Discover the secrets of our town

North Devon Towns

All the towns listed below are within easy reach of our holiday cottages and each has something different to offer. Barnstaple - flowers and shopping. South Molton - elegant buildings. Torrington - views and history. Bideford - quay. Hatherleigh - livestock market.

Tourist Information Centre: 01271 375000

Markets: Monday & Thursday - Craft Tuesday, Friday & Saturday - Pannier Wednesday - Antique & Collectors

Places to visit:-Brannams Pottery, Marwood Hill Gardens, Newport Pottery, St Anne's Chapel and Old Grammar School Museum, Museum of North Devon, Barnstaple Heritage Centre. Tarka Trail Walk by estuary.

Barnstaple, an ancient port and trading centre, was the first town to be given borough status in England in 1272. It is now the the shopping centre of North Devon with a good mix of modern shopping centre and traditional shops.

Barnstaple is also famous for its flowers - baskets are hanging from all the shops and there are colourful gardens everywhere, even the roundabouts are full of flowers. The Queen's Theatre, the Astor Cinema, North Devon Leisure Centre, night clubs and restaurants all provide a variety of leisure activities for the local people and visitors alike.

The town has a rich historical heritage which can be seen on the Heritage Trail - conducted during the summer season by the local tourist information centre. This takes in the many historic places including the Norman Motte situated next to the library, the Long bridge, Queen Anne's Walk, the Almshouses, Pannier Market and Guildhall, Butchers Row along with many others.

South Molton is an ancient town noted for its elegant Georgian buildings. It was granted Royal Charters in the 16th century and 17th century to hold both cattle and produce markets. At its largest in the 1850's with 5,000 people, nine malt houses and 34 licensed houses, South Molton was a flourishing woollen and coaching town. Despite the decline of both those activities, the town has retained it's charm and pride in it's history.

The town is rich in traditional architecture including two fine churches. A town trail directs visitors to the main points of interest including the well-kept award-winning town museum. Today the town has a growing reputation for its antique shops, fine arts and crafts and its selection of local produce, particularly honey and luxurious chocolates both made within the town.

Tourist Information Centre 01769 574122

Markets: Thursday - Pannier & Cattle; Saturday - Pannier (summer only).

Places to visit: - Quince Honey Farm, Hancock's Devon Cider, South Molton Museum

Places to eat: - Old Coaching Inn, Stags Head

Tourist Information Centre: 01237 477676

Markets: Tuesday - Pannier & Cattle, Wednesday Open Air (high season 10am-4pm), Saturday - Pannier (Jul & Aug).

Places to visit: North Devon Maritime Museum, Lundy Island, Big Sheep, Milky Way, Tapeley Park

16th Century Bideford was Britain's third largest port. Today, the narrow town centre streets lead down to the tree lined quay which bustles with fishing vessels, cargo and pleasure boats. The impressive 24 arch stone bridge built in 1535 leads to the coastal path cycleway and to the disused railway line which is part of the Tarka Trail. The town itself has a thriving shopping centre, friendly cafes and pubs.

Victoria Park provides plenty of interest for the both the horticulturist as well as the kids - with playground equipment and paddling pool. Within the park is the Burton Art Gallery which hosts art and craft collections as well as being the town's museum.

Torrington - Situated on a steep ridge with spectacular views of the Torridge valley, this impressive situation was valued for its strategic importance in the Middle Ages and possible as far back as Saxon times. The earliest indication of Torrington's importance appears in 1086 when it appeared in the Devon Domesday Survey.

Torrington 1646 is the Civil War heritage centre, a unique new indoor/outdoor family attraction located at the heart of Great Torrington. The entrance is in South Street Car Park, a few steps from the wonderful panoramic view over the River Torridge valley.

At Torrington 1646 you will meet colourful 17th Century characters. Dressed in period costume and speaking and acting as though they were living in Great Torrington at the time of the civil war.

Tourist Information Centre 01805 623302

Markets: Thursday - Open Air (high season).

Places to visit: -Rosemoor gardens, Dartington Glass, Torrington 1646, Torridge Valley Walk

Markets: Tuesday

Places to visit:- Hatherleigh Pottery

Places to Eat:- Jubilee Bar at George Hotel

Hatherleigh has or more than 1000 years preserved its character and charm as a true Devon market town. . Visit the working pottery and the art gallery on Market Street featuring the work of many local producers. See seven churches from the Folly at Moor Head or find the monument to Col William Morris who led the Charge of the Light Brigade.

Tuesday morning is without doubt the best time to visit. The market holds a fascinating insight to rural Devon. Here you will find local farmers bidding for cattle, calves, sheep and poultry. There are also stalls selling local produce, plants, crafts etc. This is not a tourist attraction- it is the real Devon and should not be missed

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