Bideford

Bideford is a town in North Devon on the River Torridge. For visitors, the main features of Bideford are its quaint back streets full of shops, its pannier market, and many festivals & events throughout the year such as the Bideford Bike Show, Soapbox Derby, Rowing Regatta, Water Festival & Rainbo Fun Run.

Understand
Bideford is a historic market and port town and civil parish located in North Devon, England. Situated on the banks of the River Torridge, the town has a population of around 18,000 people (2021).

The town has a rich history, dating back to the 8th century, and has been an important centre for trade and commerce throughout its existence. Today Bideford's economy is centred on its retail, tourism and service sectors, with a mix of independent shops and national chains located throughout the town.

Bideford has had many names throughout history, including "Bedeford", "Byddyfrod", "Bedyford", "Bydeford", "Bytheford" and "Biddeford". The name comes from the fact that there used to be a ford at Bideford where the River Torridge flows into the sea. The name "Bideford" means "by the ford" in English.

Bideford has no beach of its own, however, there are many beaches nearby such as Instow Beach, Westward Ho!, Grey Sands, Sauton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe & Combesgate beaches. Nearly all of these beaches are also dog-friendly (Croyde is not during the summer).

Visitor information

 * Bideford visitor information

Get in
Bideford has fantastic links to the whole of North Devon and beyond thanks to the A39 aka the "Atlantic Highway" and the Torridge Bridge. The easiest access point by car is via the A386 (speed camera on the hill).

There are many places to park, including the Riverbank Long Stay carpark at the North end of the quay by Victoria Park, on the main quay, lots of on-street parking and two carparks at the South end in Bridge Street Car Park and Barnstaple St Parking.

The nearest train station is Barnstaple, bus numbers 21, 21A & 315 run to Bideford.

Get around
Bideford being a small town is easy to navigate on foot. You can easily walk from one end of the town to the other in 20 minutes.

The main attractions for tourists are focused on the quay by the river and the busy streets behind.

Connect
As of Sept 2023, Bideford and its approach roads have 4G from O2, Three and Vodafone, and 5G from EE.

Go next

 * Clovelly to the west along the A39.
 * Lundy by MS Oldenburg disembarks from Bideford Quay.
 * Westward Ho!