Barnstaple is an attractive market town and has several restaurants of many nationalities. Our favourite is Everest Gurka Chef. The food is excellent( you can see it being cooked) and is very reasonably priced . You take your own alcohol. There are good fish and chip restaurants also in the area.
The greatest attraction of this area is the coastline and Exmoor both of which have full access by public footpaths. The area is predominately rural ,unspoilt and pretty and criss crossed with public footpaths
Lundy Island lies ten miles of shore and makes a good day trip.
Surfing is big business on the west facing coast and there are many surf schools
For garden lovers there is RHS garden Rosemoor and Marwood Hill which has spectacular shows of magnolias ad camelias in the Spring.