Bideford was the major port in the area between 1550 and 1750.
Bridgeland Street still retains the grand merchant houses, and there is an indoor Pannier Market, now refurbished.
The town is on steep hills overlooking the river and the unusual 15th Century bridge, each of the 24 arches are a different size.
There are pleasant walks from Bideford along the river to Appledore and the Tarka Trail inland to Torrington or towards Barnstaple along an old railway track. Cycles can be rented just over the bridge next to the main road.
Now there is a bridge taking traffic from Cornwall and Barnstaple.
Busy in summer, Pay Parking by the quay.
Out of town shopping village, Atlantic Village, with new supermarket.

Activities
The one mile quay side, Bideford
leads you to Queens Park, just outside is a statue of Charles Kingsley, see Westward Ho! The one mile quay side information
Northam Swimming Pool Churchill Lane, Northam, Bideford EX39 1NS
Just out of the town at Northam, towards Westward Ho! there is a modern swimming pool, with sauna. Northam Swimming Pool information
M.S. Oldenburg, Bideford
Take the M.S. Oldenburg from the quay to Lundy island for a day out. Times according to season and tide, Oldenburg office is on the quay. M.S. Oldenburg information

Gardens

Art Galleries
Burton Art Gallery Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ
local and national artists in a modern building near to the park. Shop and cafe. It now also houses the local Tourist Information Centre. Burton Art Gallery information

Adventure & Theme Parks
Big Sheep, Abbotsham EX39 5AP
Visit the Big Sheep, themed farm, great for the kids, just outside the village.Family Fun, theme park, undercover activities, shop etc, at Abbotsham, Bideford Big Sheep information
Milky Way Clovelly, Bideford EX39 5RY
Adventure park for children and adults, between Bideford and Clovelly. Voted one of the top 50 in the world, now mainly fun and games! Milky Way information
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Heywood Road, Northam Bideford EX39 3QB MAP
This 4-star hotel is on the outskirts of the historic port of Bideford and has views over the Torridge estuary. It has free Wi-Fi, free parking, a sauna and an outdoor pool.
The Durrant House Hotel is in North Devon and is within easy reach of the area's...
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New Road Bideford EX39 2HR MAP
In the centre of historic Bideford, at the heart of North Devon, this privately owned and managed hotel looks out over the River Torridge, opposite the ancient bridge.
Next to the town centre and within easy walking distance of all that Bideford has to o...
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Barnstaple Street Bideford EX39 4AE MAP
This historic hotel has first-class food, friendly service and a great location for North Devon's sights, including Clovelly village and the picturesque Tarka Trail for walkers and cyclists.
The Royal Hotel is at the eastern end of ancient Bideford Bridg...
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Horns Cross, Clovelly Bideford EX39 5DL MAP
If you are seeking the authentic flavour of the West Country then look no further. This picture-book Thatched Inn is nestled in some of Englands most unspoilt countryside.
This lovingly cared for Grade 2 Listed Heritage Hotel under the personal supervis...
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Horns Cross near Bideford MAP
The pretty stone cottages at Northway are set in 5 acres of grounds within half a mile of the dramatic coastal footpath above Peppercombe's National Trust shingle beach and within 5 miles of the glorious sandy beach at Westward Ho! Most of the cottages… Sleeps 4-12+ 1 + 2 cots...
Tel: 0844 847 1200
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Goldworthy Horns Cross near Bideford MAP
Enjoying superb rural views, 1˝ miles from the coast, this detached stone cottage sits in a sleepy hamlet just 4 miles from Clovelly's steep, flower-filled cobbled streets. Horns Cross (˝ mile) boasts an inn and village stores/P.O. Locally there are… Sleeps 5 + child + t/cot...
Tel: 0844 847 1200
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Buckland Brewer near Bideford MAP
This lovely old farmhouse, in a tranquil setting at the end of a 'no through' lane, is just 1˝ miles from a popular village with a renowned pub, ancient church, shop/P.O. and butcher's. It sits on a 130 acre dairy farm adjoining the friendly owners'… Sleeps 5 + 2 + 2 cots...
Tel: 0844 847 1200
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Littleham near Bideford MAP
In a tranquil scenic location just 3 miles from Westward Ho!'s sandy beach and the attractive old port of Bideford (with ferry to Lundy Island), this pair of 17th century cob and stone barns have been stylishly converted to a superb standard. There are… Sleeps 2-4 + 1 + t/cot...
Tel: 0844 847 1200
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Knowle Farm Instow near Bideford EX39 4LR MAP
Just a short drive from Instow's sandy beach and the galleries and busy quayside at Appledore across the River Torridge these well appointed barn conversions are ideally located for enjoying a holiday in north Devon. Set on a working farm they lie 3 m Sleeps 5/6...
Tel: 0844 847 1200
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