South Molton is a historic market town on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park, easily reached from the A361 North Devon Link Road. It makes an excellent base for exploring Exmoor and Devon.
The town has a long and proud history stretching back to Saxon times, and was once a prosperous centre for the wool trade. Today it retains much of its traditional character, with handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the wide, sloping Broad Street. The 15th-century Guildhall still stands at the heart of the town, home to the South Molton Museum, which tells the story of the area's heritage.
South Molton's famous pannier market has been held every Thursday and Saturday for centuries. The covered market hall beside Broad Street hosts stalls selling local produce, crafts, baked goods, and household items. On Thursdays the market is smaller and more local in character, while Saturday is the main market day, drawing visitors from across North Devon. It is well worth timing your visit to coincide with market day.
South Molton has an excellent range of amenities for a town of its size. There is a good selection of independent shops, including a butcher, a baker, gift shops, and a bookshop along Broad Street and the surrounding streets. The town has a Co-op supermarket for everyday groceries, as well as a post office, pharmacy, and several banks and cashpoints.
Other facilities include South Molton Swimming Pool and leisure centre, a medical centre, a library, and a primary and secondary school. For larger supermarkets and high street shopping, Barnstaple is approximately 12 miles away, and Tiverton is approximately 25 miles south.
