The little white town of Bideford was Britain's third largest port in the 16th Century. Bideford is located on the west bank of the River Torridge, where the river begins to widen to form the estuary. The name Bideford is derived from ' by-the-ford', as the town has always been an important point on the North coast highway. Today, Bideford is a thriving shopping centre with its historic Pannier Market holding both produce and crafts markets each Tuesday and Saturday. Bideford is the local centre for antique shops scattered amongst the narrow backstreets and alleyways - called 'drangs' - that lead away from the quay and the river.

Bideford's narrow town centre streets lead down to the tree lined quay and visitor car parks. The quay which bustles with fishing vessels, cargo and pleasure boats, has regular boat trip to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. The working harbour is the home port of the M S Oldenburg which sails back and forth to Lundy Island, 12 miles off the northern coastline.

Bideford is centered around an impressive,24 arch stone bridge, built in 1535. The bridge with its curious over hung design, leads to the coastal path cycle way and to the disused railway line which is now part of the Tarka Trail. The first bridge at Bideford was built from timber in 1300, this was replaced by a stone bridge in the 15th century, with various improvements being made to the bridge throughout the intervening years.