In and Around Barnstaple

Barum is the original Roman name for Barnstaple, and Barum Ware is the traditional style of Barnstaple pottery which was produced by the Charles Brannam at the famous ’Brannam Pottery’ in the late 1800s. The family had been associated with the trade since the 18th century, but it wasn’t until Charles launched his Barum Ware range that the name became synonymous with quality art pottery.

Taking over from his father and using his well developed understanding of form and colour, he made decorative pottery that, within three years, was stocked by retailers such as Howell & James of Regent Street, London. The Brannam pottery is still in operation today, although under different ownership.

James Duckett at the Old Custom House

Centrally located in Barnstaple’s recently revamped Strand, the restaurant opened in August 2008 under the ownership of chef James Duckett and is not to be confused with its previous incarnation under different ownership, which closed in mid 2007.  His modern European cuisine is served tapas style at lunch while dinners offer an authentic fine dining experience.

James arrived in Barnstaple from Spain where he ran his own restaurant.  Before that his experience was gained in the kitchens of fine dining restaurants in London and internationally working with renowned chefs such as Albert Roux, Philip Howard, Michel Roux, Marcus Wareing, Liam Tomlinson and many more.

James uses fresh local produce and all food is prepared on the premises to include bread, pasta and ice cream.  While retaining all of the techniques and quality of produce that are essential features of the very best in cuisine James’s dishes are uncomplicated and the service and surroundings are pleasantly relaxed.  The restaurant has a private dining room and in the warmer weather there is seating both on the Strand and in the restaurant’s secluded rear courtyard.

A great way to get to know North Devon’s landscape, people and stories is to visit the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon located in the square. The museum tells the story of North Devon and historic Barnstaple through a range of changing exhibitions.

Regular features are the annual Heritage Photographic Exhibition in the autumn, the North Devon Open Art Show in January and February and a hands-on, family orientated exhibition in the summer, plus a monthly children’s quiz. For more information and to find out what’s in the museums galleries log onto www.devonmuseums.net/barnstaple or phone the museum 01271 346747.

Cafe Karumba, located just off the High Street in Holland walk, serves probably the best coffee in Barnstaple (including 8 Fairtrade). If coffee isn’t your thing, then you can always try a delicious fruit smoothie, freshly prepared for you and 99.8% fat free.

For something a little more wholesome, choose from paninis, luxury cakes, desserts, fresh salads or range of savouries such as quiche, pasta, pizza and more. A great atmosphere combined with a selection of tea, soft and de-caffeinated drinks make Café Karumba the best choice for your shopping break.

There are many interesting places to visit and explore around Barnstaple, such as the pretty estuary village of Instow. Its wonderful scenic views make it a favourite haunt for artists whilst fishermen enjoy catching bass! It is also a place for watersports and sailing enthusiasts. Well known for its scenic vistas across the rivers, it also commands some of the most spectacular sunsets ever to be witnessed in North Devon, as the sun disappears behind the horizon of Bideford Bay.

It is also where the Torridge meets the Taw and the heart of Tarka Country - at the scene of his winter wanderings and close to where the final dramatic hours of his life were played out in the swirling waters of the estuary.

Away from the noise and bustle of the main road, an excellent track runs between Barnstaple and Instow. This is, in fact, the old Barnstaple to Bideford railway line which is now a route for walkers and cyclists. You will have superb views of the estuary as you walk along and will also appreciate the full extent of the difference the tide makes to this estuary. What appears at one time to be a wide stretch of fast flowing water becomes within a few hours an expanse of sand with just a few streams of water meandering through.