Bideford Awarded Heritage Harbour Status

Bideford joins National Initiative to Preserve Historic Maritime Sites

What the Heritage Harbour Designation Means

The Heritage Harbour designation represents a collaborative effort between the Maritime Heritage Trust, National Historic Ships UK, and Historic England. It aims to preserve and celebrate the maritime heritage of significant harbours across the UK. By safeguarding key features such as working quaysides, historic warehouses, stores, and slipways, the project aims to sustain local skills and enterprises, ensuring a vibrant harbourside that benefits the wider community.

How it Came About for Bideford

In Bideford, this designation was championed by Mike Teare, Chair of the Bideford-based charity The Way of the Wharves, as part of a community-led initiative. This effort seeks to safeguard Bideford historic quay and other maritime structures while promoting tourism and economic development through heritage preservation.

Bideford’s Rich Maritime History

Bideford has played a pivotal role in maritime history as a renowned shipbuilding centre. The town’s quays host working and heritage vessels, including the beautifully restored steamship Freshspring and the MS Oldenburg, the passenger ferry to Lundy and a recent visit from The steamship The Waverly.

Establishing Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour

Establishing Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour seeks to create a robust partnership among local groups from Appledore to Bideford and onward to Torrington. This collaboration aims to link projects on both sides of the River Torridge, enhance heritage surveying, provide better access, and attract more heritage vessels to the port.

Get Involved and Learn More

The Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour invites all residents, businesses, and visitors to get involved in this exciting initiative. To learn more about the project and how you can participate, please visit www.thewharves.org.