Bideford

Civil Parish in Devon Torridge

England

Bideford

Bideford is a historic town located in the Torridge district of Devon, England. It is situated on the west bank of the River Torridge, approximately 10 miles from the North Devon coast. Bideford is a civil parish and has a population of around 18,000.

The town has a rich history, dating back to the Saxon era. It played a significant role in the maritime trade during the medieval period and was an important port for the export of wool and the import of wine and tobacco. Today, remnants of its maritime past can still be seen in the old quay area, where historic buildings and charming narrow streets create a picturesque scene.

Bideford is known for its iconic bridge, the Bideford Long Bridge, which was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest surviving bridges in England. The town also boasts several notable landmarks, including the Grade I listed St. Mary's Church, which dates back to the 12th century and features a stunning tower and stained glass windows.

In terms of amenities and services, Bideford offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The town has a vibrant local market, held weekly, where residents and visitors can explore and purchase a variety of goods. Additionally, Bideford is well-connected with good transportation links, including a railway station and regular bus services.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to the North Devon coastline, Bideford is an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Tarka Trail, a popular walking and cycling route, passes through the town, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Overall, Bideford is a charming and historic town with a strong sense of community, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

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Bideford Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.009249/-4.1997 or Grid Reference SS4525. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bideford Long Bridge and view of the town

Taken from the new flyover bridge on the A39, this view looks down the River Torridge towards Bideford Long Bridge, Bideford quayside and the area on the other side of the river known as East-the-Water.

Mike Crowe

Bideford Quayside and main through road

A view looking up the main road adjacent top the quayside, looking towards Bideford Long Bridge. The town centre is on the hill to the right of the picture. The quayside still sees some use. Before the construction of the new flyover, all traffic used this road en route from Barnstaple into North Cornwall.

Mike Crowe

High level road bridge across the Torridge Estuary

This was taken from the eastern bank of the estuary looking over to the suburbs of Bideford on the opposite bank.

Tony Atkin

Bideford and the Longbridge

Tony Atkin

Bideford Old Bridge

john spivey

Memorial stone for a crashed WW2 bomber

At the edge of the Tarka Trail (cycle way) on the former railway line between Bideford and Torrington.

David Smith

Butcher's shop in Bideford

The shopfront has a statue of a newsboy, with the placard "Western Express 1d"

David Smith

Tarka Trail using a disused railway bridge

The Tarka Trail crosses the River Torridge.

David Smith

Bideford station

on the Tarka Trail has been brought back to life by a partnership between Devon County Council and the Bideford & Instow Railway Group. The Group rebuilt the signalbox as an exact replica of the original on the old foundations.

Ron Strutt

Landcross, near Bideford

Looking upstream from the Landcross Viaduct on the Tarka Trail. It is here that The Pool of Six Herons is set in the book "Tarka The Otter" by Henry Williamson.

Ron Strutt

Bideford: signalbox at Bideford Station

Replica of original signalbox built by the London & South Western Railway. The station survives at East-the-Water

Martin Bodman

Torridge Bridge

Taken from near the Tarka trail

Steve Lee

Still Standing

Wreck by the bridge

Timothy Wood

December in sunglasses

I like to take the "Old road" at Bideford across the river on the way home from my parents', to catch my breath and calm down. At this point I'm 30 odd miles from my Mum and Dad and 120 miles from the Wife, My god that's a flat out dash back to "her in doors!". The only way to get my camera to take this picture was to take it through my sunglasses which was the way that I saw it as I drove across the bridge.

Timothy Wood

River Torridge from Landcross viaduct

The old line from Barnstaple and Bideford to Halwill Junction

Martin Southwood

Bideford Cemetery

Opened 6th September 1889 by W L Vellacott Esq

Neil Lewin

ML1301 passing under Bideford Bridge, January 1943

The boat and its two sisters were built at Blackmore's Yard, which used to be just above the Bridge. They were the largest craft to squeeze through. Timing was important, to get adequate headroom and depth under the keel.

David Carter