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...
More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £40 a Room
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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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New Road Bideford EX39 2HR MAP
In the centre of historic Bideford, next to the town centre, the historical, Grade II listed Tantons Hotels sits on the riverfront, opposite the ancient stone bridge.
Tantons is a modern hotel that has kept its 18th-century features and charms, including...
More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £25 a Room
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Woolsery near Bideford EX39 5QB
Just 3 miles from the quaint village and fine beach of Buckland Mills (pictured) these well appointed holiday cottages are ideally placed for enjoying a wealth of attractions. Adjoining the owners' home but very private they are a few minutes' dri … Sleeps 2-6...
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Buckland Brewer near Bideford
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...
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Horns Cross near Bideford
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...
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Littleham near Bideford
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...
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Westleigh near Instow Bideford
Just 2 miles from Instow's sandy beach and enjoying panoramic countryside views, this unusual little property, built on original granary stilts, is set on a child friendly 200 acre sheep and beef farm. Instow, a charming waterside village.. Sleeps 2 + 1 + cot...
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