10 Things to Do in Bideford That You Shouldn't Miss

January 18, 2018 Leida Jutras

Bideford (/ˈbɪdɪfərd/ BID-ə-fərd) is a historic port town on the estuary of the River Torridge in north Devon, south-west England. It is the main town of the Torridge local government district.
Restaurants in Bideford

1. The North Devon Surf School

Beach Lodge Pebbleridge Road, Westward Ho, Bideford EX39 1HN, England
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 417 reviews

The North Devon Surf School

The West Country's No1 award winning Surf School! Awarded the 'Centre of Excellence' by Surfing England, The North Devon Surf School strives to offer the very best that there is in Surf and Stand Up Paddleboard lessons. We are a purpose built Surf School just 50 metres from Westward Ho! Beach, and rated 'Excellent' for our heated changing rooms , hot shower, surf shop and cafe facilities, you simply wont find better! Group and private lessons available daily as well as a large fleet of surf and paddleboard hire. Open 7 days a week.

Reviewed By Abdulla A - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Wonderful time had by my two children aged 12 and 13.
A full two hours with a fun instructor.Both my children could stand and surf after an hour , amazing!
Made space for us with a last minute request.
Many thanks to the instructor and Emma.

2. Lundy Island

The Quay, Lundy Shore Office, Bideford EX39 2LY, England +44 1271 863636
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Lundy Island

Located off the coast of Devon, this granite outcrop lies between England and America and is famed for its marine reserve.

Reviewed By span27 - Aldridge, United Kingdom

Go here for a peaceful break to get closer to nature and away from technology, the people are lovely, the accommodation is quaint and the wildlife is amazing, I saw seal pups, deer and some different species of birds. Once you've been you will want to go back, there is something special about Lundy Island.

3. Instow beach

Instow, Bideford EX39 4JN, England
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 438 reviews

Instow beach

Reviewed By John G

I have got no issues with people walking there dogs on hear but they need to watch there dogs not just letting them run around and not noticing when they are going to the toilet. Far to many people are just walking along talking to each other and not noticing there dog actions.

4. Biketrail Cycle Shop & Cycle Hire

Fremington, Barnstaple EX31 2NH, England +44 1271 372586
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 77 reviews

Biketrail Cycle Shop & Cycle Hire

AWARD WINNING Cycle / Bike Hire & Cycle Shop offering SEASONAL DISCOUNTS. Located alongside the Tarka Trail in North Devon, Access to 31 miles of traffic free Cycle trail. We hire bikes for use on the Tarka Trail as well as specialist bikes for exploring Exmoor, Devon & the Devon Coast to Coast (National Route 27). We have a wide range of bikes for all ages & abilities, Bikes especially designed for non cyclists as well as bikes for Disabled users. We also have a Mobility Scooter. Recumbents, Penny Farthing, Tandems, Children Tandem, Beach Cruisers, MTB, Hybrid, Vintage Bikes, Dutch Bikes, Dutch Family bike, Children's Trailers, Handcycles, Dog Trailers and more.

Reviewed By MickyBlueEyes - Birmingham

Friendly service, good selection of pricing options and the equipment is spot on. The best thing of all however is being directly on the Tarka Trail. With a young family this is ideal as no traffic to contend with. We had a great day out and will use again.

5. Livit Adventures

14 Dolphin Court, Northam, Bideford EX39 1BQ, England
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 7 reviews

Livit Adventures

Adventure Holidays with Livit Adventures in North Devon. Have you ever wanted to surf a wave, abseil and climb a cliff above the ocean, walk the beautiful coastal paths of Devon, go kitesurfing on a windy day or have a go at wakeboarding? At Livit Adventures we provide specialist holidays and weekend breaks for those looking for something a little more adventurous. Based on the beautiful North Devon coastline, we provide the accommodation, meals, transport and activities. We have two options for accommodation: Camping (2/3 or 7 days) we provide large tipis for sleeping and relaxing. Luxury house in Croyde (week long only) a stunning 6 bedroom house in the well renowned Devon town of Croyde, close to the beach and shops. We can also arrange bespoke adventures just for you and your group, with dates and activities to suit your requirements. Please contact us for more information.

Reviewed By SharonACBrighton - Brighton, uk

Just spent the most incredible 4 days with a fab group and the Livit adventures crew in North Devon and oh my, what a blast we had. Surfing, kiting, abseiling, climbing, wakeboarding- you name it they do it:) Fantastic Surfing, climbing and kiting coaches and safety was paramount with all sports. Phenomenal hosting by Sarah and Kev with truly delicious food and drinks including party Kegs and Prosecco. As a coeliac sometimes eating in a group can be challenging but this dynamic duo took it in their stride. They rock:) Cool parties, fab hot tubs, Jasper the adventure surf dog, naughty Devon nibbles, this pair have it nailed!

6. The Big Sheep.

Abbotsham Rd, Bideford EX39 5AP, England +44 1237 472366
Excellent
66%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

The Big Sheep.

Looking for a guaranteed day out that’s fun for all the family – then look no further than The BIG Sheep. No matter what the weather, this award-winning family attraction is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday. Come rain or shine Devon’s friendliest attraction has an action-packed programme of rides, shows, animals, indoor play and events to keep everyone in the family entertained all day long. The attraction was set up to create great holiday memories and the BIG Sheep ‘flock’ look forward to giving visitors to the park a totally EWEnique day out. The BIG Sheep is home to Devon’s most popular and largest roller coaster, plus 12 hilarious, EWEnique shows, with undercover viewing area. Outdoor play includes giant jumping pillows, twister ride, splash zone and archery tag. Gentle rides for toddlers include Piggy Pull-Along, Tractor Safari, self-drive Tractor Track, Pony Rides, Vintage Carousel, Swan pedaloes. Fantastic events throughout the year - www.thebigsheep.co.uk

Reviewed By Bucketgob - Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Went there on probably the wettest day of the year. Grandchildren enjoyed the demonstrations and the rides. Also playing in the mud.. What a mess they were but they had fun. Cafeteria was partially closed when we visited but food was good and nicely priced. Staff very friendly and helpful

7. Westward Ho Beach

near Bideford, Westward Ho, Bideford, England
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Westward Ho Beach

Reviewed By TerryandJane - Bourne, United Kingdom

Small but busy little resort. Clearly a lot of money is being invested with several luxury apartment blocks being built by the sea as well as a number of bars and restaurants. Worth a visit for a walk on the beach and perhaps lunch.

8. North Devon Maritime Museum

Odun Road, Appledore EX39 1PT, England +44 1237 422064
Excellent
69%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

North Devon Maritime Museum

The North Devon Maritime Museum will be open daily from Thursday 29th March at 10:30am until 5:00pm until Wednesday 31st October 2018 . Last admission an hour before closing. Come and visit this gem of a museum. Quizzes and eye-spy for children. Fascinating walks around the picturesque village( plenty of eateries)or follow the coastal path around to Westward Ho!

Reviewed By Helen W

The museum staff gave our 5 year old a quiz and let him ring a bell and claim a prize when he completed it. He had a great time! The models are amazing, I wasn't expecting it to be so good.

9. South West Coast Path Walk - Torridge Tarka Trail

Instow Bus Stop, Instow, Bideford EX39 2BU, England +44 1392 383560
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 58 reviews

South West Coast Path Walk - Torridge Tarka Trail

From Bideford catch a bus to Instow, a Victorian seaside resort and an important training area for the D-Day Landings. Walk on the South West Coast Path back along the eastern bank of the River Torridge, following the Tarka Trail cycleway along the old railway line. Features along the 3.3 mile walk include a country mansion with a colourful history and a medieval bridge that kept falling down.

Reviewed By k r - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom

I enjoyed this superb walk from Torrington to Barnstaple with an overnight stop at Bideford. The trail was well maintained throughout and there are many great views along the way, with lots of wildlife to see. Being easter week the trail was especially busy with cyclists including lots of family groups, it is advisable to keep left, though everyone I met along the way was considerate. There is a lack of facilities between towns so plan ahead, but plenty of pubs and cafes in Bideford, Instow, at Fremington and in Barnstaple.

10. Tapeley Park Gardens

Instow, Bideford EX39 4NT, England +44 1271 860897
Excellent
44%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 133 reviews

Tapeley Park Gardens

Tapeley invites you to do something different today… Tapeley Park Gardens is one of North Devon’s best kept secrets. Explore the unique Gardens and enchanted woods with centuries’ old trees and lake that’s home to dragonflies and kingfishers. Play croquet on the lawn, stroll to the labyrinth for one of North Devon’s finest coastal views, learn about Tapeley’s history and sustainability projects or just find a quiet corner to sit and listen to the birdsong…

Reviewed By k r - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom

Our visit was on a Tuesday in early September so there were not many visitors but the Gardens were still looking great with plenty of colour. First we had a cup of tea, then wandered round the formal Gardens where we remember some renovation work...MoreMany thanks for the lovely review. Very glad to see you again!

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