- Convenient location at Barnstaple Railway Station
- Train Station car park adjoining
- Self contained office, fully equipped workshop and covered hardstanding within Barnstaple Train Station
- Operating March – October, 7 days per week, 9.15am-5pm, with vast majority of income from bike rental but additional servicing undertaken
- Low cost base with rent of £6,400 per annum and business rates exemption
- Stock comprising of 186 bikes, including e-bikes, and sign written van
- Website included with online booking system
- Genuinely exciting opportunity to take on a well-established, profitable business in a stunning location, with significant potential for further growth
THE LOCATION
With over 40,000 inhabitants including nearby villages, Barnstaple is a thriving town near to beautiful beaches and countryside, and the centre of North Devon in commerce, culture, education and service provision. It has a wide variety of businesses attracting tourists and permanent residents year-round, including a vibrant and diverse collection of bars and restaurants for evening footfall. Barnstaple is easily reached via the A361 which leads to the M5 at Junction 27, has a station with hourly trains to Exeter at peak times, and Exeter airport is an hour away. The town is rapidly expanding with several new housing and commercial developments currently underway, and more than 5,000 new houses and further economic development planned for the near future. The notable towns of Bideford (9 miles), Woolacombe (14 miles), Ilfracombe (12 miles), South Molton (12 miles) and Torrington (14 miles) are also nearby.
THE SITUATION
The premises are located within Barnstaple Train Station, being an ideal position for collection of bicycles, customer parking as well as giving customers convenient and quick access to the famous Tarka Trail.
THE PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION
Comprising of a self contained unit with Barnstaple Train Station configured as reception, workshop, stores, mezzanine store and 2 hard standing areas, with one being covered.
THE PROPOSAL
Our clients are inviting offers for the Leasehold interest, with the property available by way of an assignment of the existing agreement, at a current rent of £6,400 per annum.
THE BUSINESS
A rare opportunity to acquire a highly profitable and long-established cycle hire business, perfectly positioned on the iconic Tarka Trail in North Devon.
Originally established in the early 1990s, the business is recognised as the first bike hire operator on the trail, benefiting from decades of brand recognition, an excellent reputation, and a consistent flow of both advance bookings and passing trade.
The business operates from March to October, currently trading 7 days per week (6 days in March), offering an appealing work-life balance while still delivering strong financial returns. There is clear scope to extend both the season and opening hours for further growth.
Turnover for 2025 was £115,000, generating an impressive net profit of approximately £58,000, supported by exceptionally low overheads. With a rent of just £6,400 per annum, 100% Small Business Rates Relief, and minimal utility costs, this is a highly efficient and cash-generative operation.
Income is driven by a mix of online bookings, telephone enquiries, and steady walk-in trade from the high volume of visitors using the Tarka Trail. The business is particularly well positioned to benefit from the growing demand for electric bikes, presenting a clear and immediate opportunity to increase revenue and margins.
In addition to daily hires, the business attracts customers undertaking longer multi-day journeys, including the popular coast-to-coast route from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, offering further potential to develop premium packages, luggage transfers, and guided experiences.
THE STOCK
Any current stock to be purchased at valuation upon completion, which includes 186 bikes, 10 being e bikes, 35 trailers, cycle accessories and a VW T5 Mutivan which is sign written. Stock level estimated at £51,000 although the business vehicle does not necessarily need to be included which makes up £15,000 of the stock value.
THE INVENTORY
The property is sold with an inventory of trade fixtures, fittings and equipment.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
Please contact the agents for a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate and Recommendation Report.
THE ACCOMMODATION (comprises)
GROUND FLOOR
Fenced hardstanding area
RECEPTION
240 sq.ft (22 sq.m) Double entrance doors, counter, skylight, bike display / storage
WORKSHOP
161 sq.ft (15 sq.m) Door to covered hardstanding overlooking station platform, assorted bike repair and servicing clamps, stands and tools.
2 x BIKE STORES
One with mezzanine floor for further bike storage
TOILET
Hand washing facilities
LIFESTYLE & GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
This is an ideal lifestyle business in one of the UK’s most desirable coastal regions — offering the chance to combine outdoor living with a proven and profitable enterprise.
Key opportunities for growth include:
- Expanding the electric bike fleet to meet rising demand
- Extending the operating season beyond March–October
- Developing coast-to-coast packages and experiences
- Increasing online marketing and advance bookings
- Growing workshop and servicing income
IMPORTANT NOTICE
JD Commercial for themselves, and for the Vendors of this property whose Agents they are, give notice that:
1. The Particulars are set out in general outline only for the guidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute part of an offer or contract. Prospective purchasers should seek their own professional advice.
2. All descriptions, dimensions and areas, references to condition and necessary permissions for use and occupation and other details are given in good faith and are believed to be correct, but any intending purchaser should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact and must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them.
3. No person in the employment of JD Commercial has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property or these particulars nor to enter into any contract relating to the property on behalf of JD Commercial, nor into any contract on behalf of the Vendors.
4. No responsibility can be accepted for any expenses incurred by any intending purchaser in inspecting properties which have been sold, let or withdrawn.
