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Devon » Ashford, Barnstaple

Tarka Holiday Park

  • 5.0 Visitor Rating
  • Sleeps up to 6
  • Pets 2
Located less than 5 miles away from the largest town in North Devon, Barnstaple, Tarka Holiday Park is ideally situated for a relaxing, laid-back visit.

Tarka has no clubhouse, swimming pool or restaurant, but what it does have is a unique atmosphere of serenity and seclusion, perfect for discerning holiday guests where peace and tranquillity is pretty high on the holiday wish list.

Nestled in its beautiful natural setting, Tarka is the perfect antidote to the everyday stresses of modern life.


Tarka Holiday Park puts you in reach of the many activities and stunning locations North Devon is renowned for; from the golden beaches of Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough, Woolacombe and Instow, to the 180 miles of coastal paths, riversides and magnificent views.

Why not walk or cycle the famous Tarka Trail during your visit? Inspired by Henry Williamson’s famous fictional novel, it follows the route taken by "Tarka the Otter" in the book of the same name.

The Trail takes you through wonderful Devon scenery, with rich green countryside, wooded river valleys, craggy moorland, and dramatic coastline.


As mentioned Barnstaple is also on our doorstep, and you could spend an entire day visiting the shops, cafés and other attractions; the Pannier Market and the Museum of Barnstaple are particular favourites for holiday guests.


So if stunning scenery is your interest, you’ll be spoilt for choice, from the dramatic Jurassic coastline to the north or the open moorland of Exmoor to the east, all no more than a half hour drive away.

Book your North Devon break today!

Tarka Holiday Park Features

Lodge Facilities
  • Location less than 5 miles from Barnstaple
  • Access to golden beaches of Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough, Woolacombe and Instow
  • 180 miles of coastal paths and riversides
  • Tarka Trail for walking and cycling
  • Superfast Wi-Fi
  • * charges apply
  • Start a 7 night holiday on a Mon or Fri and save up to £50
  • Early Booking – Book before 31st January 2019 and save up to £150 on 7 nights or up to £85 on a 3 or 4 night break
Accommodation features
  • Spacious two and three bedroom caravans
  • Flat screen TV in lounge - minimum 32"
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Shower
  • Bed linen and duvets
  • Beds made up for your arrival
  • Additional sleeping for two in the lounge area
  • Double glazed and centrally heated
  • Gas and electricity included
  • Babies must be included in party total
  • Travel cots and highchairs £15 each per week or short break
  • Group bookings may be subject to restrictions
  • Pets £50pw or £30 per short break each (max 2) (in specific accommodation only)
  • All non-smoking accommodation
  • Please note that the facilities available at Tarka are limited with no clubhouse, swimming pool or restaurant. Please check all details prior to booking.

Other Lodges At Tarka Holiday Park

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Tarka Platinum Lodge 2

  • Sleeps 4

Top of the range modern, luxurious and spacious lodge, finished to exceptionally high standards with sumptuous fixtures and fittings throughout. One master double with TV and en suite shower and one twin. Double glazed and centrally heated. Towels, bathrobes and slippers included. 40’’ TV. Dishwasher and washing machine. Decking with patio furniture. Complimentary toiletries. No pets.

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Platinum Lodge

  • Sleeps 4

Contemporary modern and spacious with touches of luxury throughout, this lodge really is something special.This accommodation has one double bedroom and one twin bedroom.Images are representative and may not be the specific accommodation assigned on booking.

From £530 for 7 nights
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Platinum Pet Friendly Lodge photo 1
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Platinum Pet Friendly Lodge

  • Sleeps 4
  • Pets 2

Contemporary modern and spacious with touches of luxury throughout, this lodge really is something special.This accommodation has one double bedroom and one twin bedroom.Images are representative and may not be the specific accommodation assigned on booking.

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Platinum 3 Lodge

  • Sleeps 6

Contemporary modern and spacious with touches of luxury throughout, this lodge really is something special.This accommodation has one double bedroom and two twin bedrooms.Images are representative and may not be the specific accommodation assigned on booking.

From £553 for 7 nights
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Platinum 3 Pet Friendly Lodge photo 1
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Platinum 3 Pet Friendly Lodge

  • Sleeps 6
  • Pets 2

Contemporary modern and spacious with touches of luxury throughout, this lodge really is something special.This accommodation has one double bedroom and two twin bedrooms.Images are representative and may not be the specific accommodation assigned on booking.

Top Days Out Near Tarka Holiday Park

The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Tarka Holiday Park, with real driving times.

Family theme park 19 min drive · 12.5 miles

The BIG Sheep

Sat nav: EX39 5AP

A working-farm-turned-theme park near Abbotsham with sheep racing, a roller coaster and a huge indoor play zone.

  • Families
  • Rainy days
  • Thrill seekers
  • Full day
Read more

The BIG Sheep is a farm park and theme park in Abbotsham, North Devon, built from the old buildings of a family farm. It is best known for its live shows, including the World-Famous Sheep Race, the Duck Trials and the Sheep Show.

Tip: Pre-book tickets online, as the park gets very busy in school holidays and term time, and booking ahead is cheaper than paying at the door.

Conservation zoo 25 min drive · 14.9 miles

Exmoor Zoo

Sat nav: EX31 4SG

A conservation-minded zoo near Bratton Fleming, with red pandas, meerkats, bush dogs and plenty of rare smaller animals.

  • Families
  • Couples
Read more

Exmoor Zoo is a conservation centre near Bratton Fleming in Exmoor, North Devon. It grew from Exmoor Bird Gardens, which opened on a former farm site in 1982, and today it specialises in smaller animals, with a good number of rare species on show.

Tip: Tickets can be bought securely online through the zoo's website, where you can also check price options and offers.

Theme park 28 min drive · 19.7 miles

The Milky Way Adventure Park

Sat nav: EX39 5RY

A family adventure park near Bideford where all rides are included and there's plenty to do indoors in any weather.

  • Families
  • Rainy days
  • Thrill seekers
  • Full day
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The Milky Way is a family-run adventure park on a former dairy farm near Bideford. It has more than 110,000 sq ft of indoor attractions as well as acres of outdoor space, so a day here works whatever the weather. Rides include roller coasters, indoor dodgems, a mini-train and Ziggy's Blast Quest, an interactive laser shooting ride.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially in school holidays, and check the calendar for opening days and times.

Theme park 57 min drive · 42.2 miles

Diggerland Devon

Sat nav: EX15 2PE

Ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery at this family-friendly Devon park.

  • Families
  • Rainy days
  • Thrill seekers
  • Half day
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Diggerland is a theme park where children and adults can ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery. The Devon park is in Cullompton, and the whole line-up runs to around 20 rides and drives.

Tip: Check the ride height chart on the Diggerland website before you go, so you know which rides each child can enjoy.

National Trust estate 16 min drive · 9.5 miles

Arlington Court

Sat nav: EX31 4LP

A Regency house, a famous carriage collection and wide estate walks near Barnstaple in north Devon.

  • Families
  • Dogs in the grounds
  • Half day
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Arlington Court is a neoclassical country house, built in the 1820s and set in a picturesque garden. Inside, you can see the Chichester family's antique furniture and an eclectic collection of family memorabilia. The National Trust Carriage Museum on site holds an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles.

Tip: Dogs on leads can go in the garden, wider estate and Carriage Museum, but not the main house or tea-room. Follow the brown signs, not sat nav, as unmarked lanes are dead ends.

Historic house and gardens 37 min drive · 25.6 miles

Hartland Abbey

Sat nav: EX39 6DT

A family-owned former abbey with Jekyll-influenced gardens, a wild valley walk to the Atlantic cove and Malory Towers fame.

  • Families
  • Dogs in the grounds
  • Half day
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Hartland Abbey was founded in the 12th century and is still the home of the Stucley family. You can wander through the house at your own pace, taking in rooms from Medieval to Victorian times, with paintings, furniture and Chinese porcelain collected over generations. Exhibitions cover filming on the estate and the Stonehenge pioneer William Stukeley.

Tip: Hartland Quay is only a mile away, so it pairs well with a visit; the tea room needs a valid garden entry ticket.

Castle ruins 53 min drive · 34.1 miles

Okehampton Castle

Sat nav: EX20 1JA

Explore the ruined medieval home of the Courtenays on a wooded ridge above the West Okement river.

  • Dogs welcome
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Okehampton Castle is a ruined medieval castle on a wooded ridge above the swift-flowing West Okement river. It began as a Norman motte and bailey castle, and in the 14th century Hugh Courtenay developed it into a palatial home. You can still explore the remains of his buildings, from the keep mound to the tall gatehouse.

Tip: Wear sturdy footwear for the steps and uneven ground, and note that opening depends on volunteer availability, so it can close at short notice.

Working wool museum 54 min drive · 41.3 miles

Coldharbour Mill

Sat nav: EX15 3EZ

A Devon woollen mill that has been in continuous production since 1797, with working steam engines and a giant waterwheel.

  • Rainy days
Read more

Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK, and has been in continuous production since 1797. Once owned by the Fox Brothers textile firm, it is now a working wool museum set across 12 acres of Victorian mill buildings, boilers, steam engines and grounds. Historic England has called it "probably one of the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country".

Tip: Check the mill's website for current opening days and any event days or workshops before you go.

Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.

Lodges Near Tarka Holiday Park

Visitor Reviews of Tarka Holiday Park

5.0Visitor Rating out of 5

39 reviews from guests who stayed at Tarka Holiday Park

Hazel
Date of stay: 17th August 2025

Beautiful caravan very clean and everything you needed.

Syd
Date of stay: 9th July 2025

Barnstaple is no longer a sleepy north Devon town with lots of changes since my last visit 40 years ago. Pasty shop has gone and supermarkets moved in. Plenty of places around to visit and enjoy along with the experience of winding narrow hilly roads populated by visiting townies having to keep both hands on the wheel not the mobile.Enjoy the experience of meeting real friendly smiling English folks.

Verified Guest
Date of stay: 10th June 2025

A great holiday, regular bus service.

Robert
Date of stay: 2nd May 2025

caravan was excellent

Emma, Derby
Date of stay: 12th April 2025

Great spot, comfy and clean, totally recommend!

Emma, London
Date of stay: 24th February 2025

We had a fantastic stay! The caravan was seriously lovely - super comfortable and way better than wed hoped. It was spotless too, which was a relief given the current times. Big shoutout to the cleaning team and David for making everything shine. The staff on site were really helpful, explaining all the safety stuff clearly. All in all, wed definitely recommend it - we felt really safe and well looked after.

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From £530
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