Local Events

Plan your stay in Bideford

For many, a holiday to Bideford is their chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Stepping out of their routine, they'll love the relaxed, slower pace of life that North Devon offers and return from their break feeling rejuvenated. However, for some of our guests, North Devon's jam-packed calendar of events means that they can have a full itinerary of fun things to see and do.

Take a look at what's happening over the next couple of months and see what you could get up to on your next Bideford break.

Table shot of festive decorations in Palm Court

Palm Court Christmas Party Nights

22 Nov 2024 - 18 Jan 2025

This Christmas, celebrate in style and have a night to remember! The festive season is the perfect excuse to spend time with your nearest and dearest and our Christmas Party Nights make a wonderful backdrop.

Valentine's Day

15 Feb 2025

Whether you're sharing this special day with your beloved or simply looking to treat yourself to an exceptional evening, Merchant's Bistro at the Royal Hotel is the place to be on Valentine's Day.

Lentsherd at Clovelly

4 Mar 2025, 4:30 - 6:30pm

Lentsherd (pronounced ‘Lanshard’) is an old Clovelly Shrove Tuesday custom. Historically the aim is to chase bad spirits away and drive the devil into the sea before Lent. This has been going on for centuries.

Easter Sunday

31 Mar 2025, 12 - 8pm

Experience Easter Sunday in style at The Royal Hotel's Palm Court, where indulgence meets tradition.

Pigstock

17 May 2025, 11am - 10pm

Pigstock is a fun festival in Devon with great music, tasty food, and a friendly atmosphere. With its blend of great music, delicious food, and a welcoming community vibe, Pigstock is destined to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Clovelly Seaweed Festival

25 May 2025, 10am - 5pm

The Clovelly Seaweed Festival is a unique celebration of coastal culture and culinary delights nestled in the quaint village of Clovelly, North Devon.

Bideford Bike Show

25 May 2025, 11am - 4pm

The biggest show of its kind in North Devon, attracting hundreds of motorbikes from across the country, the show takes place at a new location this year, The Big Sheep.

Here for the music festival

6 - 8 Jun 2025

Nestled admits the countryside the festival grounds buzz with excitement, offering a vibrant tapestry of live performances and different genres.

GoldCoast Oceanfest

20 - 22 Jun 2025

If you could bottle a beachside festival and pour it out each year against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Atlantic, then the multi-award-winning GoldCoast Oceanfest might be just the brew to choose.

Kids Fest

22 Jun 2025, 10am - 4pm

Kids Fest at The Big Sheep promises an exciting extravaganza of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Let's Rock

28 Jun 2025

Let’s Rock Festival is back this year with a dazzling lineup of iconic 80s and retro music acts, promising a fantastic day of nostalgia-fueled fun for all ages.

Carrot shaped Go kart racing down hill at Bideford Soapbox event

Bideford Soapbox Derby

6 Jul 2025, 11:30am - 5pm

This year's Soapbox Derby promises to be an exhilarating showcase of creativity and adrenaline-fueled excitement. As teams gear up to compete, the day is packed with anticipation.

The North Devon Show

6 Aug 2025

The North Devon Show is a traditional one-day show and is a celebration of all things Rural and has something for everyone. The main aim of the show is to support agriculture and to provide a shop window for anyone involved in the economy of North Devon.

August Bank Holiday Summer Music Festival

22 - 23 Aug 2025

Make it a bank holiday remember with The Big Sheep's Summer Time Music Festival. Offering a lively and fun-filled atmosphere that’s sure to become a highlight of your summer calendar.

Clovelly's Gig Regatta

23 Aug 2025

Clovelly's Gig Regatta is a vibrant annual event held in the picturesque village of Clovelly. The Gig Regatta celebrates Devon's best teams going head to head in a fun but intense day of competition.

Lobster and Crab Fest

31 Aug 2025, 10am - 5pm

This summer, Clovelly invites you to its delightful Crab and Lobster Festival, a vibrant celebration in aid of the National Lobster Hatchery. This unique event brings together seafood lovers and conservation enthusiasts in the picturesque setting of this historic fishing village.

More from The Royal Hotel

Accommodation

With 32 elegant bedrooms for you to choose from, The Royal Hotel is a lovely place to stay when you're planning a North Devon break. 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 character and charm, allowing you to have a truly personal experience.

Dining

Discover delicious dining in our newly refurbished Merchants Bistro which serves a tempting selection of light lunches and scrumptious dinners, there's something to suit everyone. Or why not sit back, relax and unwind with something cosy in our Kingsley Lounge overlooking the River Torridge.

Weddings

Your wedding day is an event that you'll remember forever. Whether you're planning an intimate affair or something oozing in grandeur, a wedding at The Royal Hotel provides an unforgettable setting for your big day.

Royal Hotel Exterior Over Bideford Bridge

Offers & Breaks

There’s something about Bideford. The charming town situated on the banks of the River Torridge is the perfect place to explore North Devon. However, the town also acts as a gateway to Cornwall, with the county just a short drive away. Whether you're looking for the perfect summer escape, or a festive winter getaway, our specially curated seasonal breaks are sure to have the ideal offer for you.