Barnstaple

A stay in Barnstaple can focus on a range of interests: historic buildings, art pottery, the Pannier Market or getting active on the Tarka Trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Barnstaple, these themes can help you plan your stay around your interests. The historic sites tell stories of different periods and functions—from medieval buildings to the town’s trading history.

Buildings and history in Barnstaple

Queen Anne’s Walk, formerly called Merchant’s Walk, is a roofed stone colonnade built as an exchange. It is considered an exceptionally well-preserved testament to Barnstaple’s trading history and is protected as a Grade I listed building; its listing number is 1385370. Its former name and original function offer two distinct historical points of reference: its earlier name and its role as an exchange.

St. Anne’s Chapel takes us to another chapter in the town’s history. The chapel was originally built in the 14th century as a charnel chapel. After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, French services were held there for Barnstaple’s exiled Huguenot community—for up to 75 years. At this one site, you can trace both its original religious function and the later history of a community in exile.

The dimensions of the motte at Barnstaple Castle also make its scale tangible: it is the castle’s earliest surviving feature, dates from around 1068–1069, and is still about 14 metres high and 60 metres wide. Long Bridge, meanwhile, is a road bridge over the River Taw whose origins date back to the 13th century. Its sixteen pointed arches are a distinctive architectural feature, unlike the earthwork form of the motte. Rock Park adds a later date to the town’s history: it opened in August 1879 with a large public celebration.

Museum, market and art pottery

Approximate walking times can be useful when planning a visit to the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon: it is about a three-minute walk from the bus station and an eight-minute walk from the railway station. The museum is also a possible stop for travellers interested in the history and culture of the region.

Barnstaple Pannier Market is housed in a Victorian building listed as Grade II. The market is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may change. The stalls offer fresh local produce, handmade goods, special gifts, everyday essentials, and food and drink. Individual traders and offerings may vary; the mix of food, crafts and everyday goods reflects the market’s broad range.

The North Devon Art Pottery collection features art pottery from three Barnstaple potteries: C.H. Brannam, William Baron and Alexander Lauder. The works date from 1879 to the 1930s. This time span encompasses several decades of local pottery history, while the three names offer specific points of reference if you’re particularly interested in Barnstaple art pottery.

Exploring on foot and by bike

The Tarka Trail is a walking and cycling route in the North Devon Biosphere Reserve that passes through Barnstaple. Near Barnstaple, the route crosses the tributary River Yeo on a swing bridge. Here, the trail brings together exercise and scenery with a distinctive structure. As outdoor infrastructure can change, it’s a good idea to check the current route before setting out.

History, the market, art pottery and the Tarka Trail offer different ways to experience a trip to Barnstaple. Depending on how you’d like to spend your time, building history, market hours or a walking or cycling trip can take priority when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Georgeham, Black Torrington, Lifton, Hartland, Throwleigh, Brixton, Broadclyst, Payhembury.

See the wider travel guide: Devon.