Bideford

The Victorian novelist Charles Kingsley described Bideford as "The Little White Town which slopes upward from its broad river tide " . Indeed, little has changed from when Kingsley lived in the area nearly 150 years ago much of its architecture and historic associations are still with us. Kingsley's statue, located adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre, serves as a permanent reminder of this famous resident and the time he spent here writing part of his well-known novel Westward Ho!

Today, Bideford is both a thriving market town and working port with much to offer visitors to the region. Amongst the many buildings and places of interest you will find the historic covered Pannier Market, dating from 1883, which holds a market every Tuesday and Saturday. Alongside the history you will find modern shopping amenities, a wide choice of clubs, bars and restaurants, entertainment and a tremendous range of visitor attractions for the young and not so young!

Compact, accessible and with good parking facilities, Bideford hopes to combine tradition and heritage with sensible and planned development, so as to ensure that the town remains a unique experience for every visitor!