Explore
the Coast and "Country" Side of Bideford Bay
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Focus
on Bideford
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A
RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT!
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To appreciate Charles Kingsley's description of
"The Little White Town which slopes upward from its broad river tide"
make sure you approach this ancient port and market town from "East
the Water" and cross the ancient Long Bridge which spans the River
Torridge. The view today has changed little since Kingley's sojourn here
over 150 years ago whilst penning his novel "Westward Ho!".
Nowadays Bideford Town is the thriving centre for the Torridge District
with many modern amenities. Now definitely in the 21st century with the
impressive new Torridge Bridge up river and the recently enhanced quay
Bideford 2011 still retains its old charm. It is equally well known for
its great shopping, large number of lively pubs, variety of places to
eat and popular night spots. If you wish to enjoy Bideford at a more sedate
pace you can stroll around the town exploring the narrow streets with
brightly coloured shops selling everything from local fudge, arts &
crafts, fresh local produce and general goods to the latest fashions and
sportswear. There are cafes, restaurants and takeaways serving food to
suit every palette and a choice of traditional inns or theme bars where
you can eat or drink in or al-fresco. Take a "turn" around Victoria
Park and enjoy the excellent colourful floral displays or sit
by the quayside and watch the world go by. At high tide there is plenty
of action, this busy port is in regular use by local fishing boats, all
manner of pleasure craft, large container vessels and the Lundy supply
ship "HMS Oldenburg". The Oldenburg is also a passenger ferry
with regular pleasure trips to Lundy Island - you can find out about sailings
from the Lundy Office on the Quay. The headquarters of the Bideford Amateur
Rowing Club is conveniently positioned opposite the main Quay Steps affording
easy access to the river. Rowers simply haul their "skulls"
across the road and down to the water's edge. Across the water lies Brunswick
Wharf where the historic schooner, Kathleen & May, was lovingly restored.
If you want to learn about Bideford and its history call in at the Burton
Art Gallery & Museum or the Bideford Library. For more up to the minute
information, Bideford Tourist Information Centre, at the entrance to Victoria
Park will be able to tell you about the "Town Trail", local
events, leisure activities, accommdation, nearby attractions and much
more. Don't forget to include the top of the town and visit Bideford Pannier
Market. The ancient covered Market Hall, Butchers Row and Market Place
Shops have all been restored. The Panner Market is on Tuesdays and Saturdays,
however, the Market Place Shops and Butchers Row are open six days a week.
Around the market place there are excellent inns, a café/gallery,
nightclub and bar. If you would rather not walk and prefer to drive up
to the top of the town there is ample parking or a free bus is available.
Bideford is a lively, popular place no matter what time of the year with
many traditional annual fun events including the Bideford Folk Festival,
Bideford Regatta, Bideford Water Festival and Bideford Carnival. It is
also reputed to be one of the best locations in the Country for New Year
Celebrations. The town puts on a host of activities, is closed to traffic
and revellers enjoy the festivities in fancy dress. Thousands of people
gather on the quay and along the old long bridge and wait for the town
hall clock to strike midnight. |
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Bideford
- River Torridge - Bideford Bay - Torridge Estuary - Bideford Photos -
Bideford Pictures - Bideford Long Bridge . Photographs, Articles &
Illustrations ©Copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus 2019 - All rights
reserved
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