ilfracombe
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 from Barnstaple railway station.
Instow and Bideford
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 from Barnstaple railway station.
Barnstaple and Braunton
Wander Barnstaple's independent shops, great eateries and pannier market, then hop on the 21 bus to Braunton for award-winning fish & chips and a trip to the town's museum.
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 £12.00. 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. There are some great places to eat, drink and buy local produce. Then sit back and enjoy the views across the water to Appledore. More
20 min on bus 21 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
Cross the bridge over the River Torridge to explore Bideford's Pannier Market, independent shops and fortnightly farmers' market. Visit the Burton Art Gallery (free entry) which has a range of exhibitions, gallery of local crafts and houses the Cafe du Parc. More
30 min on bus 21 (and other buses) from Barnstaple railway station
THE COAST
Woolacombe beach
Visit North Devon's picturesque coast line, fantastic for walking the South West Coast Path or hitting the beach.
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
1 hour on bus 21 from Barnstaple railway station
Ilfracombe
Visit this picturesque fishing port, boasting galleries, theatre and top restaurants. For a slice of history, visit the famous Tunnels Beaches. More
Lynton and Lymouth
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
30 min on bus 21 (and other buses) from Barnstaple railway station
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Rail information
Where to eat
Discover award-winning eateries, top local produce and food events in the Tarka Line Foodie Guide, available online or at staffed stations.
Explore even more 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 NorthDevon.com.
Promotion supported by the Designated Community Rail Development Fund,
a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and ACoRP, the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.
a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and ACoRP, the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.
Promotion supported by the Community Rail Development Fund, a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and Community Rail Network.