Barnstaple Clock Tower
Barnstaple Clock Tower
Highlight • Monument
Cycling
4.9
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Road cycling
5.0
(1)
The Barnstaple Clock Tower, officially known as the Albert Clock, is a distinctive and historic landmark situated in The Square in Barnstaple, Devon, England. Standing at an elevation of approximately 3 meters above sea level, this Grade II listed monument serves as a prominent focal point in the heart of the town. Erected in 1862, it commemorates Albert, Prince Consort, the husband of Queen Victoria, and showcases impressive Gothic Revival architecture.
Visitors are drawn to the Albert Clock for its rich historical significance and its striking design. Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Barnstaple, offering a tangible connection to the town's Victorian heritage. The tower's intricate stonework, crafted from local materials like Devon marble and sandstone, along with its unique "four-faced liar" nickname due to occasional discrepancies in its clock faces, add to its charm and appeal.
As a public monument in a central, open space, the Barnstaple Clock Tower is highly accessible. The surrounding area in The Square has benefited from regeneration projects, making it generally easy to view the monument, including for those using wheelchairs. This makes it a welcoming destination for anyone seeking a Barnstaple Clock Tower wheelchair accessible guide, with its accessibility features making it suitable for all visitors.
The Albert Clock can be enjoyed year-round, offering a constant presence in Barnstaple's town centre. It's a perfect spot for photography, a meeting point, or simply to appreciate a piece of local history. Its central position means it's well-integrated with Barnstaple's amenities, making it easy to combine a visit with exploring nearby shops, cafes, and other attractions.
The tower's design, by local architect Richard Davie Gould, features an octagonal shaft rising from a broader base, topped with a square clock chamber and a small belfry. Commemorative marble plaques dedicated to Prince Albert are visible at its base, offering a glimpse into its purpose. The 2009 restoration, supported by Barnstaple Town Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, ensured its preservation for future generations.
Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a central landmark in Devon, the Barnstaple Clock Tower offers a memorable experience. You can discover various routes around Barnstaple that pass by this iconic structure, making it a key point of interest for walkers and cyclists alike. Explore the many options available on komoot to plan your visit and discover the charm of Barnstaple.
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June 14, 2019
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Barnstaple Clock Tower
3
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81.7km
05:32
860m
860m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(20)
217
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30.1km
01:47
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(19)
211
riders
25.1km
01:26
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
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The Barnstaple Clock Tower, also known as the Albert Clock, is a historic monument located in a public square. While the tower itself is not designed for internal visitor access, the surrounding area in The Square is generally accessible for viewing the monument from all sides. Regeneration projects in the town centre have aimed to improve pedestrian areas, which benefits wheelchair users.
Yes, the Clock Tower is situated in The Square, a central and open public space in Barnstaple, which is generally flat and paved, making it suitable for wheelchair users. From here, you can explore the pedestrianized areas of the town centre. For a longer accessible route, the nearby Barnstaple Long Bridge, a Grade-I listed medieval bridge, has undergone renovations to include cycle lanes, which also makes it suitable for wheelchair users to cross and enjoy views of the River Taw.
As the Clock Tower is in the town centre, there are several public car parks within walking distance. While specific accessible parking bays can vary, it's advisable to check local council websites for up-to-date information on designated disabled parking spaces in car parks such as North Walk or Green Lanes, which are typically close to The Square. Arriving earlier in the day, especially during peak seasons, can help secure parking.
Barnstaple has a bus station located relatively close to The Square, offering services that often include accessible buses. The town's train station is also within reasonable distance. It's recommended to check with local bus operators (e.g., Stagecoach) or National Rail for specific routes and accessibility information to ensure your journey to the town centre is as smooth as possible.
Being in the heart of Barnstaple's town centre, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops within easy reach of the Clock Tower. Many modern establishments and larger chains are likely to offer accessible entrances and facilities. For public restrooms, look for facilities managed by the local council, which often include accessible options. It's always a good idea to check directly with individual venues for their specific accessibility provisions.
The Clock Tower is accessible year-round. However, visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings, might offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, making navigation easier for wheelchair users. Spring and summer provide generally milder weather, which can be more comfortable for outdoor exploration, though the area is well-maintained in all seasons.
The area around the Clock Tower is paved, so light rain or dry conditions generally do not significantly impede wheelchair access. However, heavy rain could create puddles, and icy conditions in winter would require extra caution. The central location means paths are usually cleared quickly after snowfall, but it's always wise to check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Beyond the Clock Tower, Barnstaple offers several accessible options. The town centre itself is largely pedestrian-friendly, allowing for easy exploration of shops and markets. The Tarka Trail, a popular multi-use path, has accessible sections that can be enjoyed by wheelchair users, offering scenic views along the River Taw. Additionally, many of Barnstaple's museums and galleries strive to be accessible, so checking their individual websites is recommended.
The Barnstaple Clock Tower, officially the Albert Clock, was erected in 1862 as a memorial to Albert, Prince Consort, Queen Victoria's husband, following his death in 1861. It was funded by public subscription and designed by local architect Richard Davie Gould. It stands as a Grade II listed monument, symbolizing Barnstaple's civic pride and Victorian heritage, and is a notable example of Gothic Revival architecture.
The Albert Clock has earned the affectionate local nickname 'the four-faced liar' due to occasional discrepancies in the time displayed on its four clock faces. This charming quirk is a long-standing tradition; during a major restoration in 2009, Barnstaple Town Council even stipulated that three of the clock's faces continue to tell slightly different times, preserving this unique aspect of the tower's character.
The Clock Tower itself is a central landmark in The Square, offering open views from all directions. For broader accessible viewpoints of Barnstaple, consider areas along the River Taw, particularly near the Barnstaple Long Bridge, which provides panoramic vistas of the river and townscape from a flat, accessible pathway.
Yes, detailed historical and architectural information about the Barnstaple Clock Tower, officially known as the Albert Clock, is available on Wikipedia. You can find its dedicated page by searching for 'Albert Clock, Barnstaple' or by visiting wikipedia.org.