Appledore is a picturesque fishing village located on the North Devon coast in the United Kingdom, situated in a beautiful part of Devon, with stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
On the north bank of the estuary of the River Torridge, Appledore is known for its narrow, winding streets and historic houses. The village is also steeped in history, with a rich maritime heritage that can be explored at the Appledore Maritime Museum.
The town is also home to a number of excellent pubs, restaurants, and cafes, serving a variety of delicious local and international dishes.
Getting to Appledore
Appledore can be reached by car, train, or bus. If you are driving, Appledore is located just off the A39, which connects the village to the nearby towns of Bideford and Barnstaple. There is a large car park located in the center of the village.
If you prefer to travel by public transport, Appledore can be reached by train via the Tarka Line, which runs between Exeter and Barnstaple.
The nearest train station to Appledore is at Instow, which is a short taxi ride or walk from the village. There are also regular bus services from nearby towns and cities, including Barnstaple and Bideford.
Things to do in Appledore
There are plenty of things to see and do in and around Appledore. Some of the top attractions include:
The Appledore Maritime Museum
The North Devon Maritime Museum, also known as The Appledore Maritime Museum, is a small museum dedicated to the history of the local area, with a focus on the maritime history of Appledore and the surrounding region.
The museum features a range of exhibits, including models of ships and boats, nautical instruments, photographs, and other items related to the history of the village and the surrounding area. There is also a section on the history of fishing in the region, with displays of nets, traps, and other equipment used by local fishermen.
In addition to its exhibits, the museum hosts a range of events and activities, including talks, workshops, and children’s activities.
Explore The Quay and Back Streets
Appledore is famous for its Quay and its small back streets with a range of cute shops and cafes. Stumble upon hidden treasures, find rare books in the small bookshop (and if you really love books, make sure you visit Appledore during their annual Book Festival), and eat a crab sandwich or a traditional cream tea in Market Street Kitchen.
The quay is a popular spot for watching the boats come and go, as well as for taking a leisurely stroll along the river. There are also several small shops, cafes, and pubs located along the quay.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
This beautiful RHS Garden Rosemoor is located just a short drive from Appledore in Great Torrington, and is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers.
The garden is owned and maintained by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and covers an area of approximately 65 acres. It’s known for its stunning displays of flowers, including a wide range of roses, as well as a range of other plants and trees.
There are several different areas within the garden, each with its own unique character and features. For example, the formal gardens feature manicured lawns and formal borders, while the wildflower meadow is a more naturalistic area with a range of native plants and flowers.
There’s a café and restaurant on site, as well as a gift shop and plant centre. The garden also hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, including gardening workshops, lectures, and other educational events.
Enjoy a Hockings Ice-Cream
Hockings is a local ice cream producer based in Devon, England. The company has been producing high-quality ice cream for over 50 years, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. While their most famous flavour ice-cream is their traditional vanilla clotted cream, they do also produce a range of sorbets for those who prefer a non-dairy option.
Hockings Ice Cream has ice-cream vans in Appledore and Instow from March to September, and also supplies its products to a number of other outlets in the local area, including cafes, pubs, and restaurants. They’re known for their commitment to quality, and use traditional, artisanal methods to produce the ice cream.
A visit to Devon is not complete without a Hockings ice-cream (with a spoonful of clotted cream on top if you’re feeling particularly hungry).
Cycle the Tarka Trail
Appledore falls within the Tarka Trail, one of Devon’s most famous cycle routes. It’s an easy route so is a great activity with teenagers and younger kids in Devon.
The Tarka Trail is a pedestrian and cycle way that runs in a 180 mile figure-of-eight through landscapes little changed from those described by Henry Williamson in his 1927 novel, Tarka the Otter.
The trail passes through towns such as Lynmouth, Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Okehampton and Ilfracombe, and parts of it coincide with the South West Coast Path, the Two Moors Way and the Dartmoor Way.
Accommodation in Appledore
There are several accommodation options available in Appledore, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday cottages. Some popular options include The Appledore Hotel, which is located in the heart of the village. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
The Old Coastguard Hotel is a charming hotel is located on the quay and offers views of the estuary. It has a restaurant and bar on site, as well as a small spa.
For a more self-catering option, there are several holiday cottages available to rent in and around the village, which many of the traditional fisherman’s cottages now being holiday rentals. Across the water is the pretty village of Instow, which also has lots of accommodation options.
Restaurants in Appledore
Appledore has a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, offering a range of cuisines to suit all tastes.
For upscale dining, book a table at the dog-friendly The Royal George, which provides stunning views over the estuary towards Instow. We also really enjoy dining at The Seagate, a 17th-century hotel and pub right on the front of the quay.
For more relaxed pub dining, the Quayside Restaurant located right on the quay is a restaurant serves a range of seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options, while The Olde Ship Inn is a traditional pub located in the center of the village, which serves a range of pub classics, as well as locally brewed ales.
If you’re looking for a cafe, you can’t go wrong with Market Street Kitchen, The Coffee Cabin, or The Blue Plate, three popular cafés serving a range of homemade sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks. If you’re looking for takeaway food, John’s of Appledore is a fantastic deli.
A Charming Village
Appledore is a charming village located on the North Devon coast, offering a range of attractions, accommodation options, and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Whether you are interested in exploring the village’s rich maritime history, relaxing on the beach, or simply enjoying the beautiful views, Appledore has something for everyone.
