Bideford as a holiday destination?

Dear Will

What a lovely time I had in Bideford as a holiday-maker.

Market day in the old Pannier Market is a trip back in time. Lots of friendly stallholders to chat to, a bacon sarnie and refreshing cuppa in the market cafe. Met a real-life woodcarving artist in his studio/shop and picked up some fresh, locally caught fish for the barbecue in Butcher's Row.

Strolling around the town is a delight, especially seeing the views once I climbed the steep high street to the Pannier Market.

There was even time for a naughty treat at Sweet Street - an indulgent milkshake made with my favourite Crunchie bar!

Wish you were here!

Dear Will
Spent a day as a grockel in and around Bideford yesterday.
I was really lucky with the weather. I walked along the quayside and had a Hockings ice cream at the end of the quayside walk.
I meandered through the delightful park and saw children splashing in the lovely little paddling pool with mothers and fathers watching from the side, looking relaxed and happy.
I walked back up through a little street with a few quaint shops into another street, bustling with activity. The shops were "sweet".
Lunch was taken at Cleverdons, the ladies being most attentive and the cakes being divine!
The evening, on the recommendation of a few of your other postcard friends, was spent out of Bideford - strolling along Instow sea front. Sandcastles left half built/destroyed by children who had obviously had a lovely day on the beach and had returned to their beds with happy thoughts of a childhood holiday.
A drink in one of the local taverns whilst looking out across the little harbour was the perfect way to end a perfect day as a grockel.
Thank you Will for the idea
Wish you had been with me
lots of love
Marion

How right GG, I had to go into town one evening and was horrified at at the intimidation and the confronts from the drink fueled teens...

Bideford as a town is wonderful! if only the focus of the town could change and focus on becoming a true destination for holidaymakers/families and day trippers. The variety of independent shops is growing - there is something for everyone, especially if you are looking for goods that are a little bit more unique and individual.
The range of cafe's are wonderful, and as grannygreen says to truly make a last change is to try and reduce the perception of Bideford as a place to just go out a get drunk and potentially cause trouble... if the pubs were geared towards food rather than just alcohol, then change would be a reality.

Dear Will Barrow

I agree that the Bideford area is beautiful. We never forget how lucky we are here with all the natural beauty and peace and quiet.

However, it is difficult to forget that this is a Jekyll and Hyde town if you venture from your front door at night time. If it were't for those pesky kids (full of alcohol) it truly would be a lovely place to live at all times.