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Town Farm Cottage, Barnstaple

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Town Farm Cottage is a spacious North Devon retreat perfect for larger groups wanting to explore the countryside and coast. This detached property with a private hot tub sits in Shirwell, between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. The cottage offers generous space for families or friends to gather together.

The surrounding area features rolling hills and farmland. You're positioned well for coastal walks and beach days. The village setting provides peace whilst keeping you close to popular North Devon destinations.

The accommodation sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms. There are two bathrooms throughout the property. Downstairs you'll find a large kitchen and dining area plus a separate sitting room.

About Town Farm Cottage

Town Farm Cottage is a spacious North Devon retreat perfect for larger groups wanting to explore the countryside and coast. This detached property with a private hot tub sits in Shirwell, between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. The cottage offers generous space for families or friends to gather together.

The surrounding area features rolling hills and farmland. You're positioned well for coastal walks and beach days. The village setting provides peace whilst keeping you close to popular North Devon destinations.

The accommodation sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms. There are two bathrooms throughout the property. Downstairs you'll find a large kitchen and dining area plus a separate sitting room. The enclosed garden includes the hot tub where everyone can relax after days out exploring.

Woolacombe Beach (8 miles, 20 minutes) offers surfing and sand. Exmoor National Park (6 miles, 15 minutes) provides walking trails. Arlington Court (3 miles, 8 minutes) features gardens and a carriage collection. Barnstaple town centre (5 miles, 12 minutes) has shops and restaurants.

Town Farm Cottage works brilliantly for multi-generational holidays or group getaways. The hot tub and spacious layout mean everyone has room to spread out and enjoy themselves.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Town Farm Cottage

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Barnstaple, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

11°C

Overcast

Updated: 7 Aug 2026, 3:09am

🌡️
10.90°C
Temperature
💨
7 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
87%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Town Farm Cottage sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

141m

(463 feet above sea level)

Town Farm Cottage sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
141m
Elevation
📍
Barnstaple
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Barnstaple are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.1181920° N | Longitude: 4.006702° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Barnstaple (Tuesday, 1 September 2026):

4:48am

Sunrise

6:54pm

Golden Hour

7:54pm

Sunset

🌅
4:48am
Sunrise
🌇
7:54pm
Sunset
📸
6:54pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:54pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Barnstaple, you have approximately 15.10 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Town Farm Cottage.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 7 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.1181920, -4.0067020

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Town Farm Cottage

Private Hot Tub

The enclosed hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to unwind together after exploring North Devon's beaches and moorland walks.

Spacious Group Layout

Four bedrooms and three bathrooms mean larger groups aren't queuing for facilities, with plenty of space for everyone to relax comfortably.

Coastal Location

Woolacombe's surfing beaches sit just eight miles away, whilst Ilfracombe's harbour and coastal paths are equally accessible for day trips.

Exmoor Access

The national park boundary lies six miles away, offering groups countless walking routes through moorland, woodland and dramatic valleys.

Large Kitchen Diner

The generous kitchen and dining space lets groups cook and eat together, making mealtimes a social highlight of the holiday.

Enclosed Garden

The private outdoor space provides a safe area for children to play and adults to relax without worrying about wandering off.

Getting To Town Farm Cottage

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Town Farm Cottage by car, take the A361 towards Barnstaple, then follow signs for Shirwell. The property sits in the village with convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, approximately five miles from the accommodation. Taxis are readily available from the station for the short journey to Shirwell.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (5 miles)
Easily accessible from the A361

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Arlington Court
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 4LP
Watermouth Castle
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 9SL
Exmoor Zoo
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 4SG
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 6 miles
EX31 4PY
Woolacombe Beach Coastal Path
Distance: 8 miles
EX34 7BN
Tarka Trail
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 1EE
Barnstaple Town Centre
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 1DT
Tesco Superstore Barnstaple
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 2BH
Ilfracombe High Street
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 9DJ
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 1DT
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 2AU
Ilfracombe Harbour
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 9EQ
Arlington Court
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 4LP
Watermouth Castle
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 9SL
Exmoor Zoo
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 4SG
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 6 miles
EX31 4PY
Woolacombe Beach Coastal Path
Distance: 8 miles
EX34 7BN
Tarka Trail
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 1EE
Barnstaple Town Centre
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 1DT
Tesco Superstore Barnstaple
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 2BH
Ilfracombe High Street
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 9DJ
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 1DT
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 5 miles
EX31 2AU
Ilfracombe Harbour
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 9EQ

Is Town Farm Cottage Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will enjoy the enclosed garden where they can play safely. Woolacombe Beach offers rock pools and surfing lessons eight miles away. Watermouth Castle provides theme park rides and attractions six miles from the cottage. Exmoor Zoo lets kids see exotic animals in a conservation setting. The hot tub proves popular with older children after beach days.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub transforms this cottage into a proper group retreat. Set within the enclosed garden, it accommodates several guests at once. After exploring Exmoor's trails or surfing at Woolacombe, groups gather here to relax together. The outdoor setting means you can enjoy North Devon's starry skies whilst soaking away the day's adventures.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Town Farm Cottage, making it suitable for pet owners. The enclosed garden provides secure outdoor space where dogs can roam safely without escaping. Exmoor National Park sits six miles away with countless walking trails. Woolacombe Beach allows dogs year-round on certain sections. Local footpaths from Shirwell village offer shorter walks straight from the door.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Town Farm Cottage

The Woodlands Hotel

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX31 4JU

The Coaching Inn Bratton Fleming

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX31 4SG

The George Inn Ilfracombe

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX34 9DA

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Town Farm Cottage

How many people does Town Farm Cottage sleep?
The cottage accommodates eight guests across four bedrooms, making it suitable for larger families or two families holidaying together. Three bathrooms throughout the property help avoid morning queues.
Is Town Farm Cottage pet friendly?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at this property. The enclosed garden provides a secure outdoor space where pets can explore safely.
What are the bedroom arrangements?
The cottage features four bedrooms configured to sleep eight people comfortably. Three bathrooms service the accommodation, providing good facilities for larger groups.
Is there parking available?
Off-road parking is provided at the property. The space accommodates multiple vehicles, which is essential for group bookings arriving in separate cars.
How far is the nearest beach?
Woolacombe Beach sits eight miles away, roughly a twenty-minute drive. Other North Devon beaches including Croyde and Saunton are within similar distances.
What facilities does the hot tub have?
The private hot tub sits within the enclosed garden area. It provides a relaxing space for guests to enjoy throughout their stay.
Are there shops nearby?
Barnstaple town centre lies five miles away with supermarkets and shops. The market town offers everything groups need for self-catering holidays.
What attractions are suitable for groups?
Exmoor National Park offers walking routes six miles away, whilst Arlington Court provides gardens and exhibitions three miles from the cottage. Woolacombe and Ilfracombe both offer coastal activities within easy driving distance.

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