Famed for its maritime heritage and renowned for its shipbuilding history, as well as the local fisherman’s trade, Appledore in fact supplied many ships and sailors who took part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and Queen Elizabeth I is said to have given it free port status because of this. You can relax and watch the world go by, whilst sitting on one of the many benches lining the quayside, admiring the yachts, speedboats or rowing boats passing you by. There is also an excellent slipway where you can launch your own boat, and a small beach where you can take the children paddling or crabbing.
There are a number of welcoming pubs and restaurants to choose from, The Beaver Inn and The Royal George both provide excellent food, and have delightful views overlooking the estuary and towards Instow. There are also a few local shops and quaint cobbled streets to explore, where you can stop for a coffee or browse the local artists wares.
Westward Ho! is the neighbouring seaside resort, and has an excellent sandy beach, which can be accessed through Northam Burrows, a site of “Special Scientific Interest”. Bideford, the “Little White Town” famed for its pannier market and port, is also just a short car ride away, where you can climb aboard The Oldenburg for a trip to Lundy Island, a peaceful haven for birds and wildlife just off the North Devon coast.