Lundy
today has changed little since Kingley’s sojourn here over 150 years ago whilst penning his novel “Westward Ho!”. Nowadays Bideford Town is the thriving centre for the Torridge District with many modern amenities. Now definitely in the 21st century with the impressive new Torridge Bridge up river and the recently enhanced quay Bideford 2011 still retains its old charm. It is equally well known for its great shopping, large number of lively pubs, variety of places to eat and popular night spots. If you
Westleigh. The village itself is tiny, comprising only approximately fifty houses, an Inn and a church. The church gives some indication of the community’s history, dating from the eleventh century. Despite its size however, the village has a variety of visitors, particularly on Sunday lunch-times when people come from far and wide to enjoy the food at the Westleigh Inn.
A quiet community, Westleigh nevertheless has easy access to shopping facilities and the coast. The port of Bideford lies two miles south-west and the busy market town of Barnstaple seven miles north-east, and Clovelly, Ilfracombe, Westward Ho! and Exmoor are all within easy reach. The beautiful house and gardens at Tapeley Park are immediately adjacent to the Parish.
Bideford; to appreciate Charles Kingsley’s description of “The Little White Town which slopes upward from its broad river tide” make sure you approach this ancient port and market town from “East the Water” and cross the ancient Long Bridge which spans the River Torridge. The view
103
wish to enjoy Bideford at a more sedate pace you can stroll around the town exploring the narrow streets with brightly coloured shops selling everything from local fudge, arts & crafts, fresh local produce and general goods to the latest fashions and sportswear. There are cafes, restaurants and takeaways serving food to suit every palette and a choice of traditional inns or theme bars where you can eat or drink in or al-fresco. Take a “turn” around Victoria Park and enjoy the excellent colourful floral displays or sit by the quayside and watch the world go by. At high tide there is plenty of action, this busy port is in regular use by local fishing boats, all manner of pleasure craft, large container vessels and the Lundy supply ship “MS Oldenburg”. The Oldenburg is also a passenger ferry with regular pleasure trips to Lundy Island - you can find out about sailings from
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116