Follow the Heritage Trail at Barnstaple…

…the Historic Town with a Modern Heart

The oldest Borough in England, Barnstaple is a market town that has evolved around the banks of the River Taw and its tributary, the River Yeo. At one time, Barnstaple was the only port in the South West of England and this has determined much of its history. In the latter part of the 16th century it played its part in the destruction of the Armada when from the Great Quay, next to the Heritage Centre, five ships, manned by Barnstaple men set sail to join Sir Francis Drake’s fleet in Plymouth before going into battle.

visitors as it takes in a large swathe of historic focal points of interest. The twisted lead spire of the ancient St Peters Church in Paternoster Row stands tall amongst the buildings, next to St Anne’s Chapel situated in the churchyard. Originally a charnel house, then a chapel and later a Grammar School, St Anne’s Chapel is where John Gay, poet, playwright and author of the Beggars Opera attended. This area of the town signposts the visitor to many other places of interest, including the Alice Horwood almshouses, the Guildhall, Butchers Row and the bustling Pannier Market all of which are close by.

Barnstaple is just a 20 minute picturesque drive from the breathtaking port at Ilfracombe for more information on the cruise facilities visit the Ilfracombe port page at

www.destinationsouthwest.co.uk