Appledore
A historic fishing village with winding narrow streets and colourful houses, Appledore is full of maritime history and cute pastel houses.
Characterised by its winding narrow streets and colourful houses, the charming village of Appledore sits at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers with lovely views across to Instow. Tourists and travellers will love the chance to explore by taking the seasonal ferry over to the neighbouring Instow for a day trip.
Maritime history in Appledore
The village is built on a tradition of fishing and boat building which still continues today. For centuries, Appledore was an important shipbuilding centre for the region and the village’s large indoor ship yard continues to be a source of employment for many of the residents. Because of its long maritime heritage, the village is now home to the North Devon Maritime Museum. The museum, housed in a Grade 2 listed Georgian building, the former home of several of the village’s important ship owners. The museum has a wide range of exhibits detailing Appledore’s history, as well as the wider maritime history of North Devon, which includes Viking raids, WWII beach landings and ship building throughout the years.
Appledore is a favourite location with locals and visitors alike, with it being a popular location since Victorian times. In fact, like many of the coastal areas of North Devon, it gained fame after being featured in a novel by Charles Kinglsey, who lived in Bideford. He described it as a “little white fishing village” and that description still stands today with the many pastel coloured buildings, jumble of cottages and the harbour lined with white terraces.
You can quite easily spend a few hours wandering through the network of historic streets, taking in the traditional fishing cottages museums and independent shops, before indulging in some fine local produce at one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants.
The village is well known for the quality of the seafood, with salmon, cod, bass, cockles and mussels being popular choices. It isn’t uncommon to pop into an eatery for some refreshments to find fish and seafood that had been brought in only hours before.
Arts and crafts in Appledore
As well as being famous for its maritime history and local seafood, Appledore has always been historically celebrated for its art and creativity. The town holds regular arts festivals and resident crafts people showcase a wide range of arts and crafts from ceramics, photography, jewellery and furniture among other products which can be picked up at independent stores and regularly held markets.
Appledore Book Festival
Because of its artistic merits, Appledore is home to a number of popular annual events. The Appledore Book Festival draws visitors from across the country and features talks and activities with a range of acclaimed international authors. If you’re looking for family fun, try the Appledore-Instow Regatta, where you can cheer on the gig boat crews as they race along the quay or try your hand at crabbing and beach tug-of-war competitions!
For those looking for a touch of adventure, Appledore is a great place to launch your own seafaring mission. You can find a range of boat and fishing trips, like the seasonal ferry over to Instow, head to the quay and follow the signs!
What's On
Emma Stibbon RA: Melting Ice | Rising Tides
In Melting Ice | Rising Tides Emma Stibbon considers how the warming environment of the polar…
Festival of Roses
Revel in the scent and sight of thousands of rose buds and blooms, a sensory celebration of summer…
Guess How Much I Love You™ Trail
Included with garden admission; free to RHS Members and children under 5. Children aged…
Portrait Sculpture Course
Creating true likeness in portrait sculpture requires more than correctly reproducing features, for…
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Arlington Court
The world's most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle's best-selling book is coming to life at…
Outdoor Summer Concert
Summer Outdoor Concert by Bideford Town Bandon Thursday evenings
GoldCoast Oceanfest
If you could bottle a beachside festival and pour it out each year against the backdrop of a sun…
An Introduction to Dry Stone Walling
Do you love nature, being outdoors and getting your hands dirty? If so, this could be for you! Spend…
Kids Fest 2025
A Full-On Festival for Kids aged 5 to 13! Live Music & Stage Shows, VR Experience, Foam Party…
An Evening with Dino Baptiste – Live at HARTA Retreat
Blues legend Dino Baptiste performs at HARTA Retreat on Saturday 28 June, delivering his signature…
Doone Valley History Festival
Enjoy a weekend of free talks, walks, and workshops exploring the fascinating history of the Doone…
Summer of play at Arlington Court
Our Summer of play is back for another year - with a new twist! Visit Olde Arlington, a rambunctious…
A Taste of Sculpture
This fabulous one day sculpting experience will give you the opportunity to create a realistic…
Flower Arranging and Forage Workshop
Create a beautiful honey jar flower arrangement in this seasonal workshop, with a cream tea too!…
Bideford Soapbox Derby
Bideford Soapbox Derby, is a great day out filled with entertainment and great local food and stalls…
Cliff Railway Talk and Tour
A Talk and Tour of Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. Learn about the history, how and why it was…
Gabby Young and Other Animals
Saturday night gig featuring Gabby Young and Other Animals - The comeback!
Evening Talk - Tails of Tarka
Come along to our next evening talk with Dave Webb who joins us from the charity UK Wild Otters…
Rails & Dinosaur Scales
Join us for some dinosaur fun at Woody Bay Station! Ruby the Megalosaurus and her adorable baby dino…
Rails & Dinosaur Scales (Dino Days at Woody Bay Station)
Join us for some dinosaur fun at Woody Bay Station! Ruby Megalosaurus and…
Search for something
Explore more Appledore on our blog
Spotlight on Appledore
- 3 minute read
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…
Learn MoreSpotlight on Appledore
- 2 minute read
This winter why not experience some traditional Devon charm by spending some time in Appledore? Today, we’re shining a spotlight on this quaint, historic fishing village, complete with winding streets and colourful houses, Appledore is a lovely place to while away the hours. You’ll find Appledore…
Learn MoreBill Bailey and Hayley Mills, complete the 2021 Appledore Book Festival line-up
- 3 minute read
The line-up for this year’s festival is now complete as top comedian, actor, musician and 2020 Strictly winner, Bill Bailey, and cinematic royalty and film legend, Hayley Mills, confirm their attendance! Bill Bailey and Hayley Mills join a raft of stars including Ruby Wax, Sara Cox, Reverend…
Learn More