Bideford Attractions
Some 9mi/14km southwest of Barnstaple is Bideford (pop. 13,000), an old seaport, situated on the estuary of the Torridge with a bridge composed of 24 arches. There are many handsome houses of the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries; the Church of St Mary's is noted for its fine Norman font. On the picturesque quay, a relic of the time when Bideford carried on a thriving trade with America, there is a statue of Charles Kingsley (1819-75), who wrote his famous novel "Westward Ho!" in a house which is now part of the Royal Hotel.
Docton Mill and Gardens
Docton Mill and Gardens is located in Bideford, near Hartland in Devon. The mill is of Saxon origin and has been restored. The gardens sprawl over 8 acres and have gained internationally recognition for their landscaping and variety as they appear frequently on the BBC and ITV.
Hours
March 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Parking
Free
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Rosemoor
Rosemoor was gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988 by Lady Anne Berry. Its 40 acres are set in the beautiful Torrbridge Valley in North Devon and have been developed into a garden of great variety, interest and national importance. Gardeners of all backgrounds and abilities will find inspiration in the plant selections and obtain valuable information at the Visitor Centre and plant centre.
All values are in local currency
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | 6.00 |
| Group discounts | 5.00 |
| Child 16 & under | 2.00 |
| Child 6 & under | FREE |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Tapeley Park Gardens
Tapeley Park Gardens near Bideford are a national garden in the making. On the 20 acres site there are variety of gardens including a recently renovated Italian Terrace and a restored vegetable garden. You will also find an Organic Permaculture Garden and a Wild Garden with a children's play area.
Hours
March 26 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always opened on:
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Facilities
Gift shop
Westward Ho!, England
(Near Bideford)
Westward Ho!, a seaside resort named after Charles Kingsley's novel, lies 4mi/6km to the northwest of Bideford. It has a fine sandy beach 3mi/5km long and a golf-course.
Westward Ho! is known for its surfing seas as well as the arcades and go-kart track.
Westward Ho! is known for its surfing seas as well as the arcades and go-kart track.
