Did you know tickets are now on sale for Appledore Book Festival?
As now is the perfect time to book your trip for the upcoming festivities, let us tell you why Appledore should be on your bucket list.
In a region full of picturesque towns and villages, it can be hard to pick out a favourite, but if we had to, Appledore would have to be on our list. Not only is it home to arguably the best ice cream in the UK, but it is also close to the beaches, has a lovely quay and a strong maritime heritage. Everywhere you look, you’ll find decoratively placed lobster baskets and boats merrily bobbing away in the harbour- plus, it is our favourite place for chasing the sunset.
So, here are our top reasons why you should visit Appledore
- The views
Like we said, Appledore is a great place for catching the sunset, particularly from the harbour where you can enjoy some incredible views over the estuary towards Instow. Appledore sits on both the Raw and Torridge Rivers, both of which are picturesque - The pastel houses
Appledore is famous for its winding cobbled streets and pastel coloured houses which never fails to put a smile on our faces. - The ferry
Depending on the time of year you visit, one of our recommended activities is catching the seasonal ferry which will take you across to the beach at Instow. The ferry runs during high tide and gives you a chance to explore the neighbouring village with its beach, pier and sand dunes. - The history
Appledore has some houses that date back to Elizabethan times – and the maritime heritage still runs today, you’ll often be able to see the boats coming in and out bringing the catch of the day. Back in the Elizabethan era, Appledore was one of the largest ports used for importing things like tobacco and you can see the history seeping out around every corner. To find out more, you can always pop into the local museum, which covers the whole of North Devon’s maritime history. - The food
We already mentioned the ice cream, but being an active fishing port, this is also a great place to enjoy fish and chips and is one of the most picturesque places for a traditional cream tea.
Interested in booking a stay in or around Appledore?
Catboat Cottage is located in Appledore itself and is just a short walk from the various shops, restaurants and cafes. The cottage has many original features, blending character with comfort and has plenty of space for a family get away, a break with friends or a romantic long weekend. Alternatively, book a stay in Bideford, which is nearby, you can find places to stay in the town here.
The Appledore Book Festival takes place between 13th and 22nd September, with tickets on sale now. This year’s line up features Devon author, Michael Morpurgo, as well as chef, Rick Stein, and popular writers like Robert Harris, Rev Richard Coles and Celia Imrie. More names will be announced in the next few weeks. Get your tickets here.