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Publisher: The Link Publications Editor: Nicola Gilbert Design: Candace Jewell Sales: Sean Gaskin Editorial: Angela Shenton Telephone: 01237425466/07711639934 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thelinkpublications.co.uk Photographs: Front Cover by Graham Hobbs www.grahamhobbsphotography.co.uk North Devon Plus, Bideford Railway Heritage Centre, Ray Smith, Bideford Library, Clive Fairchild,
Angela Shenton, Graham Hobbs Map reproduced courtesy of the Atlantic Highway Web Site..Over 25,000 people each month use www.atlantic-highway.co.uk to source products, services and information.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby dis-claim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negli-gence, accident or any other cause. The Link does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this Publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.
“The tidal information for Bideford is reproduced by permission of the control-ler of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.ukho.gov.uk) © British Crown copyright. All rights reserved.”
These tables have been prepared with as much care as possible, but the publishers can accept no liability for any inaccuracy.
F rom Appledore with it's
quaint streets and busy
estuary, to Northam an area
of outstanding natural
beauty with 650 acres of sand dunes,
salt marsh and beaches, to Westward
Ho! with miles of clean, sandy
beaches (blue flag rated) to Bideford
with it's pannier market and wealth
of independent shops and eateries to
Torrington - The Cavalier Town. The
A39 out of Bideford (The Atlantic
Highway) will take you through
picturesque villages with
breathtaking coastal views down into
Cornwall. This area offers something
for everyone whether you are
looking for peace and quiet or high
action days out - the choice is yours!
I hope you will find this guide a handy
source of facts and information to
keep with you on your travels over
the next few days or maybe revisit at
a later date. I cannot profess to have
included every facility and business
in the area as there are so many and
they are so diverse, but I can assure
you wherever you go and whatever
you do you will receive a warm,
friendly Devon welcome.
Enjoy your stay!
Welcome to…..
The Bideford Bay Companion 2013
Welcome to The Bideford Bay Companion. This magazine is
designed to help you get the most out of your stay with the
least possible stress !
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Looking across the water you will
see Instow, another quaint town
which stakes its own claim to
having the most beautiful stretch
of sandy beach in Torridge. You
will also not fail to notice the seabirds, and, at low tide, the
waders in their tireless search for
edible delicacies to be found in the
mud.
During the summer you can take
any number of boat trips around
the estuary and up towards
Bideford.
Several times throughout the year
the Quay plays host to a number of festivals such as the Appledore
Arts Festival and the Appledore
Book Festival plus other activities.
It certainly is a great place to sit,
perhaps with an Hockings ice cream
cone, and just watch the world go by
as you soak up the summer sun.
Strolling around Appledore’s narrow cobbled streets you will note that
many of the Georgian and Victorian
cottages have wide upper windows;
these would have been originally
used as sail makers’ lofts in days
gone by. You will find shops selling
gifts, crafts, original art work
(Appledore has a thriving artistic
community) and all manner of items.
Appledore still has a modern
shipbuilding business; and boat
repair yard.
The fascinating North Devon
Maritime Museum not far from the
Picturesque and quaint are just a couple of many adjectives used
to describe this historical fishing and maritime village. Take a leaf
out of the locals’ book and while away your time by sitting on
Appledore Quay watching the boats in the estuary. When the tide
is in it is indeed a beautiful sight to behold.
picturesque fishing village
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town centre has a wealth of
information about Appledore’s long
association with boat building, the
historic Richmond Dock and all things
nautical and including a model of
HMS Bideford, made from damaged timber from the original ship.
In the past the economy relied
heavily on merchant shipping,
fishing and also salmon netting in the
river. Not surprisingly, many say a
large part of Appledore’s income in
times past was derived from
smuggling!
A walk up Irsha street just beyond the
large Churchfields car park is to be
recommended, it leads to the lifeboat
house and a couple of great centuries
old pubs along narrow streets of
former fisherman’s cottages, many of which have been lovingly restored and
now become popular holiday homes.
If it’s time for lunch or tea, sample one
of the many fine Inns or small
restaurants for welcome refreshment,
or why not enjoy that great British
staple of fish and chips whilst
sitting on the Quay.
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Northam Burrows lies at the mouth
of the Taw and Torridge estuary, an
area of outstanding natural beauty
and within the UNESCO designated
biosphere.
Set in 650 acres of sand-dunes, salt marsh and pastures, with the
imposing and fascinating Pebble
Ridge on the seaward side, over
which lies the 3km long Westward
Ho! beach.
The Burrows is an ideal day out for
everybody with its proximity to the
beach, ease of parking and safe,
clean bathing waters, (Blue Flag
rated). At each end of the beach,
the sand gives way to rocks, dotted with pools, perfect for spotting
sea-shore wildlife, and perfect for
those who are fossil and seashell
collectors.
Standing on the pebble ridge
the sweeping expanse of Bideford
Bay comes in to view. Looking south
west, the craggy cliffs of Hartland
Point can be seen, with its blinking lighthouse a reminder of the terrible
losses this shipping graveyard has
taken over the years, (Bideford had
at least two lighthouses at the
mouth of the Torridge Estuary that
guided ships over the ‘bar’ and along
the river into port).
Looking north west, Baggy Point
with the faint silhouette of the
Gower Peninsula of South Wales
behind can be viewed, on a very
clear day is needed! Whilst looking directly west, Lundy Island can be
seen emerging from the waves, a
haven for nature lovers and bird
In ancient times Northam was probably the main settlement of
the area and dates back to Norman times being mentioned in the
Doomsday book as land owned by a Saxon lord. Historic
settlement evidence can still be found within the area. The parish
of Northam covers roughly 2700 acres and includes Appledore.
an anglo-saxon settlement
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watchers.
With 2000 miles to the next
landfall, the Atlantic Ocean produces
a ceaseless barrage of rolling waves
ideal for those seeking the thrills of
surfing and surf canoeing, as well as those anglers seeking the elusive
bass, with specimens of over 17lb
recorded in recent years whilst the
more sheltered estuary waters are
perfect for sailing and light line
fishing, for instance school bass and
mullet. On the eastern side of the
Burrows lies the Salt Marsh, known
as the Skern, which is visited by
large numbers of waders and other
migratory wildfowl, making it an
ideal location for Birdwatchers and
walkers.
Whether seeking rugged walks
along the coast path, observing the
grazing horses and ponies, swinging
a club, catching crabs in its rock
pools, a refreshing swim or simply
relaxing on its endless sands, then
this richly diverse landscape has
something for everyone.
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There are stunning views across the
Taw and Torridge estuary towards
Saunton and Northam Burrows
Country Park.
Just behind the pebble ridge is the cricket ground, home of
Bideford, Westward Ho! and
Littleham Cricket Club. It is a
popular destination for touring
sides, you will often find a match
going on during the week in
addition to the weekend league
matches and youth games.
The wide expanse of sand makes it
a hive of activity. Bathing, surfing,
canoeing, kitesurfing and para-karting are just some of the
sports you can become in involved
with or simply observe.
For those ramblers who enjoy
walking, the South West Coast
Path runs through Westward Ho! and
for those of you with time and energy to spare you could choose to continue
heading east to Minehead, or simply go
west by following the coastline for
around a hundred miles as far as
Land’s End.
Enjoy the walks and fabulous views of
Kipling Tors, the prominent backdrop
hill named after writer Rudyard Kipling
who spent time at Westward Ho!
during his childhood.
Westward Ho! is the archetypal
family holiday destination.
Westward Ho! is perhaps best known for being named after the
book of the same name written by the esteemed Victorian author
Charles Kingsley but it is also famous for its miles of sandy beach
(which has again retained its Blue Flag status) and when the tide
is out it makes the perfect locale for a timely stroll by the
water’s edge.
a victorian coastal resort
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Over the last century the town has
enjoyed considerable development
and regeneration to include caravan
parks, holiday homes and luxury
apartments overlooking the Bay and
promenade. Local residents, tourists, families of all ages, even retired
couples frequent water fronted
pubs, fish and chip takeaways,
amusement arcades, numerous
holiday shops and cafes, proving this
resort to be the perfect family
destination.
In 1864, Westward Ho! opened
for golf and the Royal North Devon Golf
Club was formed. This nostalgic and
unique links course remains the oldest
course in England still playing along its
original fairways on Northam Burrows
Country Park. It is also the oldest links course outside Scotland and home to
the second oldest ladies’ golf club in
the world, founded in 1868.
Whenever you visit, you will be
sure to be charmed by then
friendliness of the locals and be
thrilled by the breathtaking scenery
and beaches.
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Because of its numerous links
to Sir Walter Raleigh, Francis
Drake and Elizabeth I, the
Spanish Armada, the tobacco
and pottery trades, and the lost
settlement on Roanoke Island North Carolina, Bideford has its
own Heritage Trail where history
comes alive at key points along the
way.
One of Bideford’s most notable
landmarks is the ancient Long
Bridge, which was constructed in
medieval times and went on to
become one of the finest and
longest span arch bridges in the
Country (677 feet). Spanning the river with its 24 arches, (all of which
are different sizes!), the bridge was
then widened in the 18th, 19th and
early 20th centuries to meet the
demands of the growing town.
Don’t be misled by Bideford’s
sleepy veneer, for nestled in its
many streets is a vibrant and buzzing community, an eclectic
selection of independent shops
and restaurants and of course
it’s thriving pannier market at
the top of the town.
An afternoon can be whiled
away at Victoria Park, whilst
you kick back and enjoy the
surroundings. The children can
either play in the open air pool,
or burn off some energy in one of the two dedicated play areas.
Locals and visitors to the Bideford
Bideford is known as the Little White Town thanks again to writer
Charles Kingsley whose marble statue presides over the edge of
the river and quay. An historic port and market town with over
500 years of history set on the banks of the river Torridge with
its tree lined, mile long quay still retaining much of its original
heritage.
the little white town
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area often use the old Bideford
Railway Station (now the Bideford
Railway Heritage Centre) as a
starting point to amble along the
Tarka Trail, the old disused railway
line.
Head in one direction and theTrail
leads to Great Torrington and it’s
former Railway Station now The
Puffing Billy restaurant and pub.
Head in the other direction and the
Trail goes through Instow (whose
signal box is Grade II listed),
Fremington and into Barnstaple.
Cream teas and other refreshments
can be found in both directions.
The Bideford Railway Heritage
Centre always seem to do a brisk
trade serving teas and refreshments, it offers service with a smile inside
the little railway carriage. The history
of Bideford’s railway line is also told
through a series of photographs
inside the carriage.
During 2012 and 2013 major work
was carried out on the Planet diesel
locomotive. This work was
completed at the end of May 2013.
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Known as “the Cavalier town”,
Great Torrington has become
recognised as an important heritage
centre for the 17th century. It had a
significant role in the English Civil
War, specifically the Battle of Great Torrington in 1646 which marked the
end of the Royalist resistance in the
West Country and led to the
eventual defeat and execution of
King Charles I.
Great Torrington today is a
vibrant community and people in
the town can often be seen dressed
in the 17th century costume for
re-enactments, festivals and
celebrations. Enjoy the stunning views from the car park at the rear
of 1646 to take in the old leper fields
and a little known fact from
Torrington’s #medieval history is
that it once assisted the leper colony
and those afflicted were housed away
from the town in Taddiport Village and
farmed their own fields down by the
river. This village even had its own
chapel and hospital.
As well as twelve permanent shop
units, the glass-roofed Victorian
Pannier market houses a cobbled
market hall where local traders set up
their stalls. Auctions and community
events are also held here regularly.
The Black Horse Inn is another
historical building originating from the
15th century and has a frontage which
was rebuilt n 1681. This inn was the headquarters at different times to both
Parliamentarians and Royalists during
the Civil War. The colonnaded Town
Hall dates from the 16th century and
has undergone numerous additions
traditional market towns
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and renovations over the years. It now
houses the fine oak panelled Council
Chamber.
The Plough Arts Centre, in the centre
of Torrington, is a popular venue for
music, arts and cinema events.
If you're looking for a great family day
out, come along to RHS Garden
Rosemoor. More than a garden,
Rosemoor is a unique place that
people of all ages return to time and
again for ideas, inspiration or simply to
enjoy a fun day out.
Spanning 65 acres, Rosemoor is set in
the beautiful Torridge Valley. There is
something for everyone to enjoy, from the stunning gardens (including Lady
Anne's original garden, the rose
gardens, the formal and informal
gardens, the fruit and vegetable
garden, the arboretum and the cottage
garden) to the Woodland Walks, a
range of Children's Trails. Two exciting
play areas and lots of exciting activities
for the whole family. Rosemoor holds
over 80 special events throughout the
year, which include creative workshops
for children and adults, family days, craft fairs, musical and dramatic
evening performances and
horticultural walks round the garden.
For walkers there are public footpaths
on Torrington Commons and nature
trails as well as the Tarka Trail.
Holsworthy is a horticultural community which holds the busiest
livestock market days in the south west.
It also has an historical Pannier Market,
which originates from 1215 and is still
open for business. The town is an ideal
central base for visiting Dartmoor,
Exmoor and Bodmin moor, and
has become the centre point
for the Ruby Trail development
appealing to nature lovers, hikers,
ramblers and cyclists alike as they
embark on the nature trails, cycle paths and bridleways that connect to
the famous Tarka Trail and Dartmoor.
Holsworthy offers many attractions,
pastimes and recreational activities for
sports minded visitors and is proud
of its heated swimming pool,
sports hall and community park which
houses a bowling green, cricket club and
tennis court. Nearby for golfers there’s
an 18-hole golf course and for water
sports and fishing enthusiasts Upper Tamar Lake and Roadford Reservoir
definitely fits the bill.
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During the summer traditional
fetes and fairs abound so look
out for posters advertising the
dates and be sure to experience a
little bit of local tradition. The pubs
and restaurants in these villages are also well worth checking out.
Horns Cross is a delightful little place
that you should not miss. From the
village centre a small lane leads off
from the main A39 that takes you to
Peppercombe, a pretty wooded
valley that leads down to the sea.
Another historic village worth
visiting is Bucks Mills. This tiny village
is totally unspoilt and the walk down from the car park through the village
to a small and rocky beach is a
delight.
Of special interest is the little
evocative cabin of artists and
lifelong friends Judith Ackland
and Mary Stella Edwards which
was their home from the 1920s
and which is now looked after by the National Trust.
The village of Woolfardisworthy,
known as Woolsery has all the
local community needs; a school,
shop, pub and Garden Centre.
Further on and you will reach
Clovelly, set into a steep hillside,
Clovelly is one of the most famous
villages in the world.
The single cobbled high street winds its way down the hillside through
whitewashed cottages festooned with
fuchsias and geraniums. Traffic is
The A39 leaving Bideford along the Atlantic Highway will take you
through picturesque villages with breathtaking coastal
scenery which stretches out to the sea. It’s well worth visiting
some of these villages that still retain their rural charm, look out
for Parkham, Monkleigh, Frithelstock and Buckland Brewer.
linking devon and cornwall
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banned from the village with visitors
parking at the top of the hill
adjacent to the Visitor Centre.
Tucked away in the north west
corner of Devon, the village of Hartland and the Hartland
Peninsula extends for miles. It offers
a wide variety of landscape,
extensive coastal scenery, secluded
beaches, coastal walks, wild
moorland, ancient woodland and
forestry walks. The area is far from
light and industrial pollution and
offers many bright starlit nights in a
silence removed from the hustle and
bustle of modern life.
Hartland Quay was once a thriving
harbour, mainly because of its remote location. But when the railway reached
Bideford in 1855, the harbour fell into
decline and the sea finally overwhelmed
the 16th century quay in the 1890s.
Both The Big Sheep and The Milky Way,
near Bideford are family favourites in all
weather.
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Appledore RNLI Discover Station located at the
end of Irsha Street
Open: 9am - 4pm daily,
souvenirs available from the
Lifeboat House between 2pm-4pm
Crew Training: Call for information
www.appledorelifeboat.org.uk
Telephone: 01237 473969
Sea Safety Top boating safety tips
Always wear a lifejacket
Check your engine and fuel
Tell others where you are
going
Carry some means of calling for help
Check the weather and tides
Visit rnli.org.uk/seasafety
Clovelly RNLI Observe Station located at the
base of the main cobbled street,
turn right and station is visible
Open: by appointment only
Crew Training: please enquire at
information centre
Telephone: 01237 431828 or
01237 431224
Beach Safety Remember FLAGS on
lifeguard-patrolled beaches
Find and swim between the red
and yellow flags
Look at the safety signs
Ask a lifeguard for advice
Get a friend to swim with you
Stick your hand up and shout
for help if in difficulty
Appledore’s present Lifeboat Station was opened in 2001 built on
the site of the old boathouse originally constructed in 1889 on
land donated by residents Charles and Anne Hill Chapple.
Appledore’s lifeboats date back to 1829 when rescues were
carried out by locals in their gigs. It wasn’t until 1855 that they
became part of the RNLI.
RNLI rescue service
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Don’t forget your bucket and spade
as children will be in their element
and love taking part in beachside
activities such as sandcastle
competitions or paddling in the water
while mum and dad just relax in their deckchairs sunning themselves,
eating Cornish pasties or just
watching the sailboats gliding by.
When the tide is out the beaches and
sand dunes can be seen to stretch
out for miles, and it can be the
perfect time for dog walkers to let
their pets run and have their
freedom. It is also a time for children
to make discoveries in rock pools, or
collect shells and fossils. Although
the days are long gone when donkeys
or Punch and Judy shows could be
found on any beach amusing
visitors, today we watch the surfers,
the beach combers or sand artists
designing their sculptures. Or beach
netball anyone? Whilst later in the day or early evening is the
perfect time for beach parties or
beach BBQs.
The key beaches in the area -
Croyde, Saunton Sands, Instow,
Westward Ho!, Sandymouth and
Bude, all have their special qualities
and wow factors, but perhaps the
best kept secret is Bucks Mills. When
the tide is out be prepared for a
pleasant surprise!
With coastline stretching from Croyde to Bude there is no finer
place to be than Bideford Bay.
The estuary, North Devon and the top of Cornwall offer perfect
sandy beaches as well as rugged cliffs, rock pools and
secluded coves.
Your ideal beach is waiting to be discovered.
discover amazing coastline
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Whilst the Bideford Bay Companion
focuses on the area of Torridge, by going
further a field into Cornwall or past
Barnstaple towards Ilfracombe,
Woolacombe and even Exmoor, visitors
will find they are spoilt for choice in days out and will want to return to the West
Country again and again.
Throughout North Devon during the
Summer months there are Summer
fetes, music or art festivals, Sandcastle
competitions, craft fayres, agricultural or
horticultural exhibitions, open air theatre
or music concerts, town carnivals, even regattas to name just a few events.
The West Country has a myriad choice of eye-popping attractions,
fabulous beaches and feast of activities for first time and returning
visitors alike, with or without children, even pets in tow.
a wide range of leisure choices
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Visit Ruby Country and you’ll find there is more to thearea than initially meets the eye.
Open your eyes to an area of contrasts, with invitingcountryside, tempting places to visit, special wildlifeand distinctive agricultural heritage.
Discover the area by foot, bike, horse or from the backof a carriage. Follow the routes available on our website and unlock some of the secrets of Ruby Country.
And with great places to stay to help you discover muchmore, including some of the darkest night skies in theUK, you’ll find a warm welcome in Ruby Country.
Come and find out for yourself!
www.ridetherubycountry.co.uk
Ruby Country Partnership Ltd is supported by;
Visit Ruby Country inthe heart of rural Devon
Whatever you fancy, visit RubyCountry; north-west Devon’s little
known gem
Discover and enjoy healthy activitiesand fun things to do including
Walking routes from 2½ to 8 miles
Cycling tours from 8 to 25 miles
Horse riding and carriage driving
Fishing, archery, orienteering andmore
Local produce and markets
Great places to stay and relax
Interesting and exciting attractions
Great places, wildlife and views toinspire
Visit Ruby Country and you’ll find there is more to thearea than initially meets the eye.
Open your eyes to an area of contrasts, with invitingcountryside, tempting places to visit, special wildlifeand distinctive agricultural heritage.
Discover the area by foot, bike, horse or from the backof a carriage. Follow the routes available on our website and unlock some of the secrets of Ruby Country.
And with great places to stay to help you discover muchmore, including some of the darkest night skies in theUK, you’ll find a warm welcome in Ruby Country.
Come and find out for yourself!
www.ridetherubycountry.co.uk
Ruby Country Partnership Ltd is supported by;
Visit Ruby Country inthe heart of rural Devon
Whatever you fancy, visit RubyCountry; north-west Devon’s little
known gem
Discover and enjoy healthy activitiesand fun things to do including
Walking routes from 2½ to 8 miles
Cycling tours from 8 to 25 miles
Horse riding and carriage driving
Fishing, archery, orienteering andmore
Local produce and markets
Great places to stay and relax
Interesting and exciting attractions
Great places, wildlife and views toinspire
Visit Ruby Country and you’ll find there is more to thearea than initially meets the eye.
Open your eyes to an area of contrasts, with invitingcountryside, tempting places to visit, special wildlifeand distinctive agricultural heritage.
Discover the area by foot, bike, horse or from the backof a carriage. Follow the routes available on our website and unlock some of the secrets of Ruby Country.
And with great places to stay to help you discover muchmore, including some of the darkest night skies in theUK, you’ll find a warm welcome in Ruby Country.
Come and find out for yourself!
www.ridetherubycountry.co.uk
Ruby Country Partnership Ltd is supported by;
Visit Ruby Country inthe heart of rural Devon
Whatever you fancy, visit RubyCountry; north-west Devon’s little
known gem
Discover and enjoy healthy activitiesand fun things to do including
Walking routes from 2½ to 8 miles
Cycling tours from 8 to 25 miles
Horse riding and carriage driving
Fishing, archery, orienteering andmore
Local produce and markets
Great places to stay and relax
Interesting and exciting attractions
Great places, wildlife and views toinspire
26
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From villages, towns to holiday resorts,
there is something for every discerning
palate. Whether you seek all day
breakfasts, light lunches, a late brunch,
scrumptious Devon cream teas, or even four course dinners, from small cosy
coffee shops to luxury hotels, friendly
local staff go out of their way to please
all visitors. Many local pubs and
restaurants serve fresh local seafood as
well as produce from around the region
and some eating establishments offer
stunning views and a lazy ambience as you enjoy your meal while others offer
great entertainment. So go and sample
the great food this area has to offer.
Whatever your taste, be it simple pub fayre, Thai cuisine, a la carte
menus, unique dining experiences, or just plain family dining restaurants
where high chairs or strollers wouldn’t look out of place, the Torridge and
Bideford Bay areas have it all.
ample places to eat, drink and stay
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TRADITIONALLY FRIED FISH,
CHIPS & TAKEAWAY
LUNCHTIMES Mon-Sat 12-9pm
Sun 12 Noon - 2pm
EVENINGS 5pm-9pm
3 Meeting Street, Appledore EX39 1RJ
Telephone 01237 423548
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~Pannier Pantry~~Pannier Pantry~~Pannier Pantry~~Pannier Pantry~
• Homemade Celebration Cakes Made to Order • Homemade Pies & Pasties • A Selection of Cold Meats & Sausages• Homemade Chutneys & Marmalades • Cheese, Olives, Jams & Honey • All Produce Locally Sourced • Outside Catering
Tel: 01237 473957 Butchers Row, Pannier Market
Bideford
F HEARD
QUALITY MEATS LTD
The BAR-B-QUE specialists
Everything for your BBQ this summer:
Sizzling Steaks, Kebabs and Ribs
Delicious home-made Burgers
Award winning Sausages Choose from 17 different varieties
Homemade pasties, sausages rolls, scotch eggs, faggots and our very
own Hoggs Pudding
Meat platters for those special occasions
FREE LOCAL DELIVERIES
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat 7am-3pm; Sun 9am-12pm
01237 474039
Nelson Road, Westward Ho!
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Restaurant Review Restaurant Review Restaurant Review Restaurant Review
The Red Lion Hotel The Quay, Clovelly Devon EX39 5TF
Tel.01237 431 237 www.clovelly.co.uk
The Red Lion Hotel, Restaurant and Bars sit at the very bottom of this timeless village overlooking the 14th century harbour with spectacular views.
After our pre-dinner drinks in the old Harbour Bar we went to the restaurant and were warmly
welcomed by Marie and her team. We were shown to a lovely window table with an amazing
view of the sea, coastline and fishing boats bobbing in the harbour. The restaurant was immaculately decorated in cool creams and white with crisp table linen, candles and red
flowers offering a splash of colour. Bowls of handmade lattice crisps were already on the table
to tantalise our taste buds as we read the menus.
Over a glass of excellent dry house white wine, I choose the Wasabi Crab Mousse followed by
the Pan-fried Corn-fed Chicken Supreme and my husband the Trio of Smoked Meats and the
Roasted Whole Lemon Sole.
The mousse was served in a little glass Kilner jar with a lime and dill mayonnaise and Melba toast and was absolutely superb. Smooth, full of flavour and a very generous portion. I was
grateful for the homemade bread I had on the side to finish it all off! The trio of meats
consisted of hot smoked guinea fowl, venison bresaola and prosciutto accompanied by Mediterranean vegetables. It was also beautifully presented with the different flavours causing
taste explosions in the mouth with each forkful.
The main courses arrived with the chicken served with roasted butternut squash, hogs pudding, fondant potato and a wild mushroom jus. The chicken was succulent, the potato
deliciously rich and buttery, all complimented by the mushroom jus. The lemon sole was very
fresh, so soft and just delicious. Topped with scrummy Cornish mussels, Provencal potatoes, asparagus & Dijon hollandaise – heaven on a plate.
Desserts were to die for and I had trouble making my selection. In the end I opted for the Red
Berry Pannacotta and my husband the Blueberry Crème Brulee. Both were exquisite and a
perfect way to end the meal.
The Head Chef Aaron Vanstone, who was raised in Clovelly, is passionate about using local
ingredients including fresh fish and seafood landed daily at the quay outside, game from the
Clovelly Estate.
If you are looking for a dining experience in a superb location, with exquisite food and excellent
service then head to the Red Lion in Clovelly. It is most definitely a secret gem in North Devon
and when booking remember to say you read about them in the Bideford Bay Companion.
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The area is home to many local artists,
potters and craftsmen; discover art and
craft shops in the quaint streets of
Appledore to the town centre and
Pannier Market of Bideford, from
Instow’s Quayside to Torrington’s Pannier Market and The Plough Arts
Centre. Even RHS Garden Rosemoor in
Torrington holds special art exhibitions.
For the more retail minded there are a
generous shops. Every major town has
a bank, post office, doctor’s surgery,
dentist, vet, taxi firm, florist, convenience
store or supermarket. Why not make use
of the excellent bus services, it is an excellent way to tour the countryside
whilst saving on petrol, especially so if
you have a free bus pass!
Bideford Bay offers numerous art galleries and craft shops, local stores and
markets. The next few pages list a variety of shops, services, we have
included as much information as possible to make your stay a pleasant one.
markets, galleries, local stores...
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GREAT SERVICE, GREAT RATES
ALL DRIVERS FULLY CRB CHECKED
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June 2013
July 2013
Heights are given in metres GMT is used and the daylight saving offset should be set to 1 hour to allow for British Summer time
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August 2013
September 2013
Heights are given in metres GMT is used and the daylight saving offset should be set to 1 hour to allow for British Summer time
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Holiday Home Flooring Specialist
Friendly Advice ٠ Fully Insured & Accredited
No Obligation Quotes ٠ Over 60’s Discount
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June 1 - 30th North Devon Festival 8th - 9th Lundy Gig Row www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
9th Ruby Run Half Marathon run from Holsworthy to Hatherleigh.
See www.rubyrun.co.uk 16th Ilfracombe Victorian Parade www.ilfracombevictoriancelebration.org.uk
20th – 23th Barnstaple Fringe Theatrefest "one of the hidden gems of the Fringe Theatre scene"
www.theatrefest.co.uk 21st -23rd Goldcoast Oceanfest, Croyde
The Surf and Music Festival at Croyde Bay. 01271 817000 www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk
29th Bideford Heritage Day www.bidefordheritage.co.uk
30th North Devon AONB Marathon & Half Marathon starts 10am from Woolacombe
www.northdevonmarathon.co.uk
July 4th -28th Art Trek, Various venues 10.30am
– 4.30pm), throughout N Devon www.northdevontheatres.org.uk/art-trek.php 6th - 7th Devon Traction Engine, Veteran & Vintage Car Club 2013 Rally
Chapelton, Nr Barnstaple 9.30am to 5.00pm. www.dtec.freeuk.com 8th -14th St Peter's Fair Week, Holsworthy
14th Clovelly Maritime Festival www.clovelly.co.uk/events
20th - 21st Vintage weekend - RHS Rosemoor see page 26 29th Woolsery Show, Clovelly Court
August 3rd - 4th Lifeboat Weekend Clovelly 3rd - 4th Classic Car Festival Castle Hill
Gardens Filleigh A unique celebration of historic, classic and
modern vehicles. www.castlehillcarfestival.co.uk 7th North Devon Show. Our principal
agriculture and countryside event held at Umberleigh Barton Farm, EX37 9DX. www.northdevonshow.com
11th Appledore Carnival The Appledore Carnival sets
off at 4pm with the Carnival Party in the evening with Live Music & Food with the Grand
Prize Draw. 17th Clovelly Gig Regatta 22nd Holsworthy & Stratton
Agricultural Show 24th - 25th Bradworthy Carnival
24th - 25th Food & Craft Fair at Atlantic Village 25th - 26th North Devon Grand Tour of
Minis. Departs from Victoria Park, Bideford at 11am on
Sunday........and from The Promenade, Westward Ho! at 11am on Monday. 200 Minis
taking part. www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk
September 1st Bideford Water Festival 1pm – 5pm A Day of Fun for All on Bideford Quay
1st Lobster & Crab Feast, Clovelly www.clovelly.co.uk/events
6th -8th RHS Rosemoor West Country Craft Fair. See page 26 7th Bideford Carnival
Carnival starts at 6.00pm. Fireworks at about 9.30pm
(once it's dark enough). 22nd Taste of the West Country Food Fest- Rosemoor
27th -29th Real Ale & Cider Festival - Rosemoor see page 26
28th - 6th Oct Appledore Book Festival Idyllically situated on the Taw and Torridge rivers, with
breathtaking sunsets and huge tides, Appledore is a unique place to hear authors
discuss their work and creativity. Join novelists,
historians, broadcasters, poets and playwrights and www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk
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Libraries Libraries Libraries Libraries (renewals 0845 155 1001)(renewals 0845 155 1001)(renewals 0845 155 1001)(renewals 0845 155 1001)
AppledoreAppledoreAppledoreAppledore 01237 47744201237 47744201237 47744201237 477442
Mon closed
Tues 10am-1pm
Weds 2pm-5pm
Thurs 10am-12pm
Fri closed
Sat 10am-12pm
BidefordBidefordBidefordBideford 01237 47607501237 47607501237 47607501237 476075
Mon, Thurs 9:30am-6pm
Tues, Fri 9.30am-6pm
Sat 9.30am-1.30pm
ChemistsChemistsChemistsChemists
BidefordBidefordBidefordBideford
Lloyds Pharmacy 01237 42122101237 42122101237 42122101237 421221
Clarence Wharf
Boots the Chemist 01237 47201901237 47201901237 47201901237 472019
High St
Co-Op Pharmacy, 01237 47363501237 47363501237 47363501237 473635
High St
Lloyds Pharmacy 01237 47200201237 47200201237 47200201237 472002
Abbotsham Rd
Farmers' MarketsFarmers' MarketsFarmers' MarketsFarmers' Markets
Bideford QuayBideford QuayBideford QuayBideford Quay
2nd & 4th Saturday of each month
from Easter to September 9am - 2pm
Tel: 01237 42874301237 42874301237 42874301237 428743
Barnstaple Pannier MarketBarnstaple Pannier MarketBarnstaple Pannier MarketBarnstaple Pannier Market
Local produce market all year
Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
Tel: 01271 37908401271 37908401271 37908401271 379084
Holsworthy SquareHolsworthy SquareHolsworthy SquareHolsworthy Square
Every Wednesday Tel: 01409 25331201409 25331201409 25331201409 253312
Hartland Parish HallHartland Parish HallHartland Parish HallHartland Parish Hall
1st Sunday of each month from April
to October 10am - 1pm
Asda Chemist 01237 42772001237 42772001237 42772001237 427720
Atlantic Village, Bideford
NorthamNorthamNorthamNortham
Boots the Chemist 01237 47434001237 47434001237 47434001237 474340
Bay View Rd
TorringtonTorringtonTorringtonTorrington
Lloyds Pharmacy, 01805 62217401805 62217401805 62217401805 622174
High St
Westward Ho!Westward Ho!Westward Ho!Westward Ho!
Arnolds Pharmacy 01237 47382901237 47382901237 47382901237 473829
Nelson Road
EmergencyEmergencyEmergencyEmergency
Emergency Services 999999999999
Fire, Police, Ambulance, Coastguard
Bideford Police Stn 0845 27774440845 27774440845 27774440845 2777444
Market DaysMarket DaysMarket DaysMarket Days
BidefordBidefordBidefordBideford
Tuesday & Saturday Pannier Market
BarnstapleBarnstapleBarnstapleBarnstaple
Monday Arts & Crafts
Tuesday Pannier Market
Wednesday Antiques
Thursday Arts & Crafts
Friday & Saturday Pannier Market
HolsworthyHolsworthyHolsworthyHolsworthy
Wednesday Open Air & Cattle Market
TorringtonTorringtonTorringtonTorrington
Thursday Pannier Market
Friday Flea Market
Saturday General Market
Weather Weather Weather Weather ---- locallocallocallocal
Met Office Weathercall
090657 505304090657 505304090657 505304090657 505304
NorthamNorthamNorthamNortham 01237 47511101237 47511101237 47511101237 475111
Mon 10am-1pm
Tues closed
Wed 10am-6pm
Thurs closed
Fri 10am-5pm
Sat 10am-1pm
TorringtonTorringtonTorringtonTorrington 01805 62210701805 62210701805 62210701805 622107
Mon closed
Tues 10am-6pm,
Weds closed
Thurs 10am-5pm
Fri, Sat 10am-1pm
Health ServicesHealth ServicesHealth ServicesHealth Services
Northam Health Ctr 01237 47499401237 47499401237 47499401237 474994
Bideford Medical Ctr 01237 47636301237 47636301237 47636301237 476363
Bideford Hospital 01237 42020001237 42020001237 42020001237 420200
North Devon District 01271 32257701271 32257701271 32257701271 322577
Hospital, Barnstaple
Torrington Cottage 01805 62220801805 62220801805 62220801805 622208
Hospital
NHS Direct 0845 46470845 46470845 46470845 4647
Northam Dental Ctr 01237 47678601237 47678601237 47678601237 476786
VetVetVetVet
Torridge, Bideford 01237 47207501237 47207501237 47207501237 472075
Radio Radio Radio Radio ---- LocalLocalLocalLocal
Heart FM 96.2 - 97.3 FM
BBC Radio Devon 85.5 - 103.4 FM
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Post OfficesPost OfficesPost OfficesPost Offices
AbbotshamAbbotshamAbbotshamAbbotsham
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am-5.30pm
Wed 9am -1pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
Johns of AppledoreJohns of AppledoreJohns of AppledoreJohns of Appledore
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
Bideford, Old townBideford, Old townBideford, Old townBideford, Old town
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
Bideford, The QuayBideford, The QuayBideford, The QuayBideford, The Quay
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am-5.30pm
Tue 9.30am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
Bucks CrossBucks CrossBucks CrossBucks Cross
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Sat 8am-1pm
Clovelly, mobileClovelly, mobileClovelly, mobileClovelly, mobile
Thurs 4pm-5pm Fri 4pm-5pm
Buckland Brewer, Mobile serviceBuckland Brewer, Mobile serviceBuckland Brewer, Mobile serviceBuckland Brewer, Mobile service
The van visits the village green:
Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri at 1.50pm
and on Thurs at 3.05
HartlandHartlandHartlandHartland
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
HolsworthyHolsworthyHolsworthyHolsworthy
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-1pm
InstowInstowInstowInstow
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
Northam (Coscutters)Northam (Coscutters)Northam (Coscutters)Northam (Coscutters)
7am-9pm
7 days a week
TorringtonTorringtonTorringtonTorrington
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
Westward Ho!Westward Ho!Westward Ho!Westward Ho!
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Sat 9am-12.30pm
WoolseryWoolseryWoolseryWoolsery
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12.30
ChurchesChurchesChurchesChurches
AppledoreAppledoreAppledoreAppledore
St. Mary's Parish 01237 470469
Churchfield Rd
Baptist, Meeting St 01237 429022
BidefordBidefordBidefordBideford
Baptist, Mill St 01237 421549
St. Mary's Parish 01237 474078
Church Walk
Sacred Heart Catholic01237 472519
North Rd
Methodist, High St 01237 472532
Lavington URC 01237 471519
Bridgeland St
Littleham Methodist 01805 623172
HartlandHartlandHartlandHartland
Methodist 01237441271
NorthamNorthamNorthamNortham
St. Margaret's, Fore St 01237 476749
Methodist, Cross St 01237 472689
TorringtonTorringtonTorringtonTorrington
Methodist, Mill St 01805 625769
Westward Ho!Westward Ho!Westward Ho!Westward Ho!
Baptist, Nelson Rd 01237 472252
Holy Trinity 01237 476749
OthersOthersOthersOthers
Woolsery Methodist 01288 352404
Abbotsham Baptist 01237 470428
TransportTransportTransportTransport
Bicycle HireBicycle HireBicycle HireBicycle Hire
Bideford Cycle 01237 424123
& Kayak Hire
Bike Trail Cycle Hire 01271 372586
Fremington
Tarka Trail Cycle Hire 01271 324202
Barnstaple
Torridge Cycle Hire 01805 622633
See page 20 for more details
Car HireCar HireCar HireCar Hire
Blights Car Hire (Ford) 01237 472282
Bideford see page 35 for more details
Bus & RailBus & RailBus & RailBus & Rail
Bus & Rail enquiries 0870 6082608
British Rail 0845 7484950
Stagecoach (Buses) 01271 329089
TaxisTaxisTaxisTaxis
Kirkham Taxi’s 01237 422889
See page 35 for more details
Boat TripsBoat TripsBoat TripsBoat Trips
Lundy Island trips 01237 423233