Barnstaple is the oldest borough in the country and is the commercial and agricultural centre of North Devon. Its suburbs include Fremington, Bickington and Roundswell. Barnstaple has a wonderful mixture of Victorian, Medieval and Georgian architecture and has been a multiple winner of Britain in Bloom.
Being the main town for the area, means it is home to the most activities which including a cinema, theatre, pubs, clubs, a bowling alley and many award-winning food and drink establishments.
North Devon is renowned for its fantastic local produce which are sold through the pannier market and Butchers Row in Barnstaple. There is also a main high street with all the usual retail outlets as well as a covered shopping mall called Green Lanes. For a more extensive range of high street shops locals often take a trip to Exeter.
There are plenty of retail parks with DIY stores, IT stores and large supermarkets situated on the outskirts of the town.
Over the past 3 or 4 years Barnstaple town centre has seen some distinct improvements including a new bridge over the River Taw, a re-vamped and partly pedestrianised central Square as well as many retail improvements.
North Devon Council, together with a number of key agencies are working on a number of projects that will dramatically change Barnstaple over the coming years. These include a proposal for a new shopping area to include a department store which is due to commence in 2010. Find out more about developments for Barnstaple.
Barnstaple is also home to North Devon Go, which loans scooters and manual and powered wheelchairs to those with mobility problems who wish to access Barnstaple shops and other town centre facilities.
A bit of history:
Barnstaple (or Barum) has more than 1,000 years of history, from the Saxons to the present day. It is England’s oldest borough and Devon’s largest town. The Castle Mound, built by the Normans around 1100 AD is all that remains of the ancient defences of the Borough.
More information:
Barnstaple Town Centre
Barnstaple History
northdevon.com - Barnstaple