Heritage Harbour
Visit, explore, discover . . . .
Shipbuilding has always been important along the River Torridge but it wasn’t the only activity thriving along the estuary.
The Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour aim to provide education about this varied history, promoting the vessels, museums, buildings, companies and the stories old and new from along the River Torridge.
The vision is to see the ongoing preservation and development of buildings and infrastructure along the whole waterfront from Appledore to Torrington, bringing to life stories of the maritime and industrial history of the whole Torridge Estuary.
This initiative is run by the River Torridge Heritage Group, a partnership of nine local heritage organisations all with a common goal of preserving the heritage of the Torridge Valley for all to enjoy!
Bideford and the River Torridge gained Heritage Harbour status on the 5th of January 2024 where the area joined eight other harbours and three inland ports to total 12 heritage sites across the country.
The area covered by the Heritage Harbour extends from the Torridge Estuary at Appledore to Darkham Weir at Rosemoor where the Rolle Canal splits off from the River Torridge, this marks the extent of the navigable section of the river and contains the most industrious part of the valley.
More information about this initiative as well as links to member organisations' websites can be found on the Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour website with further information about the Heritage Harbour scheme being available on the Maritime Heritage Trust website.
