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DRIVE 3: Taunton to Barnstaple
PLAN YOUR DRIVE
Start/finish: Taunton to Barnstaple.
Number of days: 2–3 days.
Distance: 134 km (84 miles).
Road conditions: Well-paved and
signposted, country roads are often
narrow and winding. Be prepared
to stop in a passing place if there is
oncoming traffic. On Exmoor, watch
out for ponies or sheep on the road.
Most places have well-signed car
parks, usually pay-and-display.
When to go: In April–May, wild flowers
border the roadsides; autumn sees the
leaves turn rich brown and the moors
are splashed with purple heather.
During July and August, families crowd
into the area for seaside holidays. It can
get very busy. In winter, the weather is
often relatively mild and towns return to
“normal”, but villages can be quiet.
Opening times: Museums and
attractions are generally open 10am–
5pm, but close earlier (or are closed
altogether) Nov–Easter. Shops are
often open longer. Churches are
usually open until dusk.
Market days: Taunton: Farmer’s
Market, Thu; Barnstaple: Pannier
Market: local produce, Tue, Fri, Sat;
antiques and books, Wed; also crafts,
Apr–Dec Mon & Thu.
Shopping: Look out for Devonshire
clotted cream, local cider, surfing gear
and beachwear.
Major festivals: Taunton: Carnival,
Oct; Exmoor: Walking Festival, May;
Mortehoe: Scarecrow Festival, Aug;
Barnstaple: North Devon Festival,
June.
Below Pretty Periwinkle Tearoom,
Selworthy, see p53
DAY TRIP OPTIONS
Beach lovers can enjoy the golden
sands and surging surf at
Woolacombe Bay before tucking into
a Devon cream tea. Walkers can
explore the windswept expanses
and hidden valleys of Exmoor, home
of the legendary outlaws, the
Doones. From Taunton and Washford,
step back in time by visiting ancient
churches, an abbey and a restored
steam train. For full details, see p55.
Above Beautiful Woolacombe Bay – a wide,
sandy beach with great surf, see p55