Barnstaple hotels

Yes, Barnstaple is definitely worth a visit! It’s the largest town in North Devon and offers a great mix of history, shopping, riverside walks and access to nearby beaches. The town has a charming, slightly old-fashioned feel with its historic buildings and Pannier Market, but it also has modern touches like high-street stores, cafes and cultural attractions. Whether you're into coastal or countryside, or simply soaking up a bit of Devon, Barnstaple makes a fantastic base for exploring the region. 

Not quite – Barnstaple isn’t directly on the coast, but it’s very close. It sits on the River Taw estuary, which gives it a slightly coastal feel with riverside walks and great views. And with beaches like Saunton Sands and Woolacombe just a short drive away, you’re never far from the sea.  

Barnstaple is considered a medium-sized town but is one of the bigger towns in North Devon, which means it has all the facilities you'd expect — shops, restaurants, entertainment and good transport links. It’s busy enough to keep you entertained but small enough to explore easily on foot. 

Barnstaple is known for being one of the oldest boroughs in the UK and was once a bustling market and port town. The historic Pannier Market is still a popular attraction, where you can browse stalls selling everything from local crafts to fresh produce. Barnstaple is also famous for its connection to the wool trade in the past, and for its distinctive 13-arched Long Bridge, which dates back to medieval times. 

Barnstaple is only about 10 to 15 miles from some of North Devon’s best beaches, so it’s easy to get to the coast. Popular spots like Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay and Woolacombe are all around a 20 to 30-minute drive away. These beaches are known for their wide sandy shores, surf-friendly waves and beautiful scenery.  

Yes, it does! Barnstaple has its own train station, which connects the town to Exeter. It’s an easy journey that passes through some beautiful Devon countryside. Plus, the station is within walking distance of the town centre. 

Definitely. Barnstaple has a mix of well-known high-street stores, local independent shops and an indoor market. The Pannier Market is a must-visit — it’s open most days and offers a range of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and antiques to delicious local food. There’s also the Green Lanes Shopping Centre if you’re after bigger brand names, and plenty of cafes and boutiques dotted around the town. 

There are lots of lovely seaside towns just a short drive from Barnstaple. Ilfracombe has a pretty harbour and a family-friendly aquarium. Westward Ho! is popular with families and surfers thanks to its long sandy beach and seaside amusements. You’ve also got Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands nearby – all perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing on the sand. These coastal spots are great for a day out and offer a proper Devon beach experience within easy reach of the town. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.