Bideford Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Bideford Guide

Bideford's hot tub cottages offer a perfect North Devon escape, combining comfort with easy access to the area's stunning coastline. The historic port town sits on the River Torridge, with its famous Long Bridge (built 1474) connecting the two sides of this maritime hub.

Holiday properties range from converted barns with private hot tubs to luxury waterfront cottages. Many accommodate groups of 8-10 people, while others are cosy retreats for couples. The Milky Way Adventure Park (TripAdvisor's #1 attraction) and The Big Sheep family attraction are both within 15 minutes' drive.

Charles Kingsley wrote parts of "Westward Ho!" while staying in Bideford, helping establish the nearby resort town of the same name. The town also has darker history as the last place in England to execute women for witchcraft (1682).

Self-catering cottages give you freedom to explore at your own pace. Many properties welcome dogs and you'll find everything from traditional thatched cottages to modern barn conversions, all featuring that essential hot tub for evening relaxation.

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Sightseeing

Bideford's position makes it ideal for exploring North Devon's best bits. The town itself has the historic Pannier Market (Market Place, EX39 2DR, open Tues-Sat 9am-4pm), where local traders sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Don't miss the Burton Art Gallery and Museum (Kingsley Road, EX39 2QQ, open daily 10am-4pm). It's free to enter and houses local history exhibits alongside changing art displays. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from over 300 reviews.

The Tarka Trail runs right through Bideford. This 180-mile walking and cycling path follows the route taken by Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson's famous book. Bike hire is available from Bideford Bicycle Hire (The Quay, EX39 2EZ).

Westward Ho! beach is just 3 miles away - a two-mile stretch of sand backed by a pebble ridge and rock pools. The beach has Blue Flag status and lifeguard cover May-September. Parking can be tricky in summer, so get there early!

Pet Friendly

Many Bideford cottages welcome dogs and the area is fantastic for four-legged friends. Westward Ho! beach allows dogs year-round on the northern section, with seasonal restrictions on the main beach (May-September).

The Tarka Trail offers miles of traffic-free walking. We've spent hours with dogs there without needing to worry about cars. Just remember to keep them on leads where livestock might be present.

For dog-friendly dining, try The Royal Hotel (Riversford Road, EX39 2HG). Their bar area welcomes dogs and serves good pub grub. The Seagate (Fore Street, Appledore, EX39 1QS) is another great option just 3 miles from Bideford.

Most cottages with hot tubs have rules about dogs not using them (for obvious reasons!). Check the cleaning schedule for your hot tub and make sure your dog has its own comfortable space to relax.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Bideford

The MS Oldenburg trip to Lundy Island (Bideford Quay, EX39 2EY) is unforgettable. This 2-hour crossing takes you to Lundy, a 3-mile-long island in the Bristol Channel. It's home to puffins, seals and even a population of wild Sika deer. The boat runs from April to October, with tickets around £80 return for adults. Book well ahead as it often sells out. TripAdvisor reviewers give it 4.5/5 from over 500 reviews.

Clovelly Village (EX39 5TA, open daily 9am-5pm) sits 10 miles west of Bideford. This privately-owned fishing village has no cars - just a steep cobbled street leading to a tiny harbour. The £8.50 entrance fee puts some people off, but I think it's worth it. The views are spectacular and the village feels frozen in time. Wear good shoes as those cobbles are slippery when wet! 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 3,000 reviews.

Hartland Abbey (Hartland, EX39 6DT, open Sun-Thurs 11am-5pm March-October) is a stunning country house with gardens running down to a wild Atlantic cove. The Abbey has been used in numerous TV shows including BBC's 'The Night Manager'. The walled gardens are beautiful in spring and the woodland walks offer perfect dog-walking territory. Entry costs £15 for adults. TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5 from 500+ reviews.

Is Bideford good for families?

Absolutely! The Big Sheep (Abbotsham, EX39 5AP) and The Milky Way Adventure Park (Clovelly, EX39 5RY) are both within 15 minutes' drive. Beaches like Westward Ho! offer safe swimming and many cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly with enclosed gardens.

When's the best time to visit Bideford?

May to September offers the best weather, but accommodation costs more. April and October can be lovely with fewer crowds. The hot tub makes shoulder season visits more appealing - even if it's raining, you can still enjoy outdoor time!

Do I need a car in Bideford?

While there's public transport, a car makes exploring much easier. Many cottages with hot tubs are in rural locations outside town. The 21 bus connects Bideford with Barnstaple and Westward Ho! if you prefer not to drive.

What's parking like in Bideford?

The main car parks are at The Quay (EX39 2EY) and Riverbank (EX39 2QS). Both charge around £1.50 per hour. Most cottages provide private parking, which is a big plus in peak season.

Are there good restaurants in Bideford?

Yes! The Riverbank (Cooper Street, EX39 2QS) offers excellent seafood with river views. For pub grub, try The Royal George (Irsha Street, Appledore, EX39 1RY). Many visitors enjoy cooking in their cottage then relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of wine.

Can I bring elderly relatives to Bideford?

Many cottages offer ground-floor bedrooms and accessible features. Check specifically for properties with mobility-friendly hot tubs if needed. Bideford itself has some hills, but the quayside area is relatively flat.

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