In the late 17th century, bideford s trade with the new world was booming. The royal was a brilliant base with a very clean and comfortable room together with excellent customer service and great food. Search our directory of hotels in bideford, united kingdom and find the lowest rates. Photo of bideford, royal hotel, kingsleys room 1906, from the francis frith collection francis frith the uks leading publisher of local photographs since 1860. A hotel that is at the heart of the history of bideford. This historic hotel has firstclass, service and a for north devons sights, including clovelly village and the picturesque for walkers and cyclists. When you pass through your clovelly hotels reception, youll be transported back in time. Furthermore, it offers you the chance to immerse yourself in clovellys past. Kingsley attended, took his cheque and it is said he never came near the place again.
Hotel description whether its tranquility or family fun youre after, youll love our premier inn bideford hotel. The hotel was originally a coaching inn called the fortescue arms and earned the right to. The oakpanelled kingsley room dates back to the 17th century, and the bedrooms, if a little blandly. Well even let you know about secret offers and sales when you sign up to our emails. Saunton sands and woolacombe beach reflect the areas natural beauty and area attractions include marwood hill gardens and big sheep. Visitors will love the fantastic kingsley room which still has its original pine panelling and magnificent ornate ceiling. This historic hotel has firstclass food, friendly service and a great location for north devons sights, including clovelly village and the picturesque tarka trail for walkers and cyclists. The bridge may have been here longer but its still no surprise that this comfortable, cosy hotel has been welcoming and inspiring guests for over 200 years. Photo of bideford, royal hotel, kingsleys room 1906.
Whether you choose to select a room with sweeping views over the river torridge or something slightly smaller for a short break, each room comes with its own. Located in bideford, hartland quay hotel is on a private beach. The royal hotel, bideford, devon history in structure. The average annual poorrate expenditure for the period 183335 had been.
Bideford history bidefords maritime past the royal hotel. Find out more we currently hold three stars on trip advisor for the royal hotel and brend hotels are holders of the accolade for aa hotel group of the year 201516. Bideford history tour is a unique guide to the fascinating past of an historic english port town. As the little white towns finest hotel, the royal sits proudly at the eastern end of bidefords ancient stone bridge. Turn left at the roundabout and follow the road ahead to the hotel. Our booking guide lists everything from the top 10 luxury hotels to budgetcheap hotels in bideford, united kingdom. Standing at the eastern end of the historic bideford bridge and with views across the river torridge, the royal has gained an unrivalled reputation as bidefords finest hotel.
It is easy to explore the center of bideford and the quayside, where you can catch a boat to lundy island. Founded by the saxons, it has a long and fascinating history as a port and market town. In the 16th century bideford was britains third largest port. Decided to have a weekend away to revisit bideford, our honeymoon base in december 1986. The population falling within the union at the 1831 census had been 17,787 with parishes ranging in size from landcross population 96 to bideford itself 4,847. Staying in a clovelly historic hotel still gives you a wellappointed room and one with tons of personality. Bideford has the north devon maritime museum which can help kickoff your journey into bideford s past. The royal hotel is a grade i listed building in bideford, devon, england. Steeped in history, the royal hotel dates back to the 17th century and oozes character and charm. Miles of golden sands and a plethora of countryside walks means that youll never tire of the beautiful surroundings. Bideford hotels discover the top 10 hotels in bideford and. Tantons hotel, bideford, devon history in structure. The kingsley room bideford private dining the royal hotel.
Standing at the eastern end of the historic bideford bridge and with views across the river torridge, the royal has gained an unrivalled reputation as bideford s finest hotel. Hotel is in a good location, a short walk into bideford, and there are two car parks. Very convenient to explore bideford, and only a few miles to rhs rosemoor. Tantons hotel is a grade ii listed building in bideford, devon, england. This is reflected in an atmosphere and character that is quite unique, especially whilst dining. The royal hotel is at the eastern end of ancient and close to public transport.
Bideford was once one of the busiest ports in britain, with many famous merchants living in the town. Juggernauts had done their worst and the town had to rely on ferries to maintain its lifeblood. If you need more ideas, its a good idea to ask your hotels front desk. On braunton sands is a lighthouse, with 2 fixed lights bideford seen at 11 and 14 miles. First mention in the history books of the quay was in 1619 when there were beaches at the rivers edge. They may be able to direct you to the citys favorite places to eat or some of the bestkept secrets in bideford. If youre craving a quiet weekend escape, breathe in the fresh north devon air at the harbour, sample handmade devonshire scones at panniers market or. There is a very good atmosphere not just for the staff but also for the guests that stay there as well as who treat themselves using the facilities offered on a daily basis.
As the shipbuilding trade boomed, the quay was developed and there are still marker stones in the pavement as a testament to that reconstruction. A quick change of name was undertaken and the hotel became the westward ho. The royal hotel, part of the prestigious brend chain, stands at the heart of the little white town bideford, north devon. Located in bideford, the waterfront inn is on the beach. Standing proudly by bideford bridge, and with glorious views over the river torridge, this unique hotel has a history dating back to the golden age of the 17th century when bideford was the busiest port in north devon. It is the main town of the torridge local government district. Cheap hotels in bideford last minute hotel deals bideford. However, the town is also stooped with an intriguing history. This is reflected in an atmosphere and character that is quite unique. Home bideford breaks north devon stays the royal hotel. The manor of bideford was recorded in the domesday book of 1086 as held. Whether youre visiting family, attending a conference or taking a wellearned vacation in bideford, having. Find the best historic hotels in bideford, england. The royal hotel is a building of two parts, the older having a history dating back to 1688, with the.
Our room was spacious, as was the bathroom, and it was quiet despite being at the front of the hotel. As a base, the royal hotel is great for exploring the winding streets of bideford, cycling the tarka trail or the. Bideford hotel rooms north devon breaks the royal hotel. At the centre of all this was john davie, a prominent local tobacco merchant. The royal hotel, barnstaple street, bideford, devon educational. Approaching bideford turn right before the bridge and follow the sign for instow. If you need more ideas, its a good idea to ask your hotel s front desk. Royal hotel, bideford, barnstaple st, opening hours, the royal hotel has 32 luxury bedrooms, all furnished to a very high standard. Ernie is distinguished on the streets of the town by his dog sheba, and derek now fittingly lives in ethelwynne brown close, overlooking the torridge, on the site of the dismantled goods yards, a stones throw from where he was born. Photos, maps, personal memories and local books of bideford.
The first timberbuilt long bridge spanning the river torridge, and thereby connecting the east and west of the town, was erected in 1286. Photo prints old maps folded maps calendars photo books jigsaws mugs tableware tea towels cushion covers gift cards wallpaper trade colour contrast. We value your privacy this site uses cookies and similar technologies to analyse traffic, personalise content and ads, and provide social media features. The royal hotel, barnstaple street, bideford, devon photograph taken september 1999 mr tim sanders.
From short weekend breaks in bideford to longer north devon stays, our riverside hotel oozes regency charm. From the moment you step into durrant house hotel and gaze upon the lush beautiful mediterranean style lobby and experience the beauty of marble floors, lush greenery and colourful flowering plants, with the soothing sound of running water feature, youll know youve come to the right place to relax. From the elegant, 17thcentury oak panelling to the ornate plasterwork ceiling, allow your guests to be wowed by the beauty of the room. A little slice of bidefords history if youre looking to hold a private dining function in bideford, there truly is no better place than in the historic kingsley room. Bideford is calling find the perfect hotel everyone wants to score a deal on travel, but price is just one factor to consider when booking an unforgettable hotel. This historic hotel sits on the ancient bridge into the little north devon town of bideford. Ss4526 barnstaple street, eastthewater 84217269 east side 081149 the royal hotel. Check out the best bideford hotels and score a sweet deal with our lowest price guarantee. The royal hotel in bideford is steeped in history and dates back to the 17th century.
The room was a little warm in the night though as the window would only open a small amount. Sited astride the river torridge, its two halves are linked by the thirteenthcentury bridge with its twentyfour arches all of different sizes. The royal hotel is at the eastern end of ancient bideford bridge and close to public transportation. As soon as you step inside this unique luxury hotel, you will. The imperial hotel is located on the riverwalk and in a walkable area with good shopping. Follow signs to barnstaple before taking the a39 to bideford. History of bideford, in torridge and devon map and description. The charming town of bideford is nestled in the heart of north devon, making it the perfect location for a getaway. Prices are calculated as of 16032020 based on a checkin date of 29032020. The royal hotel is at the eastern end of ancient bideford bridge and close to public transport. The fascinating history of a hotel where you will feel like royalty. Situated near the little white town of bideford north devon durrant house hotel offers free wi. Bideford photos explore and buy nostalgic photos of bideford everything old photos old maps.
The workhouse in bideford, devon the history of the. The history of bideford, devon information britain. See why it was listed, view it on a map, see visitor comments and photos and share your own comments and photos of this building. Later the hotel reverted to the royal hotel, following the patronage of the prince of wales later king edward vii. The decor is fresh and tasteful, our room spacious, very clean and comfortable. Bideford is a historic port town on the estuary of the river torridge in north devon, southwest england. The original long bridge over the river torridge at bideford dates back to this happy time in bidefords history. Bideford has the north devon maritime museum which can help kickoff your journey into bidefords past. When you pass through your clovelly hotel s reception, youll be transported back in time. As the little white towns finest hotel, the royal sits proudly at the eastern end of bideford s ancient stone bridge. One is significantly closer, so of course fills up fast. Small issue in that you need a token to get out of the car park so if you drive in and find there are no spaces you have to run across to reception to get out again. Admiral sir richard grenville, who fell in action with the spaniards in 1591, was a native.
The town had a well equipped fleet of merchant ships that was busy importing all kinds of commodities across the seas from the colonies. Francis frith the uks leading publisher of local photographs since 1860. Assistant manager former employee bideford north devon 17 february 2018 this hotel is a very good place to work. If youre craving a quiet weekend escape, breathe in the fresh north devon air at the harbour, sample handmade devonshire scones at panniers market or see if you can spy an otter on the river torridge. Bideford photos, maps, books, memories francis frith. Many of our rooms are front facing with views over the river torridge. Torrington 1646 and the gnome reserve and wildflower garden are local landmarks, and some of the areas attractions include big sheep and the milky way adventure park. Hotel rooms in bideford youll be happy to return to with 32 elegant bedrooms for you to choose from, the royal hotel is a lovely place to stay when youre planning a north devon break. Mar 03, 2018 decided to have a weekend away to revisit bideford, our honeymoon base in december 1986. There are two founts of knowledge on the lost pubs of bideford. Bideford history tour ebook by peter christie rakuten kobo. Recent bideford history two arches on the western side of the bridge collapsed in 1968 causing a considerable amount of disruption.
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