Appledore
village life
Image Credit: Appledore Bunting Festival Si B - Flickr Link
Brimming with history
Nestled on the estuary where the Taw and Torridge rivers converge, this charming fishing village and seaport is steeped in maritime history.
Appledore's ever-changing tidal estuary means no two days are the same. Coupled with the slower pace of life, this creates a truly relaxing ambience in which to immerse yourself.
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Appledore is so much more than just a traditional bucket and spade destination. The local area is renowned as a haven for creativity.
Numerous independent galleries and artisan workshops offer a wonderfully eclectic mix of arts and crafts.
Some artists exhibit in shops and markets, others have open studios in their own front room.
In addition to the wonderful cafés and delicatessen, you also have choice of individual shops ranging from antiques, gifts and clothing to hand-made chocolates.
Like many coastal spots in North Devon, Appledore has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Regaining notoriety after Charles Kingsley described it as “a little white fishing village” in one of his novels.
Reflecting its artistic qualities, Appledore hosts the annual Appledore Book Festival in September.
Another lively event is the Appledore-Instow Regatta, when gig boat crews race along The Quay to cheering spectators.
Those wishing to experience the water first hand have a choice of fishing and sightseeing boat trips, including the seasonal ferry over to Instow at high tide.
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Winding narrow lanes adorned with quaint fisherman's cottages pair with lovely views across to Instow, making the historic village so unique.
Centuries of fishing and shipbuilding form the foundations of this idyllic community, both of which are still thriving. In recognition of the courage of Appledore’s sailors and ships against the Spanish Armada in1588, Queen Elizabeth I granted it a free port. A status which remains in place today.
It’s worth paying a visit to the North Devon Maritime Museum to discover more about its past. First documented in 1135 as “Apildare”. Legend has it that in 878AD Hubba the Dane landed at Appledore before he was defeated in battle.
In keeping with Appledore’s seafaring connections, Catboat Cottage gets its name from a type of sailboat.
Easy on the eyes and pleasing to sail, catboats have a single sail on a single mast near the bow.
Younger visitors, or those simply young at heart, will enjoy crabbing from The Quay, investigating the rock pools by the lifeboat station or beachcombing along the estuary shore.
They say the best things come in small packages and Appledore is a perfect example. Whatever your passions, there’s always something to appeal in this delightful coastal village.