About Barnstaple

Barnstaple, capital of North Devon is a town where history mingles comfortably with modern shopping facilities and excellent dining and cultural experiences.

Welcome

North Devon’s pioneering shopping destination, Barnstaple possesses a large number of well known national names on the High Street, along with a fantastic range of independent outlets.

The historic Barnstaple Pannier Market with its local produce, crafts and antiques, offers a unique shopping experience in the very heart of town.

Within the town is an enviable of excellent cafes, pubs and restaurants, so whether it’s a quick coffee and a snack, a refreshing pint, or contemporary dining, Barnstaple has something for everyone. In the evening in addition to places to wine and dine, there is entertainment, at the Queen’s Theatre and nearby multi-screen Scott Cinema.
Barnstaple has a growing reputation for hosting the South West’s leading events throughout the year including the Christmas launch event, consistently attracting star names and large crowds.

Attractions

Museum of North Devon
The museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is housed in a fine Victorian brick building beside Barnstaple’s famous Long Bridge over the River Taw. A number of galleries display and interpret the natural, social and military history of the town and North Devon.

Barnstaple Heritage Centre
Housed in a beautiful Grade I listed building on the town’s historic quayside, The Heritage Centre features an exhibition of Barnstaple’s history from medieval times to the present day. A combination of touch-screen interactive points, information panels and atmospheric mock-ups help bring the town’s history to life for visitors of all ages.

Guided walks of historic Barnstaple
It is possible to take guided tours of the town enabling you to discover the fascinating history of Barnstaple, which is the country’s oldest royal chartered borough. Tours are available daytime or evening but must be pre-booked.

Shopping

The High Street provides the focal point for shopping the town with a number of national stores and independent retailers providing something for everyone. A visit to adjoining streets including Gammon Walk, Joy Street and Boutport Street will reveal a range of independent and specialist shops which a true gems unique to the town.

Green Lanes Shopping Centre is accessed from the High Street and hosts a range of national retailers, specialist stores and places to eat, along with safe, secure parking.

The historic Pannier Market operates six days a week and offers a huge range of local produce, handmade arts and crafts along with antiques, books and collectables.

Adjacent to the Pannier Market is another attraction that is popular with visitors and locals alike. Butchers Row is a collection of individual butchers’ shops, fishmongers, greengrocers and delicatessens, each boasting an array of produce to tempt the shoppers.

Food and Drink

Barnstaple boasts a huge range of opportunities to enjoy some wonderful food and drink.

With high quality international cuisine available ranging from Chinese to Mexican, Italian to Spanish tapas, and of course not forgetting the traditional British pub, Barnstaple has something for everyone.

If it’s just a quick coffee or snack to keep up your energy levels while you enjoy everything else the town has to offer you will find you are equally well catered for. From high street chains to well established and welcoming local venues you certainly won’t go short on choice.

Culture

The Queen’s Theatre produces a stranded arts and entertainment programme featuring drama, classical music, opera, children’s shows, popular music (including rock, jazz, folk and roots), contemporary dance, ballet, amateur shows, visual arts and community events. The theatre’s Gallery Cafe doubles as both an informal performance space and relaxing cafe bar.
Barnstaple also boasts an independent, award winning, multi-screen cinema.

Sport and Leisure

Barnstaple hosts a number of excellent sporting facilities. These include the North Devon Leisure Centre which has a wide range of leisure and sports facilities including a 25m swimming pool with diving boards, a 68 station gym, squash courts and sports hall along with a cafe , crèche and children’s play area.

The Tarka Tennis Centre boasts state of the art facilities with six indoor courts and six outdoor floodlit courts, two of which are clay. Rackets and balls can be bought or hired at the centre and coaching is also available.

Gateway to the Tarka Trail

Barnstaple station is a starting point for the Tarka Trail which offers up to 21 miles of level, scenic traffic-free cycling.
Cycle from Barnstaple along the estuary to Instow, Bideford, Torrington or beyond, with a round trip from 12 miles to 40 miles. There are numerous refreshments stops, places of interest and spectacular views. On the other side of the estuary, you can cycle to Braunton and beyond, which is equally spectacular.