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Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

Ottery St Mary

Every Bonfire Night, local barrel rollers carry blazing tar barrels on their shoulders through the packed streets of Ottery St Mary. It is held on 5 November each year unless that is a Sunday. Junior barrels start in the late afternoon, the adult barrels in the evening, and the night ends with the Midnight Barrel in the town square. Around 15,000 people come.

Find a room nearby

Live prices from booking sites. The map loads only when you press the button.

Where to stay

  • Ottery St MaryVery few rooms, book months ahead
  • HonitonMarket town about 6 miles away
  • SidmouthSeaside hotels about 7 miles away
  • ExeterThe most choice, about 25 minutes by car

Getting there

  • Roads into the town centre close from about 4pm
  • Use the official car parks on the edge of town
  • Extra buses and coaches are laid on to bring people in and take them home
  • Feniton station is about 3 miles away; Exeter is about 12 miles away
TipThe town's advice is to wear old clothes made of natural fibres like wool or denim, not to run when a barrel comes towards you, and that the event isn't suitable for small children, dogs or people with limited mobility. Bring cash, as card machines and phone signal often fail.

Travel details can change, especially on event days — check with the venue or operator before you travel.

Questions people ask

Where is the best place to stay near Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels?

Ottery St Mary: Very few rooms, book months ahead. Honiton: Market town about 6 miles away. Sidmouth: Seaside hotels about 7 miles away. Exeter: The most choice, about 25 minutes by car.

How do I get to Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels?

Roads into the town centre close from about 4pm. Use the official car parks on the edge of town. Extra buses and coaches are laid on to bring people in and take them home. Feniton station is about 3 miles away; Exeter is about 12 miles away.

Any tips for visiting Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels?

The town's advice is to wear old clothes made of natural fibres like wool or denim, not to run when a barrel comes towards you, and that the event isn't suitable for small children, dogs or people with limited mobility. Bring cash, as card machines and phone signal often fail.

Which airport is closest to Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels?

The nearest airport on this site is Exeter Airport, about 6 miles away in a straight line. See hotels near the airport.

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