North Devon - Appledore Fishing Village - Taw and Torridge Estuaries

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Country Ways Self catering nr Appledore - accommodation in converted stone barns - very peaceful with fantastic views. Gym - Barbecues - walks Click here
Appledore - Fishing village with lots of boats, lovely quay, narrow streets, museum and superb fish & chips!
 

Appledore grid ref: SS 465 305
A place with plenty of maritime history going back about a thousand years when the Anglo-Saxons fished from its shores. It is still a fishing village but also has all kinds of other boats moored near the Quay. It is very pleasant to just wander along the quay and down the maze of narrow streets, but there are also boat trips, a maritime museum as well as galleries and craft shops.
Tourist information 01237 477676

Fishing Boat
Low tide in torridge estuary
Yacht moored at Appledore

This lovely fishing village has a fascinating maritime past. Not only does the fishing go back hundreds of years but it was well known for boat building and repairs. The many yards repaired all kinds wooden schooners, ketches and barges. It also supplied ships and sailors which played a big part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Queen Elizabeth 1 st is believed to have given it free port status because of the role it played. More recently the yards specialised in building full sized replicas and these included Viking Longships, Roman Galleys and Sir Frances Drakes Golden Hind. For more information visit The Maritime Museum 01237 422064

Fishing boats

The major ship building at Appledore has now come to an end but there is still plenty of activity here. Sit on one of the benches on the Quay side and enjoy watching all the various craft come and go. There is everything from fishing boats small and large to beautiful yachts, rowing boats, canoes, speed boats and jet-skies. You may even see the navy hovercraft or the tall ship Kathleen & May coming out of Bideford. There is an excellent slipway off of the main car park for visitors to launch there own boats.

While sitting and watching all the activity why not buy some superb fish and chips and finish it off with with a ice-cream from the Hockings ice-cream van. This glorious ice-cream is actually made in Appledore and you will find it on sale all over North Devon .

Eating fish and chips at Appledore

On the other side of the river estuary is Instow and when the tide is right out it almost looks like you can walk across. When the tide is high enough a Ferry Service operates every 20 minutes (during the main season) between the two villages proving easy access to the duned sandy beach. If you would like to see more of the estuary and its wildlife why not take a boat trip – Tarka Cruises - 01237 476191. Fishing Trips are also available - 01237 476191/477505

Looking at Instow from Aplledore
Hovercraft

Now lets not forget appledore away from the boats and the water. There is a maze of quaint narrow streets. Irsha Street is a typical example. It is only 10 feet wide and has a gully running down the centre. Some of the fishermen's cottages date back to the Elizabethan era, but here are also many delightful Georgian cottages either side of lanes too narrow for cars. Also take a look at the splendid St Mary's Church which was built in 1837 on the site of a much older church. The Church contains some splendid and valuable stained glass windows. 

Narrow streets
St Mary's Church

Appledore is also famous for its artists and craftspeople and home to several galleries and craftshops. On display in the Appledore Crafts Company is an ever-changing display of the best contemporary craft by members and guest exhibitors, including ceramics, wood, glass, metal, leather, textiles, baskets, furniture, studio pottery, painting, jewellery, photography and printmaking. There is also an arts festival in June every year - Appledore Arts

There are plenty of places to eat, many of them specialising in seafood

The Beaver Inn - The beaver inn has a beautiful view from the restaurant which makes this dining venue that little bit more special - 01237 474 822

The Royal Hotel - 01237 474305

The Royal George  - very welcoming and a good place to eat 01237 474335

Coach & Horses - 01237 474470

Bensons Restaurant - Bensons pride themselves on the quality of their locally sourced fresh fish, most of which is landed on the quay opposite! - 01237 424093

The Quay Gallery & Coffee Shop - family run coffee shop, gallery & restaurant over looking the estuary. Excellent seafood menu - 01237 473 355

Appledore from Instow
View of Appledore from Instow


Directions
Appledore is just off the A39 - 3 miles from Bideford in the direction of Westward Ho!

From Barnstaple take the A39 towards Bideford and Bude. At the roundabout nr Bideford take the 3rd exit onto Heywood road and sign posted to Westward Ho! Just after a mile turn right into Churchill Way and follow the signs into Appledore (less than half a mile)

 

 

More places to visit

North Devon
Mortehoe, Morte Point and Rockham Bay ,
Braunton Burrows, Saunton Sands & Crow Point,
Torrington, Rosemoor and Dartington Glass
Fremington Quay, Heritage Centre, Tarka Trail & Home Farm Marsh
Lundy Island
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Exmoor
Snowdrop Valley - Whedden Cross

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