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EuropeUnited KingdomEngland

Barnstaple

England, United Kingdom · Europe

About Barnstaple

Barnstaple is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Fremington, 34km from Porlock Hill.

Barnstaple is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 31,616, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Barnstaple sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Barnstaple to your route.

About Barnstaple

Barnstaple ( or ) is a town and civil parish in the North Devon district of Devon, England. The town lies at the River Taw's lowest crossing point before the Bristol Channel. From the 14th century, it was licensed to export wool from which it earned great wealth. Later it imported Irish wool, but its harbour silted

Read more up and other trades developed such as shipbuilding, foundries and sawmills. A Victorian market building survives, with a high glass and timber roof on iron columns.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Barnstaple

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Barnstaple?

Barnstaple offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Barnstaple?

Plan your road trip to Barnstaple with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Barnstaple as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Barnstaple located?

Barnstaple is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.0802 latitude, -4.0581 longitude.

What is the population of Barnstaple?

Barnstaple has a population of approximately 31,616 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
31,616
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
England
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
51.0802, -4.0581

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomEnglandTown

Worth the detour from Barnstaple

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

Clovelly

Impossibly steep cobbled fishing village cascading down to a tiny harbour, where donkeys once carried goods and no cars are permitted.

26 km · about 30 min drive

famous road

Porlock Hill

Britain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.

34 km · about 40 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Hartland Quay

Savage stretch of North Devon coast where contorted rock strata zigzag into the Atlantic, reached by a dead-end road down the cliffs to a 16th-century harbour site and pub. Shipwreck country with a small museum.

35 km · about 40 min drive

famous road

Atlantic Highway (A39)

Spectacular coastal road running through north Devon and Cornwall past dramatic cliffs, surfing beaches and picturesque harbour villages.

44 km · about 50 min drive

cafe

The Bike Shed Exeter

The original Bike Shed venue in Exeter's historic city centre, blending motorcycle culture with independent food and drink.

54 km · about 65 min drive

cathedral

Exeter Cathedral

Magnificent Gothic cathedral boasting the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England, dating back to the 12th century.

54 km · about 65 min drive

beach

Three Cliffs Bay

Triple limestone peaks guard a sweep of sand where Pennard Pill meanders to the sea on the Gower: repeatedly voted among Britain's best beaches yet reached only on foot past a ruined castle. View from Pennard cliffs is the classic.

54 km · about 65 min drive

beach

Rhossili Bay

A sweeping three-mile beach on the Gower Peninsula with dramatic cliff views, Worm's Head promontory, and powerful surf.

56 km · about 65 min drive

Driving roads near Barnstaple

  • 34 kmPorlock HillBritain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.
  • 35 kmHartland QuaySavage stretch of North Devon coast where contorted rock strata zigzag into the Atlantic, reached by a dead-end road down the cliffs to a 16th-century harbour site and pub. Shipwreck country with a small museum.
  • 44 kmAtlantic Highway (A39)Spectacular coastal road running through north Devon and Cornwall past dramatic cliffs, surfing beaches and picturesque harbour villages.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Barnstaple.

Fremington

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 4,310

Braunton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 9,525

Appledore

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 2,161

Northam

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

12 km awayPop. 7,668

Bideford

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 km awayPop. 28,672

Combe Martin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 km awayPop. 2,687

Ilfracombe

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

15 km awayPop. 11,042

Great Torrington

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

15 km awayPop. 5,714

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence