Living in Bideford

Community spirit is an enduring feature of life in Bideford. The town has a gently bustling atmosphere, with active involvement in local organisations, sports clubs, and cultural groups. Longstanding traditions such as the annual Bideford Fair, the New Year’s Eve Quay celebrations, and regular Pannier Market days anchor community life.

Bideford’s riverside setting encourages outdoor pursuits, with sailing, rowing, fishing, and cycling particularly popular. Green spaces such as Victoria Park, the Tarka Trail, and nearby Burton Art Gallery and Museum provide venues for leisure and family activities. Community centres and local charities further strengthen social connections.

Bideford is generally viewed as a safe and friendly town with low crime rates compared to more urban areas. The majority of incidents are minor, such as anti-social behaviour or occasional petty theft. Neighbourhood policing teams are visible in the area, working in partnership with the community to address local concerns and maintain safety.

Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the presence of a dedicated police station contribute to residents’ peace of mind. Areas around the town centre may experience slightly higher activity at night, particularly during weekends or events, but overall, Bideford maintains a reassuring reputation for safety.

Parking in Bideford is generally convenient, with a number of public car parks situated in and around the town centre. Short- and long-stay options are available for residents, shoppers, and visitors. On-street parking is found in residential areas, although some restrict non-permit holders during peak periods. Resident parking schemes operate in certain parts of town.

Traffic congestion in Bideford is moderate and largely limited to school runs or holiday season, when coastal tourism peaks. The town benefits from proximity to the A39 ‘Atlantic Highway’, which supports straightforward car journeys to the wider region.

Key road access and journey times:

• Barnstaple – approx. 20 minutes via A39 (9 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 75 minutes via A39/A377 (47 miles)
• Westward Ho! – approx. 10 minutes by car (3 miles)
• Appledore – approx. 10 minutes by car (3 miles)
• Ilfracombe – approx. 45 minutes via A39 (24 miles)

Bideford offers a diverse dining scene with an emphasis on local produce and independent establishments. Riverside pubs and quayside cafés are a hallmark of the town, such as The Royal Hotel, The Appledore Inn, and The Kingsley Inn, which attract both locals and tourists. Seafood is celebrated in many restaurants, with fresh catches from the nearby coast featuring on menus.

A range of cafés and bakeries can be found throughout the centre and along Mill Street, known for artisan coffee, Devon cream teas, and homemade cakes. Takeaways offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional fish and chips to Indian, Thai, and pizza.

While Bideford’s nightlife is generally relaxed, several traditional pubs and bars host live music, quiz nights, and events. For those seeking a livelier night out, Barnstaple provides additional options, including clubs and late-night bars within a short drive.

School quality: Bideford’s range of primary and secondary schools includes several rated 'Good' by Ofsted, supporting families seeking quality education close to home.

Parks and green space: Multiple parks, the Tarka Trail, and quick access to beaches and countryside offer children and families ample choice for outdoor recreation.

Childcare: Nurseries, pre-schools, and childminder services are available, catering to younger children and busy parents.

Safety: The town’s generally low crime rates and visible neighbourhood policing add reassurance for parents.

Family activities: Attractions such as The BIG Sheep amusement park, sailing, walking, arts workshops, and local festivals make Bideford a popular choice for families of all ages.

Bideford is well-suited to pet owners, thanks to its abundant green space and excellent walking routes. The Tarka Trail and Victoria Park are both dog-friendly and widely used by local pet owners. Nearby beaches such as Instow and Westward Ho! permit dogs at certain times of year, providing opportunities for exercise and play.

The town is home to several veterinary practices, pet supply shops, and grooming services. Many local cafés and pubs welcome well-behaved dogs, reflecting the town’s positive attitude towards pets. Housing in the area often accommodates pet ownership, making Bideford a favoured choice for animal-loving households.

Bideford’s transport links play a significant role in making the town accessible for both residents and visitors. While Bideford no longer has an active railway station, reliable bus services connect the town to Barnstaple, Exeter, and other parts of Devon. Stagecoach and local routes provide regular services for commuters and students across the North Devon region.

Road access is a major asset, as the A39 ‘Atlantic Highway’ passes through Bideford, offering direct routes north and south along the Devon and Cornwall coasts. For those travelling further afield, Barnstaple railway station (8 miles away) connects to Exeter and onwards to the national rail network. Exeter Airport, approximately 60 miles away, is the closest hub for domestic and European flights.

Typical commute times:

• Barnstaple – approx. 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus (9 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 75 minutes by car via A39/A377 (47 miles)
• London – approx. 4 hours by train (via Barnstaple and Exeter St Davids)

Bideford is also popular with cyclists and walkers, as the Tarka Trail runs through the town, providing scenic non-motorised access to the wider region.

Primary Schools:

Bideford boasts a variety of primary schools catering to families in town and surrounding villages. Bideford Primary School is one of the main options, offering inclusive education and community involvement (last Ofsted: Good, 2018). St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is another notable choice, highly regarded for pastoral care and creative teaching approaches (last Ofsted: Good, 2023).

Secondary Schools:

Bideford College is the principal secondary school in the area, located on Abbotsham Road. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum, extensive extracurricular activities, and modern facilities (last Ofsted: Good, 2022). Park School in nearby Barnstaple is also attended by Bideford students, providing additional choice in the wider North Devon area.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

Bideford College incorporates a sixth form centre, enabling local students to pursue A-levels and further studies within town limits. Petroc College, based in Barnstaple, is a leading FE college serving North Devon, popular with Bideford leavers for vocational and academic qualifications.

Universities:

Bideford does not have its own university, but Petroc provides clear pathways to higher education. The nearest university is the University of Exeter, with its main campus accessible via rail or road for those who commute or relocate for undergraduate and postgraduate study.