BEACHES
Instow beach across the river is deservedly popular but never too busy, even in the height of summer. The sandy beach is dog-friendly and the water is popular with paddle-boarders and kayakers, though swimming isn’t recommended
Westward Ho! beach is a less than two mile walk or drive away. With lifeguards operating during the summer months this two-mile beach is equally loved by swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders and kite-surfers. The sand is perfect for building sandcastles and the northern half is dog friendly throughout the year
PLACES OF INTEREST
Northam Burrows Country Park lies between Appledore and Westward Ho! Designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’, this large area of sand dunes, unimproved grassland and salt plains provides one of the access points to Westward Ho! beach. There is a visitors centre offering guided walks and events throughout the year and an excellent cafe
Instow is an attractive village accessed by ferry from Appledore or via a short drive. In addition to its sandy beach it has several pubs, cafes and restaurants offering views of Appledore and of the estuary. The perfect place to enjoy sunset over Lundy!
Bideford is a picturesque town just a three mile drive from Appledore, less so if accessed via the coast path. Of particular note is Victoria Park, home to three children’s playgrounds, a paddling pool, and the excellent Burton Art Gallery and Museum. The pannier market is also well worth a visit
Clovelly is a beautiful village approx 15 miles from Appledore. Privately owned it is accessed via a visitor centre at the top of the village, with a steep walk down over cobbles to the harbour. Dogs on leads welcome
Lundy Island makes an excellent destination for a day trip. The MS Oldenberg travels daily from either Bideford or Ilfracombe. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Island
Great Torrington is a classic market town set above the River Torridge. As well as being well worth a visit in its own right, it is also home to RHS Rosemoor Gardens and the Dartington Crystal factory where it is possible to see the glass-blowers in action
Hartland Abbey and Gardens has been justifiable voted the best house/garden in North Devon and is a less than 30 minute drive from Appledore
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
The Tarka Trail is a disused railway line running from Braunton, north of Barnstaple to Meath, 32 miles inland. Fully tarmacked it provides over 30 miles of car-free cycling. Nearest access points are Bideford and Instow, with bicycles, tandems and buggies available to hire
The South West Coast Path passes through Appledore, with multiple circular walks that can be accessed locally
Birdwatching is a popular activity in the Taw and Torridge Estuary , which holds the third highest concentration of birds in Devon after the Exe and Tamar estuaries. At the southern end of the estuary and easily accessed by foot is The Skern, a bay of mudflats, wetland and beach located between Appledore and Westward Ho! and forming part of Northam Burrows Country Park. A short drive away between Instow and Barnstaple are several other sites where the estuary can be accessed by birdwatchers
The Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! is the oldest golf course in the country and has recently been placed in Golf World’s ‘Top 100 Courses in the World’ that a golfer ‘must play’! Non-members are welcome
Skern Lodge located just outside Appledore and the Ultimate Adventure Centre located a ten minute drive away are affiliated outdoor activities centres offering a wide variety of activities for all ages
The Big Sheep, next to Ultimate Adventure, is a theme park probably best suited to younger children
The Milky Way Adventure Park is a higher octane theme park located a little further away (near Clovelly) and offers ‘award winning all weather fun for all ages’!
The North Devon Wake Park is located next to the Milky Way. Here you can access wakeboarding, an aquapark, ringo rides and open water swimming
Affinity Devon is a shopping outlet centre located approx 10 minute drive away from Appledore. Containing over 30 famous name stores , there are also several places to eat and a tourist information centre. On the same site is World of Wonder, an indoor soft play area and Really Wild Planet, a facility where children can meet, handle and feed a host of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. A good rainy day option