Things to do and local attractions around Barnstaple and North Devon

Only a few miles from the Imperial Hotel, this beautiful 65-acre garden is meticulously planted, within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides.  

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This is a National Trust property that’s not to be missed.  A family estate held by the Chichester family for over 500 years, with a beautiful house, wonderful gardens and unique carriage museum.

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Fantastic shopping with over 30 stores from famous national brands, offering up to 50% off normal retail prices. Open seven days a week.

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Browse the world famous range of Dartington Crystal products. You can even try your hand at glass painting, jewellery making and glass blowing.

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Guests of the Imperial Hotel are welcome to enjoy these facilities free of charge. This is the premier Health and Fitness club in North Devon and is situated at our sister hotel, The Barnstaple.   

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Collections and displays that cover the natural and human history of beautiful North Devon.  

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This is where art and culture meet in magical surroundings. One of the largest permanent collections of contemporary sculpture in the south west, all set in a glorious wooded valley.

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Experience this breathtakingly beautiful river valley with exceptional walks and views.  The unique and picturesque cobbled beach at Heddon’s Mouth is 300m wide and only accessible by footpaths.

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The famous series of footpaths and cycle paths inspired by the much-loved book and taking you through glorious scenery. Cycles can be hired locally in Barnstaple at Tarka Trail Cycle Hire.

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An award winning family attraction with a focus on education and conservation. A friendly zoo which allows visitors to get up close and personal with these fascinating animals.

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A lovely 28 acre park with wildlife including African lions, wolves, sea lions and meerkats, as well as spectacular dinosaur models.

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A great family day out including 12 live shows a day, farmyard animals, rides and entertainment.

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An all-weather theme park featuring the Cosmic Typhoon, Devon’s tallest, fastest & longest roller coaster. It also includes North Devon’s biggest indoor adventure play area.

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Only 4 miles from Barnstaple, Marwood Hill Gardens is an excellent 20 acre private garden and lakes, with a Garden Tea Room and wonderful views.

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The Market trades every day of the week on butchers row and hosts regular food festivals. A great place to browse for local produce.

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A lovely Victorian Castle with interesting displays that is also home to a family theme park with rides, maze, dungeons, play areas and beautiful landscaped gardens.

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Exmoor adventures provides a range of award winning outdoor activities including coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, raft building, archery, stand-up paddle boarding, tree climbing, orienteering and team building activities across north devon, west somerset, exmoor and the quantock hills.

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In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure. Lundy has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain. Book a day trip on the MS Oldenburg to Lundy from Bideford quay.

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Hartland Abbey with its beautiful gardens and grounds welcomes visitors from the end of March until October. It is the cherished home of the Stucley family with treasures and memorabilia collected over many generations.

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Castle Hill house and gardens are steeped in history and are, and have been for centuries, a home to the Fortescue family. Today it is loved and cherished by the Earl and Countess of Arran and is a wonderful visitor attraction. Visit castle hill’s open gardens and stay to enjoy refreshments at their new tearoom.

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World famous for its cobbled, traffic-free street, donkeys, sledges and historic harbour. The stunning views, peaceful tranquility and cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port.

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This exciting award winning, all weather, fun, educational attraction provides a fascinating insight into the watery world of North Devon... The aquarium offers Local Aquatic Exhibits and showcases a diverse collection of animals displayed within beautifully recreated natural habitats.

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Tapeley is a historic estate in the parish of Westleigh situatied between Bideford and Instow. It features Italian terrace borders, a traditional walled Kitchen Garden, a lake with massive ThujaPlicata trees, Granite Labyrinth. Falconry Displays each Sunday at 11:30am and 3:30pm, weather permitting. Animals including Highland Cattle, Peacocks and Berkshire Pigs. Tea Rooms - light lunches and teas. Childrens Play Area 'hidden' in the Wild Garden. 

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Devon's premier fly fishing venue, with lakes stretching over five acres. There is also a great range of activities for youngsters.

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There are 6 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts at this ‘Pay and Play’ tennis centre in nearby Barnstaple.

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