View Tawstock Castle, Barnstaple

Find Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in Barnstaple

Stay in a Barnstaple holiday cottage in North Devon for a town and country holiday -with a few days on local beaches thrown in for good measure! From the moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the sea on the Atlantic Coast, the ancient market town of Barnstaple lies directly in between the two and makes no hesitation in boasting its beautiful surroundings. To the east, miles and miles of hilly countryside offer superb rural vistas. These have not gone unnoticed by visitors who adore the nearby beautiful (and award-winning) beaches and countryside, unchanged for centuries. Staying in a holiday cottage in Barnstaple or one of its sleepy surrounding villages is a very appropriate way to fit into this picturesque corner of the West Country.

The Tarka Trail, a 40-mile long foot and cycle path from Braunton to Meeth (halfway to Dartmoor), passes along the Quayside through Barnstaple. Bikes of almost every description for all ages (including wheelchair-towing bikes) can be hired at Barnstaple Station. The town itself has a vibrant, bustling hub with plenty of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and tea rooms. Enjoy lovely local produce on Barnstaple Quay at Tea-By-the-Taw, or pick up a bargain in the beautiful Pannier Market on Butcher's Row. Barnstaple is a bit of a cultural centre, too, with The Queen's Theatre presenting a year-round drama, music and dance programme in an 800-seat auditorium. The Barnstaple Fringe Theatre Festival presents a creative and inspiring programme in all sorts of nooks and crannies around Barnstaple in late June (well worth a weekend break in one of the town's self-catering cottages). The White Moose Art Gallery and a 3-screen cinema all help to keep cultural visitors happily content.

3 cottages overlook a sandy beach at low tide.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Upper Instow Beach Cottage is a charming first-floor North Devon holiday let overlooking the estuary. The dog-friendly waterside apartment has three bedrooms and sleeps five people. It has a lovely balcony where guests can enjoy uninterrupted views across the beach and estuary to Appledore and beautiful sunsets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Byre, a stunning North Devon holiday cottage in Googleigh for up to 6 people and a dog, is a great place to stay and visit beautiful beaches and the wilds of Exmoor. The cottage is light, bright, spacious and very relaxing but also benefits from being 3 miles from Barnstaple and 8 miles from the coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large countryside Braunton holiday cottage with a large terrace and mature gardens.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Charlesworth is a very impressive detached chalet bungalow perched above the village of Braunton in North Devon. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys estuary views from its lovely garden and boasts a sophisticated design, light-filled spaces, a table tennis table, a garden hammock and a summerhouse.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey holiday cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Explore Diana’s Cottage, a charming holiday home in Braunton. This rural cottage offers high-quality accommodation for up to 5 guests and lies within easy reach of the beach at Saunton Sands. With rustic charm and modern comforts, it features a spacious living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and a secluded garden. Pets are welcome, and key amenities are included. Experience the laid-back tranquillity of North Devon – book now for an unforgettable seaside holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A country cottage in an elevated position overlooks a quiet country lane in North Devon.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Ford Hill, a luxurious 3-bedroom North Devon holiday cottage sleeping six on the fringes of Exmoor and just a brief drive from the stunning North Devon coastline. With its beautifully decorated interior and charming garden, Ford Hill offers easy access to the area's top attractions, including the renowned, award-winning Woolacombe Beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a North Devon mill cottage surrounded by gardens in a valley floor.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large old mill cottage nestles in a wooded Exmoor valley.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior or a stone-built barn conversion surrounded by a flower-filled garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Escape to the picturesque village of Brayford, located on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, for a rejuvenating self-catering holiday. Experience the charm of Barn Cottage, a beautiful three-bedroom cottage with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, covered in wildflowers. This pet-friendly cottage is located in a small rural North Devon village, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
North Devon coastal cottages exteriors.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Weavers Cottage, sleeping up to four, is one of seven dog-friendly North Devon holiday cottages at semi-rural Muddlebridge House near Barnstaple. It features an indoor swimming pool and a two-acre garden. It is within easy reach for excellent sandy beaches, cycling on the nearby Tarka Trail, walks on Exmoor, fishing and golf.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

Plenty of beautiful holiday cottages are scattered around Barnstaple, providing a perfect base for exploring the whole of North Devon from Lynton and Lynmouth across to Bideford, Hartland and Clovelly.

It's an easy drive eastwards from Barnstaple to the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Here, the wildlife proves to be as intriguing as the rugged landscape where Exmoor ponies, red deer and wild birds of prey can be regularly sighted as you cross Exmoor's hills and valleys. To the north of Barnstaple, explore rugged cliffs and numerous award-winning beaches at WoolacombeCroyde and Saunton Sands. The South West Coast Path offers walks along the top of the highest cliffs in Europe between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. With golden sands stretching for miles and good surfing waves, North Devon's beaches attract visitors worldwide.

Barnstaple is a quaint little town with locations ranging from lovely independent cafes and coffee houses to vibrant cocktail bars with the character you would find in a bustling city. The town still retains its Norman Castle mound. Take a stroll along the beautiful Strand on the Taw riverfront (with lunch at Tea-By-The Taw highly recommended). Wander through Rock Park, a genteel riverside Victorian park with children's play areas. Go Go-Karting or 10-Pin bowling at Pottington, or take the day to indulge in some light shopping down the High Street. Book a walking tour of Barnstaple to discover Civil War bullet holes and a Victorian 'Den of Iniquity' in the High Street.

Visitors are welcome at all leisure facilities all year round. On rainy days, treat yourself to a swim and sauna at the Barnstaple Hotel or tennis at the town's large indoor tennis centre on Seven Brethren Bank. Also on Seven Brethren is the large, recently opened Barnstaple Leisure Centre with heated indoor pools, a gym and other activities.