Bideford is both a busy working port and thriving market town with an eclectic mix of shops, services and eateries. The High Street was also home to Bideford's very own department store, Chopes, which has served the Bideford community for over 100 years and was founded back in 1898 closed its doors in 2011. Farm & Cottage Holidays located on the Quay is a family run and owned business that has been marketing holiday cottages throughout North Devon and the whole of the South West since 1979. At the top of the town is Bideford Pannier Market which was built in 1884. The Market Hall and Butchers Row Shops were refurbished in 1993. By far the best way to explore is on foot and there are plenty of places to park on the quayside, in the town or across Bideford's Long Bridge at East' the Water. The 17th century Royal Hotel stands at the end of Bideford Bridge and it was here that Sir Charles Kingsley wrote much of his novel Westward Ho! A visit to Burton Art Gallery & Museum or Bideford Library will give you an idea about the history of the Bideford area, its famous sons and ancient bridge. Throughout the year Bideford Quay plays host to a variety of colourful events which raise money for local charities. In the summertime crowds gather for the Bideford Regatta and 2008 saw the welcome return of the Bideford Water Festival which was last held on a sunny Bank Holiday in 2005. Annual events are often spectacularly enhanced by lively displays from the RNLI, local majorettes, Morris dancers, brass and massed pipe bands. On August Bank Holiday weekend Victoria Park becomes the meeting point for nearly 300 brightly adorned Mini cars which gather from far and near for the North Devon Mini Registers' Legendary Grand Tour in aid of the Children's Hospice. The summer season draws to a close in September with Bideford Carnival when thousands of people come out to watch the procession as it winds its way through the narrow streets. Bideford's festive season begins in November when the town's Christmas lights are switched on. In 2008 there was a mini parade lead by a team of four reindeer, street entertainers, stalls, farmers' market, fairground rides plus a visit from a giant robot called Titan. Bideford's Christmas Cracker was organised by Bideford Rotary Club. The year comes to a close when thousands of revellers gather in fancy dress for Bideford's famous New Year Celebrations.

NB: Bideford Streets don't change but the traders & shop names do. We have left the names of those *Gone but not forgotten* for historical value.

Bideford Independant Traders Contact us to add/remove/update businesses on our street plan