You can’t miss Bideford’s long bridge, as it’s the first structure you’ll see as you head into the town from the Torrington direction. It really is an impressive sight.

In its earliest form, the bridge is believed to date back to medieval times as an ancient causeway that allowed access from each side of the river.

In 1474 an oak version of the bridge was constructed which amazingly only had loose stones placed around the timber footings, in 1535 this was replaced with a much more solid construction that had 24 spans of different sizes, from the smallest, which was 12 feet right up to 25 feet. This new version of the bridge was then widened in the 18th century, the 19th century and in the early 20th century.

Many old photographs of the bridge also show triangles sticking out in various places on either side; this was to allow people and carriages to pass each other safely. In Victorian times these stone parapets were replaced with cast iron, which themselves were then replaced with masonry in the 1920s.

It really is a sight to behold especially with St. Mary’s Church just off at one end and the Bethel Church just to the right at the other end.

Guarding the bridge closely at the East-the-Water side of the bridge is the Royal Hotel and on the west side, the public library.

Tourist Tip: - If you visit the bridge in the evening during the late summer months, you will probably see swarms of starlings that put on a unique flying display which takes them in and out of the many arches and along the length of the bridge. This has become a yearly phenomenon that is enchanting to watch and a talking point for the locals and tourists alike, while they watch the display over a pint from the comfort of the Kings Arms pub on the quay.