Appledore is very special to us. My father was born and raised here and as a family we spent most of our summer holidays staying with our grandparents and extended family in this beautiful village. It was built on an ancient tradition of fishing and shipbuilding which continues today. Holidays here provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in simple seaside pleasures such as days at the beach, crabbing, cream teas and newspaper-wrapped fish and chips. It also has an array of independent shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants not to mention five pubs
Stroll along the network of winding lanes, past tiny whitewashed terraced houses, the former homes of fishermen, and watch boats and trawlers sail in with today’s haul. The Quay is central to life in the village at it is here that you can hop on the ferry to Instow, take a boat trip up the river, enjoy a fishing trip, purchase fresh fish straight from the boat and sample the delights of the famous Hockings ice cream van. Crabbing contests are also popular if you fancy a go!
Other Appledore attractions include the North Devon Maritime Museum, open April-October and the Appledore Lifeboat Station. On the first Saturday of each month the Appledore Farmers Market has stalls selling fresh local produce and a selection of local crafts
Annual Events
The Appledore Regatta dates back to 1885 and is an annual institution comprising multiple maritime-themed events held throughout July and August, the highlight being Regatta Day in the middle of August
The Appledore Book Festival was held for the first time in 2006. Attracting world-class authors, speakers and performers it runs over a two-week period in September and has grown to become one of the biggest cultural events in Devon
Tours operating from Appledore
Appledore Sails offers private boat trips around the Torridge Taw estuary and to Lundy, Clovelly and further afield
Lundy Charters offers diving, fishing and charter trips around Lundy and the North Devon coast
Rib Rides North Devon offer exhilarating RIB boat rides from Appledore Quay
Appledore Fishing Company runs sea fishing and pleasure trips in the Torridge Taw estuary