The ULTIMATE Gluten Free Guide to North Devon

As a coeliac living in North Devon, I’m very excited to share my Gluten Free Guide To North Devon with you! Whether you live here or are visiting, North Devon is a HAVEN for coeliacs!

Having lived here my whole life, I’m so proud of all the gluten free places to eat in North Devon. It had been a while since I updated this guide so I’ve given it a complete overhaul and update for 2026, making it even easier to find the best gluten free places to eat!

As it’s a relatively big area and I get asked a lot for my recommendations, I thought the best way to do this gluten free guide to North Devon would be by town.

I’ve also done a separate guide to gluten free fish and chips in North Devon as I get asked about this so much. Because who doesn’t want fish and chips by the sea!?

TL;DR: My Top 6 Gluten Free North Devon Recs

As a North Devon local, there are SO many places to choose from. But if you only have time to visit a few spots, there are my top 6 must-visit spots for gluten free in North Devon:

1. Kate’s Plaice, various spots: A 100% gluten free fish and chip van that parks in various locations around Barnstaple, Bideford and Westward Ho! throughout the year. Find their timetable on Facebook as well as their specials for the week.
2. Biffen’s Kitchen, Croyde: I ADORE this street food van in Croyde, their food is incredible, pure surf-vibes, right by the beach. They do a gluten free katsu which I still dream about, and they’re super clued up on coeliac with a separate gluten free fryer.
3. The Feel Good Larder, Barnstaple: A 100% gluten free cafe in Barnstaple which has amazing vibes, the best coffee in North Devon, and gluten free cakes and treats. I love their lunchtime salad bar and they do Manna Dew gluten free pastries *drool*.
4. Instow Arms, Instow: All of their food is cooked fresh and most of the menu can be adapted for gluten free. It’s delicious, the portions are generous, and they have amazing views over Instow beach. I cannot rate them enough.
5. Tea On The Green, Westward Ho! For pure novelty you simply have to go here. Most of their ginormous cakes are gluten free, they have an amazing lunch menu and their portion sizes are BIG. Go hungry, and go early – it gets very busy as it’s so popular!
6. Flame Factory, Appledore: Not only do they have EPIC gluten free pizzas and burgers, they also have a separate prep area for them too. The pizzas are insanely good and the same size as the normal ones – definitely worth a visit.

Now let’s break it down town-by-town, so you can plan your proper, gluten free adventure…

Barnstaple (Town Centre)

The market town of Barnstaple is the main town in North Devon and where you’ll find lots of great, gluten free places to eat.

I’ve got a more in-depth gluten free guide to Barnstaple, but here’s my at-a-glance guide to what to eat gluten free while you’re here:

• Bull and Bear: In Mermaid Walk, find gluten free burgers, fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, and lots of dishes which can be adapted. Great coeliac knowledge.
• The Feel Food Larder: This is a 100% gluten free cafe which offers THE BEST coffee around and a delicious selection of healthy, gluten free cakes, breakfasts and lunches.
• The Lemon Tree Cafe: A new find for me in 2026, this little cafe in Holland Walk has an epic menu of yummy, gluten free brunch and lunch options, including pancakes.
• The Pilton Fryer: This popular fish and chip shop in Pilton High Street has a gluten free menu every day, including battered fish, sausages, burgers and more.
• 62 The Bank: And any of the Brend Hotels group are great for gluten free. They have lots of coeliac-safe menu items, and are knowledgable with cross contamination.
• Tiffin: I am still yet to eat at Tiffin, an Indian restaurant, but I have heard incredible things and they have lots of items on their menu marked as gluten free.
• Barnstaple Bakery: You can get gluten free pasties here but be aware they are cooked to order, so you’ll need to pop in about 40-60 minutes before you want to eat.
• Tarko Lounge: Part of The Lounges chain, so you know what you’re getting. A good gluten free menu, reasonably priced, and they take their allergies seriously.

Barnstaple (Surrounding area)

Outside of the town centre, in the nearby areas and suburbs around Barnstaple you’ll also find some great gluten free spots:

• St John’s Garden Centre: Outside of the town centre in Newport, this lovely garden centre has great gluten free options in its cafe.
• Fremington Quay Cafe: This is a gorgeous stop along the popular Tarka Trail, with great estuary views and delicious gluten free cakes, breakfasts and lunches.
• The Fox, Fremington: Advertises a gluten free carvery (I am yet to go try it, but it’s on my list!) and they have some street food van pop-ups which are sometimes safe.
• Arlington Court: This National Trust property is one of our favourite spots for a dog walk, and as with most NT tearooms they have some nice gluten free cake options.

Instow and Westleigh

I absolutely love Instow beach (just don’t swim there!) and some of the bars have the most gorgeous views. It’s a must-stop if you’re passing through the area.

• Instow Arms: One of my top recommendations for North Devon! They took all their food fresh, so most dishes can be adapted for gluten free. It’s so good!
• Johns of Instow: Johns have always been a great place for gluten free – they have a good free from range in the shop, homemade brownies, and amazing breakfasts!
• The Glorious Oyster: I am yet to eat here but I absolutely adore it here, it’s proper summer beach bar vibes, with fresh food and good coffee.
• Westleigh Arms: I’m yet to try here but they seem to have a great gluten free selection on their menu, plus glorious views from their giant beer garden.

Appledore

This cute little seaside town is a lovely place to wander around (and try a spot of crabbing!) and has some great gluten free options too:

• Flame Factory: This place is a hidden gem! They do the most amazing gluten free pizzas and burgers, with a separate gluten free prep area. I just love them.
• Johns of Appledore: Much like their Instow cafe, John’s is a good place to stock up on essentials and they do some great gluten free options in the cafe.

Bideford

Bideford is the next town along from me and while I’m not as familiar with it, I do have a few places I can recommend for gluten free:

• Kate’s Plaice: This 100% gluten free fish and chip van is amazing! They actually park up all over North Devon (see their Facebook for timetables and specials) but they are found in Bideford every week. You must try them!
• Inba: This new spot at the back of Sunshine and Snow (my favourite shop!) has a very small menu but is just the most gorgeous spot. They usually have a gluten free option.
• Secret Garden Cafe: This cute little cafe usually has several gluten free options and their soups are nearly always gluten and dairy free.

Northam

Near Bideford you’ll find the small town of Northam, but I’ve found a couple of gluten free spots there. I’ve not tried them yet but they look like good options!

• Northam Coffee Shop: Now offering gluten free bagels! This coffee shop’s bagels are getting a reputation and a friend of mine tried them and said they felt they were coeliac-safe. I can’t wait to give them a try!
• Crowbar: I think this is a relatively new tapas bar but I can’t wait to try them – they have lots of gluten free offerings marked on their menu.

Westward Ho!

If you want a proper seaside holiday then Westward Ho! is a great place to start, and there are actually loads of gluten free options here too:

• Tea On The Green: An amazing, American-diner-esque tea room which offers huge cakes, scones, afternoon tea, toasties, jacket spuds and more. Most of the cakes are gluten free and they are really good with cross contamination.
• The Pier House: Gorgeous views overlooking the bay and delicious food. Their menu has lots of gluten free options (including fish and chips) and their carvery is good too.
• Country Cousins: I’ve not eaten here before but have heard lots of people recommend it. Gluten free option for lunch, cream teas and carveries.
• Atlantic Bay Fish and Chips: Offers gluten free fish and chips in a separate fryer, but only on Mondays.
• SOS Coffee: Another spot on my wishlist to visit! They have some lovely looking gluten free cakes and the coffee looks fab, so I’ll be checking this out soon.
• Morans: This restaurant always comes highly recommended, and they cater well for gluten free. It also feels like you’re on holiday when you step in there!

Braunton

I grew up in Braunton so naturally, it’s one of my favourite spots! A lovely village to wander around, and some great restaurant options too:

• South 16: This fish and chip shop now offers completely gluten free fish and chips, which is fantastic news for the village – I can’t wait to try them.
• SQ: A great bar with a lovely rooftop area, they’ve always been really good at providing gluten free options when I’ve been and I’ve always had a great experience there.
• The Siam Bistro: This has been near the top of my ‘must try’ list for a long time. This Thai Bistro has a fantastic reputation and some great gluten free offerings too.
• Trattoria No4: This is a new, Italian restaurant and has lots of options marked gluten free. It has the same owners as Siam, so I’m excited to try them both!
• The Worx: This coffee shop does excellent coffee and has some good gluten free options on its breakfast menu. I had the gluten free French Toast and it was so good!
• Ashford Farm Shop: While not a cafe, I wanted to mention Ashford Farm Shop in Chivenor as they have so much amazing gluten free food, it’s worth a stop by!

Croyde

Oh Croyde, one of my favourite places in the world and where I spent my summers working while at Uni! There are lots of gluten free options here, and of course, the best beach!

• Biffen’s Kitchen: The absolute Mecca for surf street food, they have a separate gluten free fryer and the menu is SO good. The katsu is to die for!! Find them at Ocean Pitch campsite overlooking the beach.
• Lazy Wave: For Mexican food, try Lazy Wave in Freshwell campsite next door. They have great street food (often with live music) and lots of gluten free options.
• Blue Groove: Always featuring a great menu, I used to find Blue Groove really good for catering for gluten free, though it’s been a while since I last visited!
• The Thatch: Croyde’s iconic pub! The last time I ate here they were really helpful with allergies, so hopefully they are still as good.
• Cafe Croyde: This lovely cafe perched just before Baggy Point offers epic views, good coffee, and some gluten free options too.

Saunton

For an endless stretch of sand, Saunton is the most iconic beach in North Devon:

• Saunton Sands Hotel: As one of the Brend Hotel group, they have a great selection for gluten free, including afternoon tea. All safely prepared with great knowledge.

Woolacombe

Around the corner from Croyde and Saunton you’ll find the lovelt Woolacombe, another popular beach spot with some shops to explore too.

• Barricane Beach Cafe: Once a secret between us locals, Barricane Beach Cafe seems to have worldwide fame now for it’s delicious, Sri Lankan curries. All gluten free.

Lynton and Lynmouth

Lynton and Lynmouth is always super popular with it’s rocky beach, dramatic coastlines, The Valley of Rocks for epic walks, and the infamous funicular cliff railway. I always found eating here was a bit limited, but there are a few options for gluten free.

• Charlie Fridays: I love this colourful coffee shop in Lynton, it has some delicious coffee and from what I remember, some gluten free cake options.
• Mavis Thruptons: This little ice-cream shack in Lynmouth offers gluten free ice-cream cones.
• The Tuckbox Bakehouse: Another one in Lynmouth, this had some gluten free pasties.
• The Cracker Barrel: And if you’re heading up the hill to Lynton, you can get a gluten free pasty here too.

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is the epitome of a seaside holiday, with plenty of shops to explore and a gorgeous harbour, as well as some epic coastal walks. I haven’t been to Ilfracombe properly for a long time, but a couple of recommendations are:

• Lynbay Fish and Chips: Find them in Ilfracombe harbour serving up gluten free fish and chips. Just watch out for the seagulls!
• The Dolphin: Also based in the harbour, The Dolphin serves a gluten free menu for fish and chips including battered fish, sausages and even gluten free gravy.
• Depot Eatery: Based at Mullacott on the drive into Ilfracombe, this pub serves up great gluten free pizzas and is worth a stop by.
• Hele Corn Mill: Located near Ilfracombe in Hele, I’ve not visited this spot but heard lots of rave reviews about their gluten free offerings, including cream teas.
• Joeys: Situated as you turn into the harbour, Joey’s always used to offer amazing gelato with gluten free cones. I’ve not been for a while but believe they still do.
• The Carlton: This unassuming Ilfracombe hotel is great for serving gluten free food – I once had an epic roast dinner with a gluten free Yorkshire pudding and beer!

My gluten free North Devon map!

To make life a little bit easier, here’s my gluten free map of North Devon!

Blue pins are eateries and restaurants.

Green are coffee shops and sweet treats.

Orange are some family attractions which are gluten free

Purple is ice-cream!

I really hope this helps you navigate gluten free North Devon!

Anything else!?

I realise I have probably forgotten loads of places, and there are plenty of chains too but I would definitely recommend trying all the independent places first!

I’ll be updating this guide as I find more places so please do keep me posted if you spot anywhere.

Don’t forget to check out my gluten free Barnstaple guide and my Gluten Free Fish and Chips in North Devon too if you’re visiting North Devon.