Barnstaple is the social centre of North Devon. Located on the River Taw, it is one of the UK's oldest boroughs.
Whether you are wanting to meet friends, go for dinner, watch a show, or shop, Barnstaple has you covered. The town centre offers a little bit of everything, with a real family friendly focus.
Barnstaple remains a thriving historic market town with a traditional Pannier Market and home to the infamous Butchers Row. Pannier has been the host of local markets for over a thousand years. The town is a hub for artists, historians, and lovers of culture with regular art and crafts events taking place throughout the year.
Barnstaple is the perfect place for dining out. With lots of independent restaurants in the area serving local produce, be sure to treat yourself to a dinner out on Your Devon Escape. And it is simply a must for you to try a Devonshire cream tea whilst in the town.
For the more active visitors, Barnstaple is a good base for exploring Tarka Country and the one-hundred-and-eighty-mile Tarka Trail. Or if you need more walking options, Barnstaple is a stone’s through from both Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Although the town isn’t coastal, it is a great place to explore the coast from. North Devon has a beautiful stretch of beaches along its coastline, from sprawling sands to little coves. If you come to this pocket of the county without a car, or simply don’t want to drive, most of the area’s beaches are accessible by public transport.