Atlantic Highway: Barnstaple to Newquay (A39)

Barnstaple – Clovelly – Hartland Quay – Bude – Boscastle – Tintagel – Padstow – Newquay

Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Trace the rugged Atlantic coast of North Devon and North Cornwall along the celebrated A39 Atlantic Highway. Starting at the medieval bridge town of Barnstaple, the route hugs Bideford Bay to the traffic-free cobbled cliff village of Clovelly and the wild shipwreck coast of Hartland Quay. Cross into Cornwall to the sea pool at Bude, the natural fjord harbor of Boscastle, King Arthur's dramatic bridge at Tintagel Castle, Rick Stein's culinary harbor at Padstow, and conclude along the golden surf beaches of Newquay.

The legendary Atlantic Highway (A39) cruising across dramatic coastal cliffs, smuggler coves, Arthurian ruins, and premier seafood harbors.

Key Waypoints & Scenic Stops Along the Route

1. Barnstaple Medieval Bridge
2. Clovelly Cobbled Village
3. Hartland Quay & Lighthouse
4. Bude & Sea Pool
5. Boscastle Harbour & Gorge
6. Tintagel Castle & Island
7. Padstow Harbour
8. Newquay & Fistral Beach

Recommended Places to Stay & Overnight Stops

• 🏨 The Red Lion Hotel, Clovelly (Accommodation):
• 🏨 The Headland Hotel, Newquay (Accommodation):

Roadside Dining, Historic Pubs & Places to Eat

• 🍴 Hartland Quay Hotel Bar (Devon Crab Claws, Local Ale & Pasties):
• 🍴 The Cobweb Inn, Boscastle (Cornish Beef Stew & Cask Ales):
• 🍴 Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant, Padstow (Turbot with Hollandaise & Cornish Lobster):
• 🍴 The Fish House Fistral, Newquay (Rustic Fish Stew, Mussels & Crab Sandwiches):

EV Charging Stations & Rapid Hubs

• ⚡ GRIDSERVE Bideford Atlantic Village:
• ⚡ GeniePoint Bude Crescent:
• ⚡ Pod Point Padstow Link Road:

Fuel, Petrol Stations & Rest Services

• ⛽ Bideford BP Travel Plaza:
• ⛽ Wadebridge Esso Service Hub:

Essential Driving Tips & Seasonal Advice

• Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for Clovelly; the cobbled street is steep and cars are strictly forbidden.
• In Padstow, park in the high park-and-ride lot in peak summer, as the quayside car park fills completely by 10:00 AM.
• The stretch of the A39 between Bude and Boscastle climbs onto open windswept moors; drive carefully in misty coastal weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Atlantic Highway: Barnstaple to Newquay (A39) road trip and what are the main stops?

Atlantic Highway: Barnstaple to Newquay (A39) covers 90 miles (145 km) over 2-3 Days, rated Easy. It starts at Barnstaple and finishes at Newquay, passing through Barnstaple Medieval Bridge, Clovelly Cobbled Village, Hartland Quay & Lighthouse, Bude & Sea Pool, Boscastle Harbour & Gorge, Tintagel Castle & Island, Padstow Harbour, Newquay & Fistral Beach.

Where are the EV charging stations on Atlantic Highway: Barnstaple to Newquay (A39)?

GRIDSERVE Bideford Atlantic Village: Fast EV charging available. GeniePoint Bude Crescent: Fast EV charging available. Pod Point Padstow Link Road: Fast EV charging available.

Where are the best places to stay along Atlantic Highway: Barnstaple to Newquay (A39)?

The Red Lion Hotel, Clovelly (Stay): The Headland Hotel, Newquay (Stay):