Barnstaple

Coordinates:	51.079, -4.053
OS grid ref:	SS 56 33
Population:	31,616
Dialling code:	01271

Barnstaple sits on the estuary of the River Taw in North Devon, Devon, England, and has the sort of hilly, riverside setting that makes it a natural gateway both to the dramatic Exmoor hills and the North Devon coast. The town is threaded by historic streets and the long bridge crossing the estuary, and is linked into the region by the scenic Tarka Trail and rail and road connections towards Exeter, which help explain its role as the principal service centre for the surrounding rural area.

Historically a medieval market and trading centre, Barnstaple still centres on its markets and compact shopping streets while also supporting light industry, tourism and public services. Points of local interest include a surviving castle mound and the longstanding pannier market; culturally it hosts markets, small festivals and a lively local arts and music scene, reflecting a mix of long-standing families, commuters and second-home owners that gives the town a varied social character.

Postcode districts covering Barnstaple

Most populated places nearby

Barnstaple 0.4 miles
Bideford 8 miles
Ilfracombe 9 miles

Neighbouring places

Barnstaple Central Ward 0.2 miles
Barnstaple Built-up area 0.4 miles
Barnstaple with Westacott Ward 0.7 miles
Barnstaple with Pilton Ward 0.7 miles
Newport Ward 0.7 miles
Roundswell Ward 1 mile
Pilton West Parish 1 mile
Westacott Built-up area 1.3 miles
Bishop's Tawton Built-up area 1.7 miles
Bickington Built-up area 2 miles
Goodleigh Built-up area 2.3 miles
Landkey Built-up area 2.4 miles

Example postcodes in Barnstaple

EX31 1EW, EX32 7ED, EX32 7AX, EX32 8JR, EX32 8AF, EX32 8BU, EX32 9HX, EX32 9FN, EX31 1NY … See all

Transport links

Exeter International Airport 36.6 miles
Cardiff Airport 37.7 miles
Barnstaple Railway Station 0.6 miles
Chapelton Railway Station 4.5 miles

Hotels in Barnstaple Ad

Schools in Barnstaple

Ashleigh C of E Primary School Primary
Eden Park Academy Primary
Newport Community School Primary Academy Primary
Orchard Vale Community School Primary
Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Barnstaple Primary
Pathfield School Special
Pilton Bluecoat C of E Academy Primary
Pilton Community College Secondary
Pilton Infants' Academy Primary
The Lampard Community School Special
The Park Community School Secondary

Local points of interest

Braunton Burrows Hill 6.8 miles
Saunton Sands Beach 7.6 miles
Putsborough Beach Beach 8.7 miles
Mouthmill Beach Beach 16.9 miles
Brownsham Wood Historic site 17.7 miles