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The Gem, Bideford

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
10
4
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4
The stunning holiday home boasts a quiet, tucked-away location on the outskirts of the colourful fishing village of Appledore. Offering some lovely river views the luxurious, pet-friendly property welcomes ten guests and is the perfect base for large families and groups of friends looking to explore North Devon’s breathtaking coast and countryside. A short 300-metre stroll brings you to the quayside and the heart of the village, with its traditional, seafaring pubs, art galleries, and cute cafes. The South West Coast Path passes through the village, offering fantastic walking opportunities, and you’ll be within easy reach of some of North Devon’s finest beaches, including Westward Ho!, just 3 miles away.
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At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About The Gem

The stunning holiday home boasts a quiet, tucked-away location on the outskirts of the colourful fishing village of Appledore. Offering some lovely river views the luxurious, pet-friendly property welcomes ten guests and is the perfect base for large families and groups of friends looking to explore North Devon’s breathtaking coast and countryside. A short 300-metre stroll brings you to the quayside and the heart of the village, with its traditional, seafaring pubs, art galleries, and cute cafes. The South West Coast Path passes through the village, offering fantastic walking opportunities, and you’ll be within easy reach of some of North Devon’s finest beaches, including Westward Ho!, just 3 miles away. For shopping and eating out, the market town of Bideford is 3 miles away, where you can also join the popular Tarka Trail cycle route or hop on a boat to visit Lundy Island. Nearby family days out include The Big Sheep (4 miles) and The Milky Way Adventure Park (11 miles). The luxurious abode has a reverse-level layout and is decorated in a ‘New England’ style, with crisp, neutral paintwork, wooden floorboards, and plush furniture. Carefully chosen artwork and accessories bring personality and warmth to the property, making you feel at home during your stay. On the ground floor, discover four beautiful bedrooms. Choose from a double or a king-size, both with en-suite shower rooms, or one of the twin bedrooms which share a stylish family shower room. The king-size bedroom benefits from French doors leading directly to the patio area and hot tub. Also, on the ground floor you’ll find a handy utility area, as well as access to the garage which offers a pool table, darts board and ample storage for bikes. Heading upstairs, a magnificent, open-plan living space awaits, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light and a warming wood burner for those chilly winter’s evenings. Unwind here after a day of adventure, stretched out on the sumptuous sofas to read a book or watch the Smart TV. There are also river glimpses from the lounge. The kitchen area has everything needed to cater for a large group, and there’s a sleek breakfast bar for informal dining or a large dining table where you can all gather for memorable meal times together. In summer months, throw open the French doors to the balcony to further extend the social space and enjoy the far-reaching views across the river. Rounding off the first-floor accommodation is a spacious, super-king-size bedroom with a large en-suite wet room. Aside from the balcony, with its sun loungers and waterside views, the property also has a patio area to the front of the house, featuring a range of outdoor seating, a luxurious hot tub and sauna. To the rear of the property is an enclosed, private, feature garden, with a lawn where children and four-pawed guests can play, along with a summer house and a patio area with furniture and a BBQ for al fresco entertaining. There is also a sauna for guests to enjoy from the 13th June 2025. There is ample private parking on the driveway for five cars.
Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Gem

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bideford, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:02am

🌡️
15.70°C
Temperature
💨
10 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
92%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Gem sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
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Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

46m

(151 feet above sea level)

The Gem sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
46m
Elevation
📍
Bideford
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
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Driving Note: The roads to Bideford are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.0536000° N | Longitude: 4.19594° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bideford (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:22am

Sunrise

6:13pm

Golden Hour

7:13pm

Sunset

🌅
5:22am
Sunrise
🌇
7:13pm
Sunset
📸
6:13pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:13pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Bideford, you have approximately 13.85 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Gem.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.0536000, -4.1959400

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Gem

Getting To The Gem

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Is The Gem Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Groups Will Love...
Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Gem

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Gem

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The Gem Reviews

Emma
We really enjoyed our stay! The house was spacious and well kitted out for all nine of us. Stunning views and a lovely vibe. Definitely booking again and recommending to friends!
Emma W.
We had a fantastic stay! The place was stunning, spotlessand some nice treats and food were a lovely touch. Everyone agreed it was brilliantand we're already planning to come back. Thanks so much for a great experience!
Alex
We loved staying here! The location is perfect, right in the middle of the village with plenty of parking. The views are stunningand the garden is lovely. Our dog was really happyand the kids enjoyed the games room. The hot tub under the stars was definitely the best part. We'll be back!
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