Torridge River
The centre of Bideford is dominated by activities around the Quay. Bideford is a working port, you will find trawlers and tugs, sailing boats and a ferry to Lundy. In the summer months there is a delightful Farmers Market and each September Bideford has its own carnival which makes a magnificent sight parading along the Quay and through the town. The carnival celebrations include numerous piping and drumming related activities as Bideford welcomes a large number of bands for the Bideford Festival of Piping and Drumming. Thousands of people line the Quay and the streets of Bideford to enjoy the colour and spectacle of these processions which are much awaited events within the town's calendar. The River is also the venue for important South West rowing competitions during the warmer months of the year when teams gather to compete over an afternoon of fun for the whole family.
Pannier Market
On a sunny day at Bidefrord Pannier Market - enjoy a cup of coffee or a full english breakfast from our Market Cafe - served outside in the sunshine - what could be nicer! Getting rid of last nights cobwebs after shopping for fruit and vegetables! If you are tired of the hustle and bustle it's a great place to be - all around the Market Square you'll find antique dealers, pubs, surf shops, junk emporiums - nowadays even environmentally friendly architects!
Mill Street Shopping
The main pedestrianised shopping street runs through the centre of town and is peppered with small shops, places to eat and friendly pubs. On a Saturday afternoon the street is busy with local people buying groceries and meeting friends and has a number of small cafes where people sit outside enjoying the sunny weather and meeting friends. A great change from hectic town centre crowds Mill Street is perfect for a quite day of shopping!
Information for visitors to the area.
Take a look at some of our neighbouring towns - all within easy reaching distance from Bideford by public transport, bicycle or by car.
The new Town Guide can be downloaded from the web site and hard copies are available throughout the town. It is packed with information and great for those of you wanting to deliver information in hard copy form!
Download the latest edition of the Town Council Newsletter - Hard copies can also be obtained from the library or the Town Hall or you can view an online version by following the link below. Also distributed through local newspapers....Download the latest newsletter