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 BayWestward 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 AppledoreInstow 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

What's On

Easter Lunch Mar 31

Easter Lunch

Dive into a delightful Easter celebration at Cellars Pub with our delicious 3-course Easter Lunch…

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 More

RHS 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 More

Heritage 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 More

A 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