Bideford is a historic, former port town affectionately known as the “Little White Town,” gracefully sloping down to the wide tidal waters of the River Torridge in North Devon. Its heart is the bustling quayside, once Britain’s third-largest port during the Elizabethan era, a legacy that survives in its narrow, winding streets and the landmark Long Bridge. This remarkable medieval stone structure, dating to the 13th century, features 24 arches of different widths spanning the river. Today, Bideford is a thriving commercial and cultural hub, home to the historic Pannier Market and serving as a popular base for exploring the North Devon coastline, including ferry trips to the wildlife reserve of Lundy Island, and providing easy access to the scenic Tarka Trail for walkers and cyclists.