Organising car rental in Barnstaple couldn't be easier. Use our search tool to compare deals, pre-book online and then pick up your vehicle from downtown locations.

However, before you take off in your car to see outer lying areas, it is worth having a look around the town itself. 

One of the best ways to experience Barnstaple's historic past is to go on a guided heritage trail. This will allow you to learn about the part it has played through the centuries and see particular points of interest. If you're still hungry for history, the Barnstaple Heritage Centre, housed in a Grade 1 listed building, and the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon have plenty to see too. 

Foodies will enjoy breaks away in Barnstaple, as Devon is famed for its local produce. The historic Pannier Market showcases local specialities and delicacies and was actually voted one of Britain's top 10 food markets. The town is also home to Butchers Row which dates back to 1855 and has a butcher, fishmonger and bakeries. There's also a variety of independent restaurants throughout the town serving up global cuisine.

Visit Queen's Theatre if you fancy catching a show while on your visit to Barnstaple, or if you fancy spending time in the great outdoors, pleasant walks can be enjoyed on the Takra Trail which runs alongside the River Taw. Sporty types wanting to work on their swing should head to Portmore where you will find an 18-hole golf course.

There are some truly breath-taking locations around North Devon that you can travel to from Barnstaple in your rental car.  

Exmoor National Park is situated around 50 minutes away from Barnstaple and is an outstandingly beautiful place to explore and well worth a visit. At 267 square miles, it's one of Britain's smaller national parks; however it contains a variety of moorland, valleys, woodland and farmland and an abundance of nature and wildlife. 

Fancy visiting a beach that is often highlighted as one of the top 10 in the world? Then take a trip to Woolacombe where you can stretch out on three miles of sand and enjoy the dramatic views out to the Atlantic. You should be able to reach here in just over half an hour from Barnstaple.

Or how about taking a trip to the seaside town of Ilfracombe? Here, families can visit the award-winning aquarium and unusual Tunnels Beaches which have a Blue Flag award. The unique tunnels which were hand-carved in the 1820s can be explored, while children can safely play in the tidal pool. The play hut is also a great indoor soft play area for days when the weather isn't so good.