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.
Beaches to visit from Bideford
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.
Charles Kingsley in Bideford
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.
Things to do in Bideford
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
The BIG Sheep
Experience Non-Stop Family Fun at North Devon's Top Attraction The Big Sheep, North…
The Royal Hotel
With an atmosphere and character that is quite unique, parts of The Royal Hotel date back to the…
The Royal Hotel - Conferences
For important business meetings, conferences and seminars, you can rely on the experienced team at…
The Royal Hotel - Weddings
Situated in the heart of glorious North Devon, a wedding in Bideford provides an unforgettable…
The Royal Hotel Dining
Unleash your taste buds and enjoy a delectable dining experience in Merchants Bistro, which not only…
What's On
An Introduction to Dry Stone Walling
Do you love nature, being outdoors and getting your hands dirty? If so, this could be for you! Spend…
Emma Stibbon RA: Melting Ice | Rising Tides
In Melting Ice | Rising Tides Emma Stibbon considers how the warming environment of the polar…
Figurative Sculpture Course
Central to all figurative courses are the concepts of Dynamic Energy Curves (DEC) and Rapid Sketch…
Phantoms of the Popera - Barnstaple
The ultimate celebration of Musical Theatre. Following on from their critically-acclaimed 20th…
Plant and Craft sale
Our Plant & Craft Sale in May! Lots of exciting details to come in the months ahead..... Get…
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Arlington Court
The world's most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle's best-selling book is coming to life at…
Bluey comes to The Milky Way
See Bluey at The Milky Way, North Devon – 24th May 2025 (Limited Availability) Hooray! Bluey is…
May Half Term at Quince Honey Farm
Make a bee-line for Quince Honey Farm this half term and enjoy all-weather family fun, including…
May Half Term Fun
Experience non-stop fun at The Big Sheep this May Half Term, where you can witness adorable lambs…
May Half Term: The Great Garden Game-a-thon
Let the games begin - get ready for a week of family fun, laughter and friendly competition this May…
Seaweed Festival in aid of the N.D. Hospicepice
Seaweed Festival, in aid of the North Devon Hospice, Sunday 25 May 2025, 10 am to 5 pm Seaweed…
May Half Term Fun @ Dartington Crystal
Get ready for a half-term full of sparkle at Dartington Crystal! There's so much to discover…
Jurassic Takeover
Get ready for a two-day Jurassic adventure! Meet baby dinosaurs and rangers, experience thrilling…
Rhythms from The Wild Shore
Join us by the sea, spark your creativity, and make music together as a family, in this free…
Band Night! Clear Waters Deep Play The Buttery
Join us for an evening of upbeat and soulful sounds from Clear Waters Deep – a dynamic 7-piece band.
Songs from The Wild Shore
Join us for a creative workshop of music-making inspired by the sea. Compose original pieces that…
Beekeeping Experience Days
Learn the craft of beekeeping. Get hands-on, practical knowledge in the craft of beekeeping and…
Here for the Music
Here For The Music is a spectacular 3 Day Festival celebrating the 5th year of live Music! Headline…
Care for Kids Barnstaple 10K
Barnstaple 10K is a mainly flat and fast route on pavements and the Tarka Trail. It's suitable…
Search for something
See more Bideford on our blog
Locals can visit RHS Garden Rosemoor for just £1 on Community Open Weekend 1-2 March
- 2 minute read
Every year RHS Rosemoor opens its doors to anyone who lives near the famous gardens for a nominal charge or £1 per person, which is returned as a catering voucher on arrival. This year, this special Community Open Weekend falls on 1-2 March, at the start of spring. Visitors can relax on a peaceful…
Learn MoreThings 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 More