Living in Barnstaple

The community spirit in Barnstaple is one of its defining features. There is a strong tradition of local involvement, reflected in the number of clubs, societies, and volunteer-led initiatives throughout the area. From sports clubs—rugby, cricket, and football among them—to arts collectives and music groups, residents are active participants in local life.

The weekly market at the historic Pannier Market is a longstanding institution, providing a meeting point for locals and a showcase for regional produce, crafts, and antiques. Events like the Barnstaple Fringe TheatreFest, North Devon Foodfest, and Christmas lights switch-on further foster community cohesion and cultural vibrancy.

The town’s riverside parks, the Tarka Trail cycling and walking route, and closeness to Exmoor provide outdoor spaces for recreation, while the North Devon Leisure Centre and community halls host a wide range of family and adult activities. Overall, Barnstaple nurtures a sense of belonging and is popular with those seeking both social engagement and peaceful green spaces.

Crime rates in Barnstaple are generally moderate for a town of its size, with most incidents related to minor antisocial behaviour or property crime. The town centre is monitored by CCTV and benefits from active community policing, particularly around the market and shopping precincts.

Several neighbourhoods, such as Newport and Sticklepath, are perceived as quieter residential areas with a strong sense of community safety. The town has also invested in youth outreach and community safety initiatives in recent years, helping to keep crime rates stable. Like most UK towns, Barnstaple sees its busiest periods for police activity on weekends, linked to the evening social scene. Overall, the local police presence and community vigilance contribute to residents generally feeling safe, especially during daylight hours.

Parking in Barnstaple is generally straightforward, with several long-stay and short-stay car parks available in and around the town centre. Most residential areas offer free on-street parking, although some streets near the centre operate a permit scheme for residents. The popular Green Lanes and Queen Street car parks serve shoppers and commuters, while the railway station has its own facility for those using the train.

Road congestion can occur at peak times, particularly on the approach roads to the Taw River crossings, but access remains good for a town of its size. The main A39 and A361 roads provide fast routes in and out of Barnstaple to the surrounding region, supporting both daily commutes and tourism.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Bideford – approx. 15 minutes via A39 (9 miles)
• Ilfracombe – approx. 30 minutes via A361 (12 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via A361/M5 (45 miles)
• Tiverton – approx. 1 hour via A361 (32 miles)

For travelers needing motorway access, the M5 can be reached easily from the A361. Traffic management and parking provision are supported by North Devon District Council, which also operates a number of electric vehicle charging points around the town.

Barnstaple boasts a vibrant food scene, with a mixture of independent cafés, traditional pubs, and diverse restaurants lining the high street and the historic lanes. Local favourites include The Bank, set in a former Victorian bank building and known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, and Lilico’s, popular for tapas and craft beers. For casual dining, Tea by the Taw offers riverside views, while Claytons & The Glasshouse is a well-regarded spot for cocktails and eclectic small plates.

The pub scene features longstanding establishments like The Rolle Quay Inn and Reform Inn, welcoming both locals and visitors. Nightlife is relatively relaxed, with bars such as Bar62 and supporting a late-night crowd, particularly on weekends. The Queen’s Theatre is a cultural hub, staging touring plays, concerts, and comedy nights, while live music fans can enjoy local gigs at venues like The Factory and smaller pubs. Takeaways and fast-food outlets provide variety, especially for students and young adults.

Barnstaple’s social scene caters more to relaxed evenings than to late-night clubbing, though there is an energetic buzz during festival periods and special events.

Barnstaple has a strong reputation as a family friendly town. Local schools such as Newport Community School and The Park Community School offer high-quality education with inclusive environments, making the area attractive to families.

Parks and green spaces are plentiful, with Rock Park and the Tarka Trail providing safe areas for children to play and for families to exercise together. The town is also home to several children’s playcentres, family-friendly cafés, and weekend clubs.

Quality childcare provision is accessible through a range of nurseries and after-school clubs. Safety is actively promoted by community policing and local watch schemes, especially in quieter residential neighbourhoods like Newport and Sticklepath.

There are numerous family activities year-round, including festivals, theatre workshops, and regular family events at the Pannier Market and Queen’s Theatre. Access to both the coast and countryside within a short drive also gives families countless options for outdoor adventures.

Barnstaple is seen as highly pet friendly, thanks to its proximity to the Tarka Trail, North Devon beaches, and surrounding countryside. The area is ideal for dog walkers, with riverside walks and open spaces like Rock Park offering both recreation and social interaction for pets and owners. Exmoor National Park is less than 30 minutes away, providing extensive trails and rural landscapes for active pets.

There are several local vets, including Charter Vets and Market Veterinary Centre, as well as a range of pet shops throughout the town. Many cafés and some pubs, especially those with outdoor seating, welcome dogs, and housing landlords are often open to tenants with pets, particularly in suburban and rural properties. Dog-friendly beaches at Saunton and Instow are attractive options for residents and visitors alike.

Barnstaple is a key transport hub for North Devon, well served by road, rail, and bus links. The town’s railway station sits at the terminus of the Tarka Line, providing direct services to Exeter St Davids, from where onward travel to London, Bristol, and the rest of the UK is straightforward. Regular bus services connect Barnstaple to regional towns such as Bideford, Ilfracombe, and South Molton.

For drivers, the A361 North Devon Link Road connects Barnstaple with the M5 motorway at Tiverton, making it feasible for commuters and business travelers to reach major urban centres.

Key commute times:

• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 20 mins by car (45 miles) or just under 1.5 hours by train
• Bristol – approx. 2 hours by car (93 miles), via M5
• London – around 3.5 hours by train, changing at Exeter St Davids
• Ilfracombe – around 30 minutes by car (12 miles)
• Swansea (via A361/M4) – approx. 3 hours

The nearest airport is Exeter Airport, reachable in about 1 hour 10 minutes by car, offering flights to UK and European destinations. Barnstaple’s location also makes it ideal for exploring the North Devon Coast and Exmoor National Park, both within a 30-minute drive.

Barnstaple has a strong reputation for education, providing a range of options from primary through to further education. The town's schools attract families from neighboring villages and often rank favourably in local comparisons.

Primary Schools

Newport Community School Primary Academy is highly regarded, celebrated for its inclusive ethos and consistently positive Ofsted reports, last inspected in 2021 as 'Outstanding'. Sticklepath Community Primary Academy is another large primary, praised for its vibrant learning environment and rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018. Pilton Bluecoat Academy provides junior-level education, noted for its community engagement and enrichment activities. Ashleigh CofE Primary School is a smaller option within the town, also rated 'Good'.

Secondary Schools

The Park Community School stands out in Barnstaple, known for strong pastoral care and arts education, last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019. Pilton Community College is another popular choice, offering a broad curriculum and comprehensive sports facilities, also rated 'Good' in its last inspection. Braunton Academy is within easy reach for some families and known for its results and community links.

Colleges and Sixth Forms

Petroc College is the town’s main provider of tertiary education, offering a range of A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning. With modern facilities and a campus that draws students from across North Devon, Petroc is a major stepping stone for students pursuing both academic and vocational paths.

Universities

While Barnstaple itself does not host a university, the town maintains strong links with universities in neighbouring Exeter and Plymouth. Petroc College also delivers some higher education courses in partnership with these universities, offering local access to degree-level study and foundation degrees.