Discover Barnstaple: Tarka Trail, Market and History

Barnstaple combines outdoor activity, market life and a multifaceted history. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for their trip will find various opportunities here for varied days: the Tarka Trail leads through the town, historic buildings tell stories of trade and religious life, and Barnstaple Pannier Market brings together regional produce and handcrafted goods.

Exploring the Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is a walking and cycling route in the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and passes through Barnstaple. This allows visitors to get to know the town from an active perspective as well. Near Barnstaple, the Tarka Trail crosses the tributary River Yeo on a swing bridge. This specific detail makes the route an interesting choice for anyone who wants to shape their trip not only around sightseeing, but also around a stretch on foot or by bicycle.

For travellers with different interests, the Tarka Trail can complement an active day out, while the historic sights and market provide other focal points. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to plan your stay around outdoor activity, regional products or cultural history.

Trade History and Historic Buildings

Queen Anne's Walk, formerly known as Merchant's Walk, is a covered stone colonnade built as an exchange. It is considered an exceptionally well-preserved testament to Barnstaple's trading history and is a Grade I listed building (listing entry 1385370). The former name is just as much part of its history as its original function as an exchange.

St. Anne's Chapel also offers a special historical perspective. The chapel was originally built as a charnel chapel in the 14th century. After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, French services were held there for up to 75 years for the Huguenot community in exile in Barnstaple. The motte of Barnstaple Castle is the earliest surviving element of the castle. It dates from around 1068–1069 and is still approximately 14 metres high and 60 metres wide.

The Rock Park and Long Bridge provide further notable connections to the town's history. Rock Park opened in August 1879 with a large public celebration. Long Bridge is a road bridge over the River Taw and dates back in origin to the 13th century. It has sixteen pointed arches. These different historical locations are suitable for a stay in which you can explore Barnstaple's development through more than just a single building.

Market, Ceramics and Regional Impressions

Barnstaple Pannier Market is located in a Victorian building classified as a Grade II listed building. The market is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. The stalls offer fresh regional produce, handcrafted goods, special gifts, everyday necessities, as well as food and drinks.

The North Devon Art Pottery collection provides a cultural addition. It includes art pottery from the three Barnstaple potteries C.H. Brannam, William Baron and Alexander Lauder, dating from 1879 to the 1930s. Anyone interested in design, craftsmanship and regional history will gain another perspective on Barnstaple.

Practical Guidance for Planning Your Trip

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is a three-minute walk from the bus station and an eight-minute walk from the railway station. Those arriving by bus or train can take this information into account when planning their day. When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, the desired mix of the Tarka Trail, a market visit and historic discoveries is also a helpful personal guide.

If you would like to compare other places alongside Barnstaple, you can find Bere Alston, Kenton, Westleigh, Whitchurch, Noss Mayo, North Molton, Cullompton and Meshaw here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.