Bideford
Make Bideford your base and you’ll have the best in pubs, music and restaurants to satisfy every palate. This historic harbour town is packed with independent shops, local produce and the picturesque quay, which draws visitors during every season.
Bideford was once Britain’s third largest port and while it still has maritime connections, these days, it is more widely known as being a thriving shopping centre, with a historic Pannier Market as well as being the home to the Atlantic Village outlet, where you can find your favourite brands at bargain prices. Bideford is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy, between the brand names at the outlets and the quirky shops that line the streets, you’ll find all manner of interesting items and unique gifts.
Great base for exploring
If exploring and setting off on your own adventure sounds up your street, make sure to choose Bideford as your base. From here you are well placed to explore some of the best beaches in North Devon, including those at Croyde Bay, Westward Ho!, Putsborough Sands and Woolacombe where you can indulge in a variety of watersports, embark on nature trails and take in some of the spectacular views on offer from the North Devon Natural Landscape (AONB). If that wasn’t enough, there are regular trips from Bideford across the Lundy Island, the home of Devon’s puffin population as well as a host of other rare and protected species of bird. The charming harbour area is home to a number of organisations offering pleasure cruises around the harbour and you’re also close to the surrounding towns and villages such as Appledore, Instow and Clovelly, which are all charming and full of interesting heritage attractions. If you want to explore the rest of the region, take a trip over the bridge on the old road which crosses the river and links you to the wider area.
Bideford is also a great place to stay as you can easily access the start of the Tarka Trail and Exmoor’s National Park is just a short journey away.
Cultural hub
Bideford is the former home of the author Charles Kingsley, who regularly mentioned the towns and villages of North Devon in his work. Bideford also made its way into his writings, he noted that it was a town full of white houses, while there are few white houses these days, you will find several pastel coloured homes which are delightful to look at. One thing that hasn’t changed from Kingsley’s writings though is Westward Ho! which was named from one of his books.
Plenty to see and do
As well as the nature attractions, such as the many walking and cycling trails and the ferry trips, Bideford also has a range of theme parks and family friendly attractions offering plenty of adventure, thrills and activities suitable for the whole family.
So, whether you want to stroll along the quay and admire the expansive waterfront, or take a stroll around the fortnightly farmers' market, you’ll never be short of things to see and do while visiting Bideford. For the kids and younger families, make sure to visit Victoria Park which boasts a wonderful children’s play area and free splash pool which is popular on sunny days.
Bideford Highlights
Regency Restaurant
The beautiful Regency Restaurant has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in…
The BIG Sheep
The BIG Sheep Farm & Theme Park - World famous for the BIG Sheep Race and Devon’s largest…
The Royal Hotel
With an atmosphere and character that is quite unique, parts of The Royal Hotel date back to the…
Weddings at The Royal Hotel
Situated in the heart of glorious North Devon, a wedding in Bideford provides an unforgettable…
What's On
RHS National Rhododendron Show
Don't miss this opportunity to view over 60 classes of rhododendron as well as stunning displays…
Where is heaven - Film screening
Where is Heaven? film screening at Barnstaple Library Directors: Gerard Bryan and David Rafique…
Where is Heaven? - film screening at Barnstaple Library
Where is Heaven? film screening at Barnstaple Library Directors: Gerard Bryan and David Rafique…
Bluebell Sundays
Bluebell Sundays – 14th and 21st April 2024 We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our Bluebell…
Soap Making Course
Our Beginner's Soap Making Course in our Bideford Workshop on 23/03/2024 is the perfect…
Willow basket weaving workshop
Using natural locally grown willow from the grounds of Quince Honey Farm, you will learn how to…
Grow Your Own Cut Flowers Workshop
Learn how to design and prepare a cutting patch in your very own garden and how to choose the…
Cheese & Wine Evening
Join Stephen Walker, our head chef, as he guides you through some truly fantastic cheeses of the…
The Adventures of Don Quixote by Bicycle | Burn the Curtain
Don Quixote has spent his whole life reading about the heroic exploits of famous Knights in books……
Make a Willow Basket with Jane Welsh
Join established local basketmaker and teacher, Jane Welsh for a one day workshop at Barnstaple…
G4 20th Anniversary Tour - BARNSTAPLE
The UK's No.1 vocal harmony group and original X-Factor stars celebrate a double decade in the…
DUNS-LAND Exhibition
This exhibition at the Plough Arts Centre, gathers drawings, monoprints and experiments made over…
Foraging with Wild Food UK at Bulworthy Forest
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
Planting for Pollinators Workshop
Planting your own pollinator plugs is a fabulous way to create a bespoke and beautiful flowering…
Dry Stone Wall Workshop
Our Dry Stone Walling workshops are back for 2024! Do you love nature, being outdoors and getting…
Beekeeping Experience Days
Get hands-on, practical knowledge in the craft of beekeeping and enjoy a day in the North Devon…
Batik with Jo Whiteland
Dive into the world of the colourful art form for Batik, using wax and beautiful dyes, discover a…
The Incredible Hike
The Incredible Hike is a guided 3-day walk totalling 60 miles from Minehead to Croyde. Every year…
'Ow be ee nackin' vore? - A Look at the Devonshire Dialect
Lisa Chanter is a local and family historian who has lived in North Devon all her life and has…
Creative Power of Solitude
A deep-dive workshop into the creative power of solitude and the subconscious. This workshop will…
Search for something
See more Bideford on our blog
Things to do over Easter in North Devon
- 3 minute read
From exploring the Exmoor National Park to taking on the waves at the UK’s first surf reserve to completing a few round of golf at some of the oldest courses in the UK – there is never a dull moment in North Devon. If you’re spending the Easter break in the region, here are some of our suggestions…
Learn MoreRHS Rosemoor selected as home for endangered Wollemi pines
- 2 minute read
RHS Garden Rosemoor, situated near Great Torrington in North Devon, has been chosen to be part of a global conservation project to protect the endangered Wollemia pine from Australia, one of a few very select sites in the UK. Wollemi pines have been dubbed the ‘dinosaur tree’ because fossil records…
Learn MoreWatch Spring unfurl at RHS Rosemoor and enjoy Snowdrop walks and Half Term magic and stories
- 2 minute read
Spring has arrived at RHS Rosemoor, signalled by the appearance of large drifts of delicate snowdrops throughout the gorgeous gardens. In celebration, you can join an expert on a special walk every day at noon from 1–11 February. Booking is not required but places are limited and are offered on a…
Learn MoreHeritage Harbour status for North Devon’s harbours
- 1 minute read
Bideford and the River Torridge now have Heritage Harbour status thanks to tireless campaigning by ten local charities led by Way of the Wharves, a Bideford based organisation. It is hoped that this new status will bolster preservation and development, as well as bringing stories of the region’s…
Learn MoreA Feast for Foodies at Festival of Flavours at RHS Rosemoor
- 3 minute read
A weekend bursting with fresh seasonal flavours, culinary inspiration and family fun is in store for food lovers at RHS Garden Rosemoor this October. Sponsored by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management, Festival of Flavours celebrates the bounty of autumn and Rosemoor’s Heritage Devon apple harvest with…
Learn More