Barnstaple is the historic capital of North Devon, a lively market town on the River Taw estuary with over 1,000 years of recorded history and excellent amenities.
One of the oldest boroughs in England, Barnstaple has been a centre of trade and commerce since Saxon times. The town retains much of its traditional character, with a fine medieval Long Bridge spanning the River Taw, a bustling high street, and a wealth of independent shops alongside familiar high street names. It is the principal town of North Devon and serves as the gateway to some of the finest beaches and countryside in the south-west.
The Pannier Market is at the heart of Barnstaple life. Housed in a handsome Victorian covered hall dating from 1855, it hosts a general market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a crafts market on Mondays and Thursdays, and an antiques and collectables market on Wednesdays and Fridays. Immediately alongside, Butchers Row is a Grade II listed arcade of specialist food shops -- originally the town's meat market -- now home to a butcher, delicatessen, cheesemonger, and other artisan food retailers.
The town centre has a good mix of well-known high street retailers and excellent independents, plus a large Green Lanes Shopping Centre. There is also a retail park on the outskirts with larger stores.
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon tells the story of the area from prehistoric times to the present day, with displays covering local wildlife, the Devon pottery tradition, and the town's maritime heritage. Queen's Theatre, a beautifully restored Victorian playhouse, hosts a year-round programme of drama, music, comedy, and cinema.
Long Bridge, which crosses the River Taw, dates from the 13th century and is one of the longest medieval bridges in Britain. A walk along the riverside offers pleasant views across the estuary, with wading birds and the occasional seal to look out for.
