Living in Bideford

Why move to Bideford?

Charles Kingsley's description of Bideford as “The Little White Town, which slopes upward from its broad river tide” paints a picturesque one hundred & fifty year old image of the town that has not changed much to the present day.

However, Bideford is now definitely in the 21st century with its new Torridge Bridge, its recently enhanced quay area, excellent shopping, a variety of restaurants, and the lively pubs & themed bars Bideford quayside has been redeveloped in recent years and is now a stunning place to sit back, relax and admire the stunning water fountains at high tide. From the Quay you Take a trip to Lundy Island on the MS Oldenburg, the ferry that regularly makes the 14-mile journey to the island and back.

The Tarka Trail passes through Bideford and runs alongside the River Torridge on a former railway track. Popular with both cyclists and walkers, the Tarka Trail is a great way to explore the surrounding towns and villages including Instow. One of the busiest nights of the year is New Years Eve with Bideford renowned for being one of the best places to celebrate the occasion in the UK. Thousands kitted out in fancy dress flock to the town centre for live entertainment and fireworks on the Quay with a local tradition of running along Bideford long bridge; this is a great time of year to visit the town.