Step Back in Time: A Tour of Bideford’s The Quay and Historic Waterfront

Bideford, a beautiful town located in North Devon, England, is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Quay and Historic Waterfront in Bideford is a must-visit for anyone interested in the town’s rich history and culture. 

This area has played a significant role in the town’s development over the years and continues to be a hub of activity today. The Quay is the heart of Bideford’s maritime activities and has been a centre of trade and commerce for centuries. It offers visitors a wide range of things to do, such as the following:

• Taking a boat tour along the River Torridge
• Enjoying a stroll along the riverside promenade
• Picnicking in the nearby Victoria Park

The area is also home to a variety of businesses, such as seafood restaurants, gift shops, and boat tour operators.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Quay and Historic Waterfront in Bideford is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the town’s rich history and culture.

The Quay is the heart of Bideford’s maritime activities and offers visitors a range of things to do.

The area is home to a variety of businesses

The Historic Waterfront area of Bideford is a must-visit for anyone interested in the town’s rich history.

The Quay and Landmarks

One of the most notable landmarks on the Quay is the statue of Charles Kingsley, a native of Bideford and the author of the classic novel “Westward Ho!“. 

This statue is a fitting tribute to Kingsley’s contribution to the town’s cultural heritage. The Quay is also home to several historic pubs, including the Royal Hotel, a 17th-century coaching inn that offers visitors a chance to experience a piece of Bideford’s history while enjoying a drink or a meal.

Historic Waterfront

The Historic Waterfront area of Bideford is a must-visit for anyone interested in the town’s rich history. The area is lined with beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The former 19th-century customs house, now a maritime museum, is one of the most notable buildings in the area. 

The museum contains a range of exhibits that detail the history of Bideford’s seafaring past, including displays on local shipwrecks, fishing traditions, and the town’s involvement in the slave trade.

Visitors to Bideford can also explore the town’s heritage trail, which takes in many of the historic sites and landmarks in the area. The trail includes stops at the Quay and Historic Waterfront, as well as other notable landmarks such as the 16th-century Long Bridge that spans the River Torridge.

Bideford is located in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the area. The town is also a short distance from several other popular tourist destinations, including the coastal villages of Westward Ho! and Appledore.

And Finally

The Quay and Historic Waterfront in Bideford are fascinating and picturesque destinations that are well worth a visit. 

Whether you’re interested in the town’s maritime history, and cultural heritage, or simply want to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of North Devon, there is something for everyone in this mesmerising town.