See North Devon Properly with a Rental Car from Barnstaple
Barnstaple sits on the River Taw in North Devon, a historic market town that has served as the gateway to Exmoor, the Atlantic coast, and the South West Coast Path for centuries. With a rental car, you can reach beaches, moors, and fishing villages that buses simply do not serve.
The town centre is compact, with the Long Bridge, the Pannier Market, and the strand along the river. The A361 links Barnstaple to the M5 at Tiverton, while the A39 Atlantic Highway runs west toward Bude and Cornwall. The Taw Bridge carries most north-south traffic, so expect queues during summer weekends and school holidays.
North Devon
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Town centre + nearby hubs
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Drive on the left
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Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe
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Barnstaple Town Centre Car Hire
Several suppliers maintain branches in or near the town centre, close to the bus station and the Pannier Market. These work well if you are already staying in Barnstaple and want a car for a few days of coastal exploration. Confirm the exact street address on your voucher, as some offices sit on the outskirts.
Exmouth or Nearby Airport Pickup
If you are flying into Exeter Airport, it is the closest commercial airport to Barnstaple. You can collect a car there and drive north on the A377 and A361. Alternatively, some visitors pick up in Exeter city centre and make Barnstaple their first overnight stop.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Barnstaple is the kind of town where the high street still has independent butchers and the weekly market draws crowds from surrounding villages. It is unhurried, friendly, and perfectly positioned for anyone who wants to see the softer side of Devon without fighting through the tourist crush further south.
North Devon beaches are some of Britain's best, but they are not well served by public transport. Saunton Sands stretches for miles, Croyde has a village atmosphere, and Woolacombe holds a Blue Flag. With a car, you can surf at dawn, walk the coast path at midday, and eat crab sandwiches in Ilfracombe by afternoon.
Exmoor feels wilder than Dartmoor, with red deer, dark skies, and combes that drop steeply to the sea. The drive from Porlock to Lynmouth along the A39 is famously steep and dramatic. Take it slow, use low gear on descents, and stop at the top to look back across the Bristol Channel.
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Extras and return
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A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Driving in Barnstaple centre
The town has narrow lanes, weight-restricted bridges, and a one-way system near the river. The A361 Taw Bridge is the main crossing, but the older Long Bridge is restricted to lighter traffic. Use a sat-nav with up-to-date maps, and watch for pedestrians in the historic core.
Parking and coastal access
Barnstaple has several pay-and-display car parks near the high street and the river. For beach days, the big car parks at Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay, and Woolacombe fill by mid-morning in summer. Arrive early and carry coins or a mobile-payment app, as not all machines take cards.
Fuel and rural driving
Petrol stations are plentiful on the A361 and A39, but thinner on Exmoor's minor roads. Fill up before you head onto the moor, and expect single-track lanes with passing places once you leave the main routes.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: UK official tourism information.
Build a realistic first journey
Barnstaple to Exmoor National Park
Take the A399 north from the A361 and climb onto Exmoor within half an hour. Lynton, Lynmouth, and the Valley of the Rocks are dramatic stops. The moor roads are narrow and steep, so drive carefully and let faster local traffic pass at the designated places.
Barnstaple to the North Devon Coast
Head west on the A39 and then branch off to Saunton Sands, Croyde, and Woolacombe. These three beaches offer long stretches of sand backed by dunes, popular with surfers and families. The road between Croyde and Woolacombe is tight and winding, so allow extra time for traffic in season.
Barnstaple to Bude and the Cornwall border
The A39 continues west across the border into Cornwall, reaching Bude with its sea pool and canal. This is a relaxed coastal drive with farm shops and cream-tea stops along the way. Check the current route before you travel, as winter closures sometimes affect minor roads.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I pick up a rental car in Barnstaple?
Town-centre branches are available near the bus station and retail areas. Some visitors also collect from Exeter Airport or Exeter city centre and drive north. Your booking confirmation will list the exact pickup point and opening times.
Is car hire in Barnstaple suitable for coastal road trips?
Yes, a rental car is the best way to reach North Devon's beaches, Exmoor, and the Atlantic coast. Buses exist but are infrequent outside the main towns. A car lets you stop at villages, viewpoints, and beaches on your own schedule.
What type of car is best for North Devon?
A compact or economy car handles Barnstaple town and the A-roads well. If you plan to take Exmoor's steep lanes or carry surfboards to the coast, a slightly larger hatchback or estate offers more comfort and boot space.
Do I need to book car hire in Barnstaple in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for Easter, summer holidays, and bank weekends when demand from UK holidaymakers peaks. Last-minute availability is limited in peak season.
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