Pictures of Bideford

About Bideford

For the two hundred years between 1550 and 1750 Bideford held the reputation of being the principal port of north devon and, the home of a successful shipbuilding industry. A charter was granted by Queen Elizabeth 1 to Sir Richard Greville, who crewed his ship "Revenge" entirely with Bideford men. This vessel is famous for it's stand against the Spanish ships in the Azores.

Trade with american colonies brought wealth and prosperity to the town in the 17th and 18th centuries and many of the elegant Merchant houses, still to be seen today, date from this period. A famous landmark is the bridge spanning the River Torridge, this is of 15th century structure and is unusual that all 24 arches differ in width. Needless to say, over the centuries this bridge has been extensively renovated to enable it to take modern day heavy traffic.

To-day, Bideford is a lively resort which luckily still retains the flavour and charm of a small market town. Along the river Torridge there are quaint white houses to be seen and the lovely tree-lined quayside reveals an estuary full of smart yatchs and colourful fishing craft.

This popular town is immensely attractive and offers to visitors a wide range of seaside activities. You can take a pleasure boat trip around the many beautiful bays, laze and swim from local beaches, join a pony trek through the pretty countryside or simply amble around this pleasant town enjoying the variety of shops, inns and markets that are all there to tempt you.