The Gateway to Northern Devon

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Welcome to the Station Masters Cafe Barnstaple!

Nestled in the heart of Barnstaple, our charming cafe is the perfect spot to refuel and relax during your explorations of the beautiful Devon countryside. Situated in close proximity to two iconic trails, the Tarka Trail and the South West Coastal Path, we offer an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Tarka Trail, named after the famous novel by Henry Williamson, is a scenic 180-mile long route that follows the footsteps of Tarka the Otter through the stunning landscapes of North Devon. Whether you're a cyclist, hiker, or simply seeking a leisurely walk, this picturesque trail promises breathtaking views, tranquil riverside paths, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting natural beauty of the region. Conveniently located near the Tarka Trail, our cafe serves as a welcoming haven for weary adventurers, providing a place to rest, grab a delicious meal, and share tales of your outdoor escapades.

If coastal exploration is more your style, the South West Coastal Path is just a stone's throw away from our doorstep. Spanning an impressive 630 miles, this legendary trail showcases the dramatic and diverse coastal scenery of the South West of England. From rugged cliffs and secluded coves to golden sandy beaches, the path offers a mesmerizing journey that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders. After an invigorating hike along the Coastal Path, stop by our cafe to replenish your energy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or indulge in one of our scrumptious homemade cakes.

At the Station Masters Cafe Barnstaple, we understand the importance of a great location for those seeking adventure and tranquility. We take pride in being the perfect pit stop for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a warm and friendly atmosphere to all our visitors. Our dedicated team is passionate about serving delicious, locally sourced food and beverages, ensuring that every visit to our cafe is a delightful experience.

Whether you're embarking on an epic journey along the Tarka Trail or venturing along the captivating South West Coastal Path, make the Station Masters Cafe Barnstaple your go-to destination for refreshment, relaxation, and reenergizing. We look forward to welcoming you and being part of your memorable exploration in the heart of Devon's natural wonders.

Our normal opening hours are as follows:

We are open 08:00 - 4:30PM Monday to Friday. Hot food stops at 3PM
Saturday open 0800 – 1.30PM Hot food stops at 1PM


Sundays we are normally closed but do open for certain dates, please check our social media for Sunday opening updates.

180 Miles and it all leads to The Station Masters Cafe!
Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.
The Tarka Trail was established in 1987 as the Taw/Torridge Country Park using the disused railway line between Barnstaple and Bideford. The railway line was purchased for £515,000 in 1986-87 from British Rail. In 1989, the remainder of the line between Bideford and Meeth was acquired in its entirety by Devon County Council for £1. Conversion of this section to a footpath was enabled by a £60,000 Derelict Land Grant from central government in 1989-90, plus a further £100,000 from Devon County Council and the Countryside Commission in 1990-91. A large proportion of the money was needed to adapt and repair bridges across the River Torridge. Parish councils, Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities and the National Trust played a part in the development of the rest of the Trail which makes use of the Two Moors Way and the South West Coast path to traverse through open countryside, woodland, coastal paths and beaches. Their co-operation ensured minimal environmental impacts while retaining a large degree of accessibility to the Trail. And of course, the Otter Conservation Officer was involved to ensure there would be no disturbance to otters where the Trail followed water courses. The section between Barnstaple and Bideford was opened on 21 May 1991 and was made into a combined footpath and cyclepath. The section from Barnstaple to Meeth was named the Tarka Country Park. Once the southern circuit was also incorporated, the Trail spanned 180 miles (290 km). It was opened by Prince Charles in May 1992. The Tarka Country Park identity was finally subsumed by the Tarka Trail in 1994. The route to Meeth was converted into a cycle/walkway in 1997.

Latest From our Shop

Latest News from The Cafe

The Station Masters Cafe
We are delighted to announce that we have won gold for Britain in Bloom 2022. We are a very small independent café with limited space within a busy external environment but we have manged to create a peaceful and stunning quiet oasis within our priva...
The Station Masters Cafe
We are pleased to announce our refurbishment of our outdoor covered area is now complete, we have named it the Churchill Terrace, After Sir Winston Churchill.  The seating area either in part or as a whole will be available to be pre booked in t...
The Station Masters Cafe
What would you choose? Pasty, Pie or Sausage Roll?Ours are made by Ben and Sally Sullivan at The Ginger Cat Deli in Exminster. Ben and Sally have a real passion for good quality ingredients which is evident in their products and has gained them the w...