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All you need to know
The thriving, historic port of Bideford provides a great base for exploring the picturesque Torridge Estuary and this special part of the North Devon coastline.
The small, historic port town of Bideford is situated on the estuary of the River Torridge, famed for its lovely old bridge that links the town to its neighbouring village, and the beautiful countryside and coastline that lies within a stone's throw of the town. Bideford is also well-known for its steep coastline that levels out into some of the finest blue flag sandy beaches in the country.
This thriving market town and busy port boasts a wide range of shops, amenities, pubs and restaurants to cater for the needs of visitors of all ages, whilst there are several charming villages nearby that are worth visiting, including Appledore, Instow and Clovelly.
Bideford itself is renowned for its New Year's Eve celebrations, where visitors and locals alike don extravagant fancy dress costumes and head to one of the many Inns on the quayside to see in the New Year. The town is close to the start of the Tarka Trail, popular among walkers and cyclists, which winds its way through the unspoilt North Devon countryside.
If you fancy a day out during your stay, nearby attractions include the Northam Burrows Country Park, the Big Sheep Theme Park, and RHS Garden Rosemoor, and of course there are some stunning beaches including Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands.
A holiday cottage in Bideford offers a great base for exploring the picturesque Torridge Estuary and this special part of the North Devon coastline.
Just a few miles from the beach in North Devon’s Tarka country, Bideford Bicycle, Surf Board and Kayak Hire does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, meaning they have everything you need to really get out and enjoy the area. They are open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, so pop in and find the right pieces of kit for you!
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With activities designed for families and groups, The Ultimate Adventure Centre creates outdoor activity experiences on the outskirts of Bideford in North Devon. This includes everything from laser tag to coasteering and surfing. Activities are mostly suited to those aged eight years and over, however, some can be arranged for those aged five and above as well.
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Treat yourself to a fun-filled family day out whatever the weather with thrilling rides, live sheep shows, indoor play zone, the cutest animals and hilarious entertainment.
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Enjoy an exclusive discount of up to 25% off throughout the season. There are also discounts of up to 50% on selected Autumn term time dates. Just click on the link below to check the offers and book online, then show your booking confirmation/screenshot to validate your discount at the door.
Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! Was founded in 1864 and is the oldest course in the country. It regularly features amongst the top golf courses in the world, and stretches to over 7,000 yards. The course welcomes visitors and green fees start at £65 for 18 holes Sunday to Friday.
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Enjoy £5 off 18 holes with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card
The North Devon Maritime Museum at Appledore offers a fascinating insight into the rich shipbuilding and seafaring history of the area. In seven well laid out exhibition rooms, with the help of child friendly interactive displays visitors can find out about WWII beach landing experiments, sail and steam vessels, shipwrecks and much more.
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Learnt a lot of new stuff, well worth a visit
August 2022
You'll find this authentic Italian restaurant by the Pannier Market in Bideford where it’s become a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike. High quality, hand-made Italian dishes are available here 7 days a week including an extensive a la carte selection, set lunch menu, pizzas and kids options .
Belluno 37 Silver St, Bideford EX39 2DY (T: 01237 473233)
A small fine dining restaurant in the heart of Bideford serving fine British food along with great service and a warm and friendly atmosphere. All food is prepared fresh each day using the best locally sourced produce available.
Number Eight, 8a Allhalland Street, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 2JD (T: 01237 237589)
Popular with the locals, this wood fired pizza restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and is the ideal place to stop for a quick and delicious meal - watch the chefs prepare the dough in the open kitchen and then enjoy pizzas hot from the oven.
The Italian Kitchen, 21 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2QE (T: 01237 478623 )
The Riverbanks Bistro in Bideford serves a mouth watering selection of freshly prepared dishes, using the finest meat, seafood, and other produce, locally sourced wherever possible. There's plenty of seating both inside in the restaurant and outside on decking overlooking the river, making it a great choice all year round.
The Riverbank Bistro, 49 Torrington St, Bideford EX39 4DP (T: 01237 238387)
A pretty 14th century village free house with a reputation for excellent home cooked food at reasonable prices.
The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham EX39 5BA (T: 01237 471321)
By the small seaside town of Westward Ho! is a comparatively huge and sandy beach, extending two miles north of the town. To the north it is is backed by a pebble ridge and behind that is Northam Burrows Country Park. You can access the beach from a number of places; via steps and a slipway in Westward Ho!, or by the ridge itself. Dogs are banned from most of the beach from May to September, but they are allowed north of Sandymere all year round. There are two small car parks by the sea front and plenty of parking behind the beach in Northam Burrows Country Park. Toilets are available in various locations and there are cafes and shops close by in Westward Ho! itself. The area is popular with surfers and happily there are lifeguards on hand in the summer months as well.
Packed. Parking difficult. Nothing different or well worth the effort in my opinion
August 2022
A good choice for families, Instow is a pleasant sandy beach with safe swimming protected from swell by sandbanks at the mouth of the Taw estuary. There’s plenty to do including kayaking and windsurfing and lots of space for children to play. There are some good café’s to choose from, and the beach is easily accessible with a car park and toilets. Dogs allowed October to April.
A long straight sandy beach backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Saunton Sands Beach is popular with surfers and families alike thanks to the long stretch of tantalizing water. Suited to beginners and intermediate surfers, the waters are comparatively gentle (although obviously you should always be careful), and it is famed for having featured in Robbie Williams’ Angels music video. Restaurants, cafes, shops and toilets are all within easy reach of the beach, dogs are permitted all year round, and it is the only beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all terrain wheelchair so that everyone can have full enjoyment of it.
Bucks Mills beach is situated in a rocky secluded cove at the bottom end of the ancient fishing village of Bucks Mills. No public toilets, no shops or other facilities, just a lovely place. Car parking is available at Bucks Mills car park EX39 5DY.
Very popular with swimmers and more experienced surfers, and of course sunbathers in the summer months, Croyde Bay is rated as one of the best surfing beaches in the world. Lifeguards operate from May to September for peace of mind, and there are beautiful rock pools at either end of the beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach although there are restrictions in summer months, and toilets are close by. The beach is popular with swimmers, and you can hire equipment for activities such as surfing, fishing and canoeing close by. Restaurants are within easy reach, and you access the beach via a slipway and beach car park with disabled parking, so it’s an extremely welcoming beach for all visitors.