What is BIDEFORD NORTH DEVON really like?
No, it’s not dirty, but the mudflats may smell a bit when the tide is out. Bideford is set on a tidal river. It is old and picturesque. The ancient bridge spanning the river and joining the two halves of the town is reputed to be built on woolsacks. The harbour is smaller than it used to be in medieval times, a lot of it has been filled in. At one time the harbour was very busy, now there are a few fishing boats and pleasure trips. A new, modern bridge has been built on the far side of the town and is an easy link to Barnstaple. There was a thriving boat-building dock at nearby Appledore, but that has hit the skids. Not many high street chains in Bideford, you would need to go to Barnstaple for that, or for the theatre. Much of the town is now owned by the charitable Bridge Trust, and the considerable income generated used to improve the area.
