Things To Do
in Bideford
Bideford is a historic market town located on the west coast of England in the county of Devon. The town is situated on the estuary of the River Torridge, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding countryside. Bideford is known for its traditional architecture, charming streets, and lively Quayside area with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Visitors can explore local attractions such as the historic Bideford Bridge, Pannier Market, and nearby beaches along the North Devon coast.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂ ️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Bideford Pannier Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Enjoy a warm pastry from a nearby café.
Spend your afternoon walking along the beautiful River Torridge. Consider taking a boat trip to see the local wildlife and enjoy the scenic views.
End your day with a delicious dinner at one of Bideford's cozy restaurants. Take a stroll along the quay to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Head to the nearby Westward Ho! beach for a fun morning by the sea. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sandy shores.
Try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding in the afternoon sun. Relax and soak in the beach vibes.
Return to Bideford for a casual meal at a beachfront café. Enjoy the sunset views over the water as the day winds down.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and access to beaches.
- Rich historical background with attractions such as the Bideford Longbridge.
- A friendly community with a small-town atmosphere.
- Availability of outdoor activities, such as hiking and water sports.
- Proximity to larger towns and cities like Barnstaple and Exeter.
- Limited employment opportunities compared to larger urban areas.
- Public transport options may be sparse, making travel difficult.
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options than in bigger cities.
- Potential issues with rural isolation for some residents.
- Variable weather, including wet conditions, particularly in winter months.
Best Activities in Bideford
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A scenic walking and cycling path that follows the River Taw and the River Torridge, offering beautiful views and connections to various local attractions.
A sandy beach located just across the river from Bideford, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
A coastal park with diverse habitats, offering walking trails, wildlife watching, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A vibrant area by the River Torridge, perfect for a leisurely stroll, dining, and enjoying local shops, with opportunities for boat trips.
A picturesque fishing village close to Bideford, known for its narrow streets, art galleries, and the opportunity for crabbing along the quay.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bideford with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bideford
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the River Torridge and the town of Bideford
Provides a panoramic view of the river and surrounding areas
Accessible via boat from Bideford, offers unique and picturesque photo opportunities
Food in Bideford
Bideford Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This succulent sandwich filled with fresh crab meat, often served with locally baked bread, can be found at various seafood shacks along Bideford Bay such as John's of Instow.
Must-Try!
These hearty pasties, brimming with meat, vegetables, and potatoes, are a local specialty and can be savored at the Barnstaple Pannier Market located a short drive from Bideford.
Indulge in the classic Devonshire cream tea, consisting of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and local strawberry jam, available at numerous tearooms and cafes throughout Bideford.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bideford better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Bideford Farmers' Market to discover a wide array of locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and delectable street food options that showcase the best of North Devon's culinary offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bideford, as in much of the UK, manners are important. Always say 'please' and 'thank you' when interacting with locals, as this is seen as a sign of respect.
The British are known for their orderly queues. When waiting in line, it is important to stand patiently and wait for your turn. Jumping the queue is generally frowned upon.
British humor can be quite dry and often relies on irony. Be cautious with jokes, as humor is subjective and what is funny to one person may not be to another. It's best to start with light, non-offensive topics.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bideford with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bideford
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bideford, as in much of the UK, tipping is generally not compulsory but is appreciated in service industries such as restaurants, bars, and taxis. A tip of around 10-15% of the total bill is customary if the service has been satisfactory. Some establishments may include a service charge, in which case additional tipping is not expected.
Payment practices in Bideford follow UK norms. Most establishments accept card payments, with Contactless and mobile payment options widely available. Cash is still used but is becoming less common. Customers are encouraged to check if service charges are included in bills, especially in restaurants. Refunds and exchanges are generally handled in accordance with consumer rights laws.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bideford.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Bideford, with milder temperatures, blooming flowers and longer daylight hours. It's a good time for outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful countryside.
Summer is peak tourist season in Bideford, with warm weather and plenty of events and festivals. Expect crowded beaches and lively atmosphere, perfect for beach holidays and water activities.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it a lovely time for scenic walks and exploring the nearby attractions. It's quieter than summer, offering a more relaxed experience.
Winter in Bideford is quiet and peaceful, with chilly temperatures and occasional rainfall. It's a time for cozy moments by the fire, exploring local pubs, and enjoying the holiday events.
Bideford at Night
Hiking in Bideford
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic walking and cycling route that follows the River Taw and River Torridge, offering beautiful views and a variety of landscapes.
A rugged coastal walk with stunning views of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, along with the opportunity to explore the local wildlife.
A vast area of moorland, woodlands, and coastline perfect for hiking, with a variety of trails ranging in difficulty and showcasing the beauty of Exmoor.
A coastal path that connects Bideford to the beach at Westward Ho!, featuring scenic views and a sandy beach at the destination.
A historic village with steep cobbled streets, offers a unique hiking experience with spectacular coastal scenery and pathways leading down to the harbour.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bideford through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bideford by plane.
Bristol Airport is located approximately 70 miles southeast of Bideford. It serves as the main airport for the South West of England, offering both domestic and international flights.
Exeter Airport is around 50 miles southeast of Bideford. It provides a range of flights to various European destinations and some domestic routes.
Cardiff Airport is roughly 100 miles west of Bideford, serving as the main airport for Wales, with various international and domestic flights.
Newquay Airport is about 25 miles southwest of Bideford and is primarily a regional airport with seasonal flights to several domestic and European destinations.
Bournemouth Airport is situated around 75 miles east of Bideford. It offers a range of flights to European holiday destinations and some domestic locations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Bideford, representing a large percentage of the population.
Includes White Irish, Gypsy or Traveller, and other white backgrounds.
Includes individuals identifying as mixed race, such as White and Black Caribbean or White and Asian.
Comprises individuals from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds.
Includes individuals from African, Caribbean, and other Black backgrounds.
Includes individuals from ethnic backgrounds not categorized in other groups, such as Arab and other ethnicities.
The Soul of Bideford
Discover the essence of Bideford through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Bideford, with several local teams participating in various leagues.
Rugby has a strong following in Bideford, with a local club that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels.
Cricket is widely played in the area, with Bideford having a cricket club that competes at different levels in the region.
Swimming is a popular recreational activity in Bideford, with facilities available for both training and leisure.
Cycling is commonly enjoyed in Bideford, with numerous trails and scenic routes for both casual riders and enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bideford.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many establishments in Bideford offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with cafes like The Riverside and The Coffee Cabin providing dedicated menus for these dietary preferences.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can relish gluten-free pasties and cakes at venues like The Custom House and The Old Bakery, which prioritize catering to gluten-free requirements.