Upper Instow Beach Cottage

In Bideford

The Champ -- A popular independent restaurant on Mill Street serving modern British food with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly and features Devon beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce. Open for lunch and dinner. Booking recommended, especially at weekends.

Pier House -- Situated right on the quay with wonderful views over the River Torridge. A relaxed bistro-style restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood, steaks, and classic pub dishes. A lovely spot for a riverside lunch or evening meal.

The Royal Hotel -- A traditional hotel overlooking the river, serving afternoon teas, bar meals, and a more formal restaurant menu. The terrace is a pleasant spot on a sunny day.

Rise Bakehouse -- An artisan bakery and cafe on the High Street, well known for its sourdough bread, pastries, and excellent coffee. A great stop for a morning coffee or light lunch.

Coffin's Deli -- A well-stocked independent delicatessen on Cooper Street offering local cheeses, charcuterie, chutneys, and hamper items. Perfect for picnic supplies.

Nearby

The Royal George, Appledore -- A welcoming waterfront pub approximately 2 miles from Bideford, serving real ales, local ciders, and good home-cooked food with views across the estuary.

Hockings Ice Cream, Appledore -- A North Devon institution making traditional dairy ice cream since 1936. The parlour in Appledore is a must-visit on a warm day.

The Quay, Instow -- A well-regarded pub and restaurant directly on the beach at Instow, serving fresh seafood, grills, and Sunday roasts. Popular with families and walkers on the Tarka Trail.

RHS Rosemoor Restaurant -- Set within the beautiful RHS Garden Rosemoor near Great Torrington, approximately 8 miles from Bideford. The restaurant serves seasonal lunches, cream teas, and cakes using produce from the garden where possible.

Bideford Long Bridge -- One of the finest medieval bridges in England, with 24 arches spanning the River Torridge. The bridge has stood in some form since around 1280, though the current stone structure dates largely from the 15th and 16th centuries. Each arch is a slightly different width, which gives the bridge its distinctive appearance. A wonderful sight from the quay, especially at sunset.

Burton Art Gallery and Museum -- A free museum and gallery in Victoria Park overlooking the River Torridge. The collection includes paintings, ceramics, local history, and regularly changing exhibitions. There is a pleasant cafe on site with river views. Open daily except Sundays.

Lundy Island -- The MS Oldenburg sails from Bideford Quay to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel (seasonal, typically March to October). The crossing takes approximately two hours. Lundy is a remarkable island with dramatic granite cliffs, puffins, seals, deer, and the remains of a medieval castle. A full day trip allows around four hours on the island.

The Tarka Trail -- One of the longest continuous traffic-free cycling and walking paths in England, stretching over 30 miles along the former railway line between Braunton and Meeth. The section between Bideford and Barnstaple follows the Torridge and Taw estuaries and is mostly flat, making it ideal for families. Bike hire is available in Bideford and at several points along the trail.

RHS Garden Rosemoor -- A stunning 65-acre Royal Horticultural Society garden near Great Torrington, approximately 8 miles from Bideford. The gardens include a cottage garden, hot garden, fruit and vegetable garden, arboretum, and woodland walks. Magnificent throughout the year, with spectacular rose displays in summer.

The Big Sheep -- A family attraction near Bideford with live sheep shows, animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, and seasonal events. Great fun for younger children.

Milky Way Adventure Park -- An indoor and outdoor adventure park near Clovelly, approximately 11 miles from Bideford. Features rides, soft play, and the Devon Birds of Prey Centre. Good for a rainy day.

Clovelly -- A world-famous privately owned fishing village approximately 12 miles west of Bideford. The single cobbled street tumbles steeply down to a tiny harbour, with whitewashed cottages and donkeys. No cars are allowed in the village. There is an entrance fee which includes access to the Fisherman's Cottage museum and the Kingsley Museum.

Hartland Abbey and Gardens -- A beautiful privately owned house near Hartland, approximately 18 miles from Bideford. Set in a wooded valley leading to a dramatic stretch of coast, with gardens, woodland walks, and a fascinating history dating back to 1157.

Barnstaple Pannier Market -- A large covered Victorian market in nearby Barnstaple (9 miles), trading since 1855. Open daily with different themed markets throughout the week, including antiques, crafts, and local produce.

Walks

The Tarka Trail -- Bideford to Instow -- A flat, easy walk or cycle along the former railway line following the Torridge estuary. The route is approximately 3 miles each way with beautiful views across the water to Appledore. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Refreshments available at Instow.

The Tarka Trail -- Bideford to Barnstaple -- The full trail section from Bideford to Barnstaple is approximately 9 miles along the estuary. A lovely ride or walk through scenic riverside countryside with occasional birdwatching hides. Mostly flat and surfaced.

Bideford to Appledore -- A pleasant 2-mile walk along the riverside path or road to the charming fishing village of Appledore. Return by the same route, or catch the seasonal ferry across to Instow and walk back along the Tarka Trail for a circular route.

Hartland Point and the Atlantic Coast -- For a more dramatic walk, head west to Hartland Point (approximately 18 miles by car). The South West Coast Path here passes through some of the most spectacular and wild coastal scenery in England, with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and virtually no development. The walk from Hartland Quay to Hartland Point is approximately 3 miles each way.

Northam Burrows Country Park -- A large expanse of coastal grassland, sand dunes, and salt marsh at the mouth of the Taw-Torridge estuary, approximately 3 miles from Bideford. Free to explore, with excellent birdwatching and views across to Saunton Sands. The coast path crosses the burrows.

RHS Rosemoor Walks -- The gardens at Rosemoor include pleasant woodland walks through the Torridge valley, in addition to the formal gardens. A gentle and rewarding outing.

Beaches

Instow Beach -- The nearest beach, approximately 3 miles from Bideford. A long sandy beach on the Taw estuary, sheltered and family-friendly with views across to Appledore. Popular for sand castles, cricket, and easy swimming at high tide. The beach is accessed from the Tarka Trail.

Westward Ho! Beach -- A large sandy beach backed by Northam Burrows, approximately 3 miles from Bideford. A popular family beach with rock pools at low tide and good conditions for surfing. There is a pebble ridge at the top of the beach and a promenade with fish and chip shops and cafes.

Saunton Sands -- One of North Devon's finest beaches, a vast three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system. Approximately 10 miles from Bideford. Excellent for surfing, bodyboarding, and long beach walks. There is a large car park and a beach cafe.

Croyde Bay -- A beautiful sandy beach in a sheltered bay, approximately 12 miles from Bideford. One of Britain's best surfing beaches, with surf schools, a beach shop, and the famous Thatch pub in the village. Very popular in summer.

Woolacombe -- A spectacular two-mile sandy beach, approximately 14 miles from Bideford. Consistently voted one of the best beaches in England, with excellent surfing, lifeguard patrols in summer, and stunning views across to Lundy Island. Putsborough Sands at the southern end is quieter.