Holiday rentals in Bideford

Once one of England’s most significant port towns, Bideford is perhaps best known for the Bideford Long Bridge, a 206-metre span that crosses the River Torridge in North Devon. Built in 1474, it’s one of the longest medieval bridges in England, and leads to a lively waterfront where cafes line the river and boats unload their catch; Bideford maintains a seafaring tradition through its active fishing fleet — the area is known for dogfish and grey mullet. Minutes from the riverbank, historic Bideford Pannier Market is home to local artisans’ studios, stalls displaying homemade cakes, and plants for sale.

The surrounding coastline is marked by dramatic cliffs, pebble beaches, and kilometres of sought-after surfing. Hiking opportunities abound throughout the rolling interior of the Hartland Devon Heritage Coast, and, thanks to its central location in North Devon, Bideford makes for an excellent base to explore the surrounding communities of Barnstaple, Plymouth, and Exeter.

Bideford’s coastal climate includes moderate swings in temperature with generally mild weather conditions throughout the year. The summer months are usually warm with occasional rainfall ─ particularly in the latter half of the season. The stone-walled and red tile-roofed holiday cottages in Bideford are a popular choice at this time of year ─ not just for the pleasant weather but also for the variety of festivals and events held throughout the region. Croyde Bay’s GoldCoast Oceanfest in June is a three-day celebration of surfing, beach sports, and live music that runs into the early hours of the morning. If you’re visiting during the winter or shoulder seasons, it’s advisable to bring a jacket and sturdy footwear, as these months tend to be chilly and wet.

Northam Burrows Country Park

Hundreds of hectares of sand dunes and coastal grass planes lie within this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at the mouth of the Torridge Estuary. Expect to find hiking trails, sprawling coastline, and expansive ocean vistas at this Site of Special Scientific Interest behind Westward Ho! Beach less than 15 minutes from town.

Bideford Railway Heritage Centre

Located in a former railway station on the other side of Bideford Long Bridge, this museum and heritage centre preserves the region’s rail history. Through a combination of replicas and restorations, the centre presents a rotating display of rail carriages and signal boxes, and visitors can even enjoy occasional passenger rides on selected models.

Bideford Pannier Market

This biweekly farmers’ market in the heart of Bideford is located in a covered stone structure dating back to the Victorian era. There’s an eclectic variety of stalls on-site selling goods from local businesses and handcrafted artisanal goods, in addition to a dining hall where you can tuck into a traditional Devonshire cream tea or sip local cider from one of the market’s many vendors.