Bideford was described as: "the little white Town on a Hill" by the 19th, century novelist Charles Kingsley. Kingsley penned his novel, 'Westward Ho' in Bideford in 1855. His novel is set in the  Elizabethan era. A time when intense patriotism abounded in England due in no small part to the 'Spanish Armada.' The book was a best seller. And as everybody who has read the novel knows, the hero, Amyas Leight, after a rebellious childhood, sails away to sea with no less a Captain, than Sir Francis Drake. The novel, prompted some enterprising West Country entrepreneurs, to develop a strip of the coast 2 miles from Bideford. To which they gave the name 'Westward Ho.' Westward Ho is still a popular holiday resort today. It is also said that it was in Bideford, that Francis Drake landed the very first cargoes of tobacco !!! to arrive in England

However, I am pleased to say today, Bideford is still a" little white Town on a Hill." Recently the sea defenses were improved because the town was subjected to flooding at high spring tides. And as the ancient quay was a focal point of Bidefords charm and character, ( The quay was built in 1619, when Bideford was a very bustling port. ) a lot of people, myself included were worried the quay would lose it's unique character. I am pleased to say this work was carried out very sympathetically, and managed to retain much of the quays former charm, and character. Today from the quay you can fish, stroll, or take a boat trip to see Lundy Island, a trip I would strongly advocate any visitor to partake.

Two bridges, cross the Torridge at Bideford. And one bridge is of particular interest. It is called the 'Long Bridge' and is reputed to have been built in 1280. It was originally built of oak, 680 ft, in length and has 24 arches. And what makes this bridge so unusual from similar bridges, is the arches of this bridge are of different sizes. (local legend has it that each parish, donated funds to build the bridge, and the different sized arches is down to the different amounts each parish donated, i.e. the larger the amount donated the larger the arch ) A feature that is no doubt of great interest to Architects, and Civil Engineers alike. But of no interest what-so-ever to holiday makers. ( smiling ) The original wooden structure was encased in stone around 1460. However the erratic dimensions of the arches were maintained. By the 17th, century Bideford, had become a important bustling port. Indeed and was one of the premier ports in the country for the developing trade with the Americas.

Unfortunately the Long Bridge, collapsed in 1968, but it has been lovingly and painstakingly restored to its former glory. Bideford long bridge is maintained by a ancient corporation of trustees. They are know as feofees, and the income they raise not only pays for the upkeep of the bridge,  they also use it to support local charities, and good causes. The new modern bridge, was the subject of much controversy and petitions, both, for and against, its construction. But today is used more than the old bridge. Which used to be the cause of traffic gridlocks, in Bideford, of all places. Farmers and their tractors!!!

Bideford, like Barnstable also boast the inevitable, 'Panniers Market'. But Bidefords, is said to be one of the finest examples of a surviving Victorian covered market in the country. Barnstaple will argue however that theirs is better. Panniers were the wicker baskets, that farmers wifes, used to bring produce to the town market. Hence, the name' Panniers Market' simple. Northam, a small village lies just outside Bideford. And it was at Northam that three year's after William the Conquerors triumph over King Harold at Hastings.  The three illegitimate son's of King Harold arrived from Ireland, in a abortive attempt to regain the lost English throne.

For walkers, and lovers wildlife, the Tarka Trail is also near Bideford. You all remember that wonderful book,'Tarka the Otter' by Henry Williamson. Well this is the area, and this is the place that inspired it. Not far from Bideford, is Atlantic Village a modern shopping area ideal for buying shorts and tea shirts if the weather surprises you and gets hot. Also nearby is the Big Sheep, a wonderland of fun for children. I love it there. It has a huge and popular indoor play area called ewetopia, do you get it? big sheep utopia, oh never mind, (it is wonderful place for harassed parents if it rains ) I love the sheep racing, and the demonstration by shepherds, and their wonderful dogs. Then there is the Milky Way, which has a pets corner, 18 hole mini golf course, even a sheepy shop fantastic. There are loads of rides, and fun for all the family. And also some decent restaraunts to replenish ones-self in. A must for the tired holiday maker?

If you decide to take a Christmas break in the 'West Country', as more and more people are doing doing then, New Year's Eve in Bideford is the place to be. Here you will see hordes of revelers all in fancy dress. Yes they know how to greet the New Year in Bideford. Just make sure you order that taxi !!! home lol

Westward Ho, which was mentioned earlier is only a couple of miles from Bideford. And Westward Ho, has a blue flag beach. Both the beach and its famous pebble ridge, are worth a visit. If you are here in May, you can join in a very old and quaint ceremony called 'Pot Walloping.' This is when all the residents of Westward Ho descend on the beach then proceed to hurl the pebbles dislodged by the winter seas back on to the ridge. Please do not quote me on this but, I believe this ceremony evolved because the pebble ridge was seen as it indeed is a vital coastal defense and this quaint event derived from this fact.

On the way to Westward Ho you will come to bloody corner. The place where Hubba the Dane died in a abortive attempt to invade England. There is a brass plaque on a wall there testifying to this fact. Bideford is within easy reach of Barnstable, Hartland Point, and Hartland Quay, also Torrington, and Clovelly are quite close by. So it is a ideal place for the holiday maker to base himself. If its Exmoor, you want then the Barnstaple area is the place for you !

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