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
Conferences at The Royal Hotel
For important business meetings, conferences and seminars, you can rely on the experienced team at…
Dining at The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel in Bideford is steeped in history and dates back to the 17th century. This is…
Regency Restaurant
The beautiful Regency Restaurant has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in…
The BIG Sheep
North Devon’s most popular Family Attraction has brought smiles and laughter to over 3.5…
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
An Hour with the Bees
If you are curious about what it would be like to open a hive for the first time, are thinking about…
Bowl and Bass
Bongo Audio Presents... Bowl & Bass FREE PARTY Drum and Bass | Hard Trance | Techno Music starts…
Festival of Archaeology at Arlington Court
Discover more about the medieval history of Arlington Court. This year we have worked with an Exeter…
Hide and Sheep with Shaun the Sheep
Find Shaun by searching for him with friends and family in the ‘Hide and Sheep’ zone and…
Lee Arts and Crafts Fair
Beautiful local arts and crafts
Rockpool rambles with the National Trust
The rockpools of Combesgate are teeming with life - fish, crabs, sea snails, star fish and anemones…
Summer Fun on the Farm
Looking for an unforgettable day out this summer? Race to The Big Sheep! We can guarantee…
Summer of Play at Arlington Court
Get ready for a summer filled with fun at Arlington and join us daily between 1 July - 1 September…
The Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep
Join the fun and frolics with Shaun this summer as he learns top tips about how to grow scrumptious…
Vintage Weekend
Travel back in time and enjoy a weekend of nostalgia at the Vintage Weekend, set in the beautiful…
Spanish Dressage & Formation Horse Riding Demonstrations
Date: Sunday 28th July Venue: large arena at Coxleigh Barton, EX31 4JL…
Woolsery Agricultural Show, in aid of local charities
A fun-filled day packed with a programme of activities. Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep…
Exmoor Zoo creatures up close* at RHS Rosemoor
Meet some real animals up close and personal with Steve Eddy from Exmoor Zoo and learn more about…
Summer stomp* at RHS Rosemoor
Join the Education Team for a Summer Stomp - a family version of our popular Welly Walks. Each…
Fizz Science Show* at RHS Rosemoor
This interactive science show returns with even more fascinating fun to entertain all the family…
Marvellous Eventures Character walkabouts
Join the fun and frolics with Shaun this summer as he learns top tips about how to grow scrumptious…
Woodland Wednesdays* at RHS Rosemoor
Woodland Wednesdays will have different themes throughout the summer, and will include time spent…
Cheese & Wine Evening
Join Stephen Walker, our head chef, as he guides you through some truly fantastic cheeses of the…
Cocktail Masterclass
Whether you're a beginner or complete cocktail connoisseur, our cocktail masterclass is the…
Lifeboat Weekend in aid of the R.N.L.I.
On Saturday there will be a 2-mile sponsored sea swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly. Sunday is a day…
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