Caroline Abbott
30 May 2025
Appledore is a charming, picturesque and historic spot, and although it’s not one of the most famous holiday destinations in North Devon, it’s a lovely place to visit. There are several towns and attractions within easy reach if you want to explore further afield.
We’ve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know about visiting Appledore, including things to do, events and festivals, and places to eat.
Appledore is one of our top places to stay in Devon because of its wonderful estuary location. We’ve got a wide range of holiday cottages in Appledore and across North Devon, and whether you’re looking for one suitable for a couple, a family or a large group, there’s bound to be something to suit you perfectly. Click on the button below to browse our collection of Appledore properties.
Skip to:
FAQs
Is Appledore a village or a town?
Appledore is a village at the mouth of the River Torridge, with a population of just over 1,700 according to the 2021 census.
What is Appledore famous for?
Appledore is primarily known for its maritime history and connection to the sea, including its role as a shipbuilding centre and fishing village.
Does Appledore have a beach?
Appledore itself doesn’t have a beach, but Greysands Beach is just a few miles away, at the top end of long, sandy Westward Ho! Beach and Northam Burrows Country Park. The estuary shore at Appledore is suitable for beachcombing and exploring rock pools.
Is Appledore worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes! It’s one of the prettiest villages in Devon, with narrow, winding lanes and a bustling quayside to explore, and pastel-coloured houses and coastal views to admire. There’s maritime heritage to discover, fresh seafood to enjoy, and a thriving arts and cultural scene.
Which is nicer, Appledore or Instow?
This depends on individual preferences. Appledore is the place for maritime history and a vibrant atmosphere, while Instow, on the opposite side of the estuary, is the place for coastal beauty and a relaxed vibe.
What is around Appledore?
Northam Burrows Country Park, with diverse wildlife and plants, and the seaside village Westward Ho! are nearby. Instow, on the opposite side of the estuary, can be reached by seasonal ferry. Popular family attraction The Big Sheep is only 4 miles away, while the market town Bideford is even closer (3 miles).
About Appledore
The delightful village of Appledore sits at the confluence of the River Torridge and the River Taw, around 6 miles west of Barnstaple and 3 miles north of Bideford. The village is built on the centuries-old traditions of shipbuilding and fishing, which continue today.
Full of history, from the point it prospered as a port in the Elizabethan period, Appledore has watch towers, a smugglers’ tunnel, fishermen’s cottages, captains’ houses, a lifeboat slipway and a quay, constructed in 1845, overlooking the meeting point of the rivers.
Appledore has been a popular location since Victorian times, gaining fame after being described as a little white fishing village in Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho!
In addition to being renowned for its maritime heritage and seafood, Appledore has always been celebrated for its art and creativity. It holds regular arts festivals, and resident craftspeople showcase ceramics, photography, jewellery and more, which can be bought from independent stores and regular markets.
Things to do in Appledore
Appledore is an excellent base for a holiday, especially if you want to indulge in traditional seaside pleasures, such as days at the beach (check out our guide to the best North Devon beaches), boating, crabbing, and eating ice cream, and fish and chips. There are also plenty of independent shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs to visit as you explore the historic narrow streets of Appledore.
Make sure you visit the award-winning and dog-friendly Johns of Appledore, at 7 The Quay. This cafe, deli and grocer’s is packed with homemade, local and artisan food and drink, from cheese to beer. Free tastings give you the chance to try a selection of products, from jam to gin. You can enjoy the exceptional produce in the cosy cafe or al fresco on the quay. Try the Bubble Waffles – they are exclusive to Appledore. The most popular items from the cafe are also available to take away.
From Appledore Quay, you can go on many boat or fishing trips. Between April and October, a ferry takes passengers across the estuary to Instow, which is worth a day trip. You can also enjoy a creamy, locally produced Hocking’s ice cream.
If you prefer to remain on dry land, the South West Coast Path goes through Appledore, so you can enjoy a scenic walk along the dramatic coastline. We recommend walking from the main car park on the seafront to Northam Burrows Country Park.
The North Devon Maritime Museum, which is housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian building that’s the former home of several important ship owners, in Odun Road, is a great option for a rainy day. Here, you can learn more about the seafaring history of Appledore, including wrecks and rescues, smuggling, Second World War beach landings, and shipbuilding techniques throughout the years.
Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre, in Torridge Road, offers activities including archery, bodyboarding, climbing, kayaking, surfing, an assault course and a high ropes course.
The Big Sheep in Abbotsham Road, Abbotsham – a 10-minute drive from Appledore – offers fun family rides, Devon’s largest indoor playground, a petting farm, and live shows including the famous sheep racing! It’s one of our top 10 things to do in North Devon.
Events and festivals in Appledore
Appledore is known for its busy calendar of local events, from arts festivals and galleries showcasing local artists, to bonfire and fireworks festivities. Below are some highlights in the calendar.
Appledore Music Festival
The Appledore Music Festival celebrates the wide range of musical talent around Appledore. This festival features live music gigs, workshops and events at Appledore’s pubs and clubs and on the quay. Events include blues, jazz, folk and a Ceilidh. Most events are free.
Appledore and Instow Regatta Day
The 2025 Appledore and Instow Regatta event is scheduled to take place on Sunday 3 August, from 11am to 3.30pm.
There’s fun and entertainment for the whole family. Cheer on the gig boat crews as they race along the quay, or participate in a crabbing competition or tug-of-war contest.
Appledore Book Festival
The 2025 Appledore Book Festival event is due to run from 12 to 21 September.
This literary festival welcomes acclaimed international authors, speakers and celebrities to offer inspirational talks, readings, workshops and book signings. Consequently, it draws visitors from across the country.
Eating in Appledore
Appledore is known for its high-quality seafood. Salmon, cod, bass, cockles and mussels are popular choices, and it’s not uncommon to go into an eatery and be offered fish and seafood brought in only hours beforehand. If you want to cook your own, get some from Appledore Fish Dock. For takeaway fish and chips, there’s Sylvester’s or The Royal Plaice.
The village also boasts some traditional pubs with beamed ceilings and flagstone floors, comfy sofas, open fires, waterside views and a good range of local ciders and ales.
Below are some of the best places to eat in Appledore, excluding Johns of Appledore, which has already been mentioned above.
The Beaver Inn
This small traditional pub with over 400 years of history is known for its locally caught fish specials, friendly service, array of locally brewed ales, and entertainment line-up. There’s an outdoor patio if you want fresh sea air. Dogs are welcome in the bar area.
The Royal George
This newly renovated restaurant and rooms, dating back to the 18th century, is situated on the water’s edge, with fantastic views over the estuary. The Royal George aims to deliver an exceptional menu of innovative dishes and traditional classics, using fresh and local ingredients. There’s a children’s menu too. It’s dog friendly.
Flame Factory
This family-owned and run restaurant, in a beautiful Georgian building on the quay, is the place to go for wood-fired pizza, flame-grilled burgers and Taw Valley steaks. The Flame Factory is dog friendly, and takeaway is also available.
The Yard
This is a cosy tapas restaurant and wine bar that serves small plates featuring local produce, excellent wines and local craft beers. It’s housed in one of the oldest buildings in Appledore, dating back to the 16th century. It’s dog friendly too.
Market Street Kitchen
This welcoming and inclusive Appledore cafe is a hidden gem behind the quay, with a wonderful secret garden. It’s the place to go for a hearty breakfast, light lunch, cream tea, or coffee and cake. Open daily, dogs are welcome to join their human companions.
The Seagate
The Seagate is open all day for breakfast, sandwiches and light bites, pub classics, Sunday roasts, and fresh fish dishes. There’s an ever-changing specials board. Eat in the cosy pub or al fresco in the garden. There’s a children’s menu, and the pub is dog friendly.
Stay in Appledore
Whether you’re looking for self-catering accommodation with an amazing view of the water, or a colourful cottage with shops, galleries and eateries on the doorstep, we’ve got you covered.
For a beautiful former fisherman’s cottage, with flowers brightening up the narrow street in the summer, there’s Dolphin Cottage (sleeps 4 + 1 dog), which is just a short walk from the quayside.
Fishermans View (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs) is a Victorian cottage with estuary views towards Instow.
Larger groups looking for something more modern and luxurious could opt for Skybreak (sleeps 8 + 3 dogs), which has a wraparound balcony, hot tub and garden with a BBQ.
We have around 100 holiday cottages in Appledore and even more to choose from if you don’t mind staying somewhere just outside the village. Some are perfect for couples on a romantic break, others are ideal for families, and many are dog friendly, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged family members behind – and some suit larger groups of family or friends of up to 10 or more.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy in charming Appledore and beautiful North Devon, and the same goes for our properties, which range from historic to modern and simple to luxurious. To browse our collection of Appledore cottages and start planning your North Devon break today, just click on the button below.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.