Barnstaple is a town and Civil parishes in England in the Districts of England of North Devon in the county of Devon, England, UK. It lies  west southwest of Bristol,  north of Plymouth and  northwest of the county town of Exeter.
 
It is the main town of the district and claims to be the oldest borough in the United Kingdom. It was founded at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw, about 3 miles (5 km) from the Taw's seafall at the Bristol Channel. By the time of the Domesday Book, Barnstaple had its own mint (coin). Its size and wealth in the Middle Ages was based on it being within the staple, a staple port licensed to export wool, and its importance is still obvious in the town's name. The wool trade was further aided by the town's excellent port, with five ships being sent in 1588 to aid the fight against the Spanish Armada.
 
It was one of the boroughs reformed by the Municipal Reform Act 1835. Since 1974, it has been a civil parish with a town council.. It has a population of 20,724

Why visit?

  • Exmoor National Park is just a short drive away from Barnstaple and offers a range of activities, including walking, cycling, horse riding and wildlife watching.
  • Barnstaple is a historic market town with a rich heritage, boasting a variety of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. The town centre is also home to the Pannier Market, a traditional market hall with a wide range of stalls selling local produce, crafts and gifts.
  • Barnstaple is renowned for its local produce, including seafood, cider and cheese. There are a number of restaurants and pubs in the area serving up delicious dishes made with local ingredients.