What Locals Do When There Are Fewer Tourists

Bideford, a charming riverside town, is one of the prime summer destinations for tourists and holidaymakers alike. But when summer fades, and the bustling streets and pubs of Bideford begin to quiet, a new vibe in Bideford comes to life among the locals.

For those who call Bideford home, this charming riverside town becomes a sanctuary for exploring its peaceful nature and serene natural charms. They don’t stop there. Locals strengthen community ties by supporting local markets and businesses while also taking day trips to nearby villages, among other things, which they do when there are fewer tourists around.

In this article, we discuss what locals do when there are fewer tourists and how they utilise this off-season period to enjoy the ambience of this coastal town.

Rediscovering the Town’s Natural and Cultural Charm

One thing you can’t take away from a Bideford native is the urge to explore the town’s natural charm and cultural heritage, such as the Mound, Northam Burrows Country Park, and many other places during the off-season. There is more to this, which we explore through the following subsection.

Embracing the Outdoors Year-Round

Embracing the outdoor scenery of Bideford is like a year-round ritual that tops the list of what locals do when there are fewer tourists. The majority of them start the off-season with a trip to one of the foremost country parks in Bideford, the Northam Burrow Country Park. This beautiful landmark stretches over 253 hectares, serving as the choice habitat for various wildlife, exotic plants, and, most importantly, a coastal walk along several trails, including the Tarka Trail.

While at that, most locals even top this off with a trip with their families and dogs to watch the tides roll and swim at any of the beaches in Bideford Bay. The following are some notable beaches in Bideford:

• Westward Ho! Beach
• Instow Beach
• Saunton Sands
• Croyde Bay
• Putsborough Sands
• Clovelly Beach

Exploring Cultural and Historical Spaces

Immediately after the tourist departs, Bideford’s cultural and historical places become a peaceful hub for locals to explore. Many Bideford natives are art fanatics who enjoy exhibitions and community workshops. This section of locals kickstarts their off-season exploration with a visit to the Burton Art Gallery & Museum, where they engage with other elite creative minds of the town.

Other important attractions include historic landmarks like the Railway Heritage Centre and the Long Bridge, which serve as testaments to Bideford’s historic past.

Enjoying Live Music and Arts

For many Bideford locals, the off-season is the perfect time to enjoy a more connected and personal live band performance. During this period, Palladium Club, a historic entertainment centre with a touch of classic and modern style, becomes their go-to venue to enjoy a variety of live music ranging from rock and indie nights to acoustic sets and tribute bands.

Beyond the live musical performances, locals also tap into the boom of creativity that flows around the town, with different craft groups, theatre workshops, and open mic night events springing up. Not only do they watch the show, they also actively partake in it with their paintbrush, guitar, or pen.

Strengthening Community Ties and Local Traditions

It’s unprecedented how every Bideford native just switched on to strengthen community ties with a series of festivals, visits to nearby villages and visits to the local market when there are fewer tourists in the town. The following series of activities also tops the list of what locals do when there are fewer tourists and keeps the town buzzing ahead of the next tourist season.

Participating in Community Events

The highlights of Bideford community events are the famed Bideford Water Festival and Cardboard Regatta. These festivals serve as an emblem of unity that brings all locals together with a series of hand-made cardboard boats that are purposely built with finesse and hope that they capsize stylishly. Not only is this festival a thing of beauty and enjoyment, but it also serves as a testament to the town’s enduring legacy and a chance to support charities, schools and many other good causes in the community. The following are some other community events that locals attend.

Event Name	Date	Location
Bideford Half Marathon	March 9	The Pill
Bideford Eat: Festival	April 5	The Quay
Pigstock Festival	May 17	The Big Sheep
Bideford Bike Show	May 25	The Big Sheep
Bideford Triathlon	June 15	The Quay
Bideford Rowing Regatta	June 21	The Quay
Bideford Soapbox Derby	July 6	High Street & The Quay
Bideford Water Festival & Cardboard Regatta	July 20	Bideford Quay

Supporting Local Markets and Businesses

Without the wave of summer tourists, the buzz of the Bideford market still stays alive. At this moment, its economy relies on the locals who take it as their off-season tradition to shop at various local markets and show up at businesses. The Pannier market witnessed an increased number of local customers coming in to shop from its over 30 independent businesses that are lined up at the famed butcher’s row and the market hall. Locals also use this period to go into pubs and shops around the area to buy and connect with shopkeepers and baristas.

Day Trips to Nearby Villages

Fewer tourists translate to less traffic on the Bideford roads. The off-season is a time for locals to explore the scenic Bideford neighbouring towns. Trips to nearby villages like Instow, Appledore, Crow Point and Bude became popular among the locals. This day trip isn’t just for sightseeing; it’s for supporting other neighbouring North Devon communities.

Slowing Down and Recharging at Home

The slow pace of life in Bideford offers most locals an opportunity to take much-needed rest and recharge ahead of the new tourist season. Slowing down at home is by no means a moment to log off. For most, it’s a moment to gravitate towards digital leisure and other activities.

Unwinding Indoors With Digital Leisure

With shorter days and cooler weather, home becomes a cosy space for Bideford natives, where they catch up on their favourite TV shows, tend to their gardens, and enjoy various favourite activities. For those who are technologically inclined, there’s always the chance to test their luck at real money casinos from Slotozilla. The site offers clusters of expertly curated casinos where users can play any of their favourite games from the comfort of their homes.

Preparing for the Next Tourist Season

For the business owners among the locals, the off-season is a period of re-strategising and planning. During this period, pub menus get updated, holiday rentals undergo maintenance and renovations, and hotels undergo maintenance and renovations. Shop owners balance their books and restock, while restaurants deep clean their outlets, refix their fading decor, and update their menus ahead of the next tourist season.

Conclusion

Unlike many other tourist destinations that lose their charm whenever holidaymakers leave their shores, Bideford doesn’t fade into silence. Instead, the town breathes a new life of activities spearheaded by locals who take it upon themselves to explore familiar trails, wander through Pannier market, or unwind indoors with digital games.