Bideford is a pretty town on the North Devon coast with a fascinating history. There are several great places to stop and take in the river views, plus there are great pubs, cafes, and fish & chip shops that line The Quay. There is a beautifully landscaped town park at its centre, Victoria Park, which is home to a fabulous outdoor playing area for young children that includes a paddling pool (summer only). Many high street and independent shops can be found on three main town streets: High Street, Mill Street and Grenville Street. The Burton Gallery has a growing national reputation as a place to see beautiful art and photography. The property is within walking distance from many of the town's best eateries. For good dining, we recommend The Italian Kitchen, Number Eight, The Mariners or Mill Street Brasserie. The town straddles both banks of the River Torridge, linked by the old bridge, a sight to behold in itself. On the East-the-Water side, on the far bank, you can pick up the Tarka Trail which is a popular walking and cycling route snaking for nearly 100 miles around the North Devon region. Bideford is 2 miles upstream from the Atlantic coast at Westward Ho!, while Appledore and Instow is another lovely spot for those in search of sunny pints and fine food. Westward Ho! is one of the best in North Devon, running parallel to a large nature reserve and golf course. It's a brilliant place to enjoy water sports such as surfing, swimming, paddle boarding and kite surfing - there are also places to hire kit. If you love wild beaches, the coastline heading westwards to Hartland has some great lesser-known beaches like Abbotsham Cliffs, Brownsham Beach and Hartland Quay – these are more for walkers than bathers however. For more sandy beaches head 15 miles around Bideford Bay to Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe - these are some of the UK's best beaches, especially for surfing and all in easy reach from the property.