Barnstaple: no cars go!

On our way back from Cornwall we stopped at Barnstaple (not pronounced barn-staple, but instead like this). When Ryan suggested stopping there he promised that we would like it because it has a car-free pedestrian zone and a food market. The city did not disappoint. The Town Area of Barnstaple includes four individual settlements and has a combined population of ~50,000. Barnstaple is the main shopping and market area of North Devon.

One of two large car-parks located just outside the town centre.

We parked across the river and walked along it and over the bridge into the city centre. There were a number of parking lots surrounding the city centre. The pedestrian zone was busy with shoppers at Friday noon. There were lots of shops, including the more upscale Marks and Spencer and others.

Inside beautiful Pannier Market

We walked to the Pannier Market, which was housed in a beautiful old brick building. The building was filled with natural light from the numerous skylights. The market opened with fruits and vegetables, eggs and meat, and baked goods. There was a clear lack of refrigeration of meat that would not be acceptable in Canada. The second half had clothing, including traditional tweed and wax jackets, housewares and odds and ends.

We thoroughly enjoyed Barnstaple and strongly recommend a visit.