Bideford is situated on the rugged north coast of Devon, straddling the river Torridge, just before it joins the mighty Atlantic and is a bustling market town and port, that still has many reminders of the past still very much in evidence today. The River Torridge and the sea beyond, have always played an important part in the life of Bideford, and it`s safe to say that probably the most striking feature of the town still is the magnificent Bideford Bridge, or long bridge as it better known, which in one form or another has stood there for almost eight hundred years.
Originally the site of a ford, this is where the name "Bideford" or "By the Ford" is derived from. The town of Bideford originally became prosperous through the export of wool, especially to Newfoundland. It is also said to have been though this port that Sir Walter brought back his first cargo of tobacco. However, not all mariners ancient or modern, were lucky enough to survive the perilous Atlantic, as a visit to the nearby Hartland Quay Shipwreck Museum will prove.
In these days of slightly safer travel, the town`s regular pannier market, with it`s farm fresh produce, still draws shoppers and merchants from miles around, and for real 'shop-aholics', just on the edge of Bideford is the renowned Atlantic Village shopping outlet, offering all the familiar brand names, alongside the exciting Atlantis Family Adventure Park.
If you are looking for something a little quieter however, Bideford boasts a fine museum and art gallery to while away the hours, and regular boat trips leave from The Quay to Lundy Island, offering a relaxing time watching the seals and puffins.
Bideford also has all the usual pubs, restaurants and bars you would expect to find in a modern tourist destination. Couple these with The Big Sheep, and the Milky Way Adventure Park attractions, and you will see that Bideford has something on offer for all the family, both young and old.
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