Barnstaple History Guided Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

What sets our activity apart is the depth of knowledge and authenticity behind it. Tours are led by an experienced local historian and investigator, combining well researched history with compelling storytelling rooted in the places you are actually standing. Rather than relying on scripted routes or surface level facts, each tour uncovers lesser known details, forgotten stories, and the social history that shaped real lives.

We focus on accuracy, balance, and context separating myth from reality while still embracing the intrigue of the past. Small group sizes create a relaxed, personal experience, allowing time for questions, discussion, and genuine engagement. Whether exploring well known landmarks or overlooked corners, our tours reveal the layers of history beneath modern streets, offering an experience that is informative, immersive, and far more meaningful than a standard walking tour.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead during the tour

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Step back in time and uncover the hidden stories of North Devon’s historic heart on the Barnstaple History Tour, a guided walking experience through one of Devon’s oldest towns. Led by an experienced local guide, this engaging walk explores Barnstaple’s historic streets, landmarks, and lesser known corners, tracing its development from a Saxon settlement to a thriving medieval port and market town. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories of trade and industry, law and punishment, everyday life, and the events that shaped the town over centuries. This tour goes beyond simple dates and buildings, bringing history to life with intriguing anecdotes and forgotten details often missed by guidebooks. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Barnstaple’s role in regional and national history while seeing familiar places from a fresh perspective. Ideal for visitors, locals, families, and small groups, the Barnstaple History Tour offers a relaxed, informative, and entertaining way to experience the town’s rich heritage on foot.

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Options

Barnstaple History Guided Tour

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great boat trip
Sandra P,,Jul 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We really enjoyed our trip along the coast to Woolacombe. Slower trip on the way back so we could see the amazing coastline closer up. Spotted seals basking in the sun too. It was a beautiful hot day - it was even hot out at sea! Highly recommend. Captain told us all sorts of interesting things.
Fantastic trip
Natman1980,,Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Possibly the best boat trip in the uk that I’ve been on, the captain is full of information so much information that you don’t realise how much of history is in this area, dogs allowed which is a bonus
Ilfracombe and Woolacombe
grahammarles54,,Aug 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The place is brilliant, it has tunnels beaches built by the victoriana for privacy. It has a ladies beach and a gentlemen beach. The gentlemen beach is often used for weddings. There is a 20 minute bus ride to Woolacombe beach which is amazing. It is 3 miles long and is the 13th best beach in the world with world heritage status. You've got to try Nikkis freakshakes in Ilfracome they're to die for. The pasties are heavenly.
Informative enjoyable cruise
383lyndaw,,Jul 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Skipper gave an excellent commentary of local history, geology and recommendations. The views of the coast were beautiful and the boat was manoeuvred close to the cliffs and coves. Plenty of seating and ample opportunities for photos.