The QuayAppledore sits on the rugged North Devon coast, three miles north of Bideford. Along the village’s quaint, narrow streets, you’ll discover Elizabethan fishing cottages and a handful of excellent pubs, cafes and art galleries. Appledore has been a bustling fishing and trading village since the 14th century and has a rich boat-building heritage, with one of the country’s best working shipyards. On The Quay, you’ll find boat tours, fishing trips and a scattering of pleasant places to eat and drink. Don’t leave Appledore without trying the village’s famous Hocking’s ice-cream.
The Appledore Instow Ferry takes passengers back and forth across the estuary, between Appledore and Instow. It’s a pleasant trip, with great views across the estuary and out to sea. The pretty village of Instow is well worth a look, with a lovely beach and selection of interesting shops and cafes.
For a fairly small village, Appledore has a surprising number of dining options. Market Street Kitchen is a nice spot for afternoon tea, hidden away behind the quay, with a pretty garden for when the sun shines. For breakfast, lunch or the renowned Appledore Quay Cream Tea, try The Quay Bistro and Café, a bright, modern eatery with a view of the Taw and Torridge estuaries. There are a couple of excellent fish and chips shops in Appledore: Sylvester’s and The Royal Plaice.
Irsha StreetAppledore is home to a handful of traditional pubs, most of which have views across the river. The Beaver Inn is a long-standing favourite among locals, with a good selection of local ales, outdoor seating and regular live music. At The Champ, you can expect a lively atmosphere, comfy sofas and an open fire. Another great option is The Seagate with its fabulous sea view terrace.
“The pretty fishing village of Appledore is located on a dramatic estuary, where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet before rushing out to sea.”
Visit the North Devon Maritime Museum for an insight into Appledore’s tumultuous history of smuggling, shipbuilding and World War II landing experiments.
Appledore is an excellent base from which to explore the stunning North Devon coastline. A short drive away is Bideford, a historic port town, where you’ll find an excellent pannier market and a selection of interesting shops. If you want to spend the day surfing or sunbathing at a long, sandy beach, look no further than Westward Ho!, a short drive away.