Appledore Holidays

Life in Appledore

Appledore is one of those places that makes a holiday feel easy. The pretty quayside, estuary and winding little streets are right on your doorstep, with independent cafés, good pubs and restaurants all within an easy stroll.

You can spend the morning watching the boats from the quay, pick up something delicious for lunch, then head out along the South West Coast Path or over to Westward Ho! for a day on the beach. There’s plenty to explore beyond the village too, but Appledore itself has a lovely, unhurried feel that makes it very easy to settle in and stay awhile.

North Devon Maritime Museum

The North Devon Maritime Museum is a great place to discover more about Appledore’s long connection with the sea. Housed in a Georgian building, it’s packed with fascinating exhibits, films, working models and stories from North Devon’s maritime past. It’s also a good option for a rainy day.

Northam Burrows

Just beyond Appledore, Northam Burrows is perfect for a walk with wonderful coastal and estuary views. Its dunes, salt marshes and grassland are home to plenty of wildlife, and you can choose between a shorter stroll or a longer walk along the coast.

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is right on the doorstep, making Appledore a great base for exploring the North Devon coast on foot. You can walk as little or as far as you like, taking in beaches, dunes, estuary views and open countryside, with plenty of cafés and pubs to stop at along the way.

What’s On in Appledore

Appledore has a lovely calendar of events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s happening during your stay. From music and books to boats, crabbing and plenty of good food, there’s usually something going on in the village.

Appledore Music Festival

The Appledore Music Festival brings live music to the village each September, with a packed programme of performances taking place across a number of venues. It’s a great excuse to spend a few days in Appledore, with music ranging from local artists to well-known names and plenty happening around the village alongside the main events. Find out more about Appledore Music Festival

Appledore Book Festival

The Appledore Book Festival takes place in the autumn and attracts a fantastic mix of authors, speakers and book lovers. There are talks, interviews, workshops and other events spread across the village, making it a lovely time to visit if you’re a bit of a bookworm.

Appledore Instow Regatta

The Appledore Instow Regatta is a proper celebration of Appledore’s maritime heritage and takes place each August. There’s everything from gig racing and salmon boat races to the wonderfully competitive World Championship Crabbing Contest, along with food stalls and plenty happening along the waterfront.

It’s one of those traditional seaside events that’s great fun to watch, whether you’re joining in or simply finding a spot by the river and enjoying the atmosphere.

The Beaver Inn

Over on Irsha Street, The Beaver Inn is a traditional pub with lovely estuary views, good food and a riverside setting. There’s often live music too, so it’s worth checking what’s on while you’re here. The Beaver Inn

The Champ

For something a little different, The Champ is a small, quirky pub and brewery tap with regular live music. Check their social media or the board outside for what’s happening during your stay. The Champ

Flame Factory

Fancy pizza? Flame Factory on the Quay is an easy-going choice for a casual dinner, particularly if you’re eating with the family. Flame Factory

The Royal Hotel

Right in the centre of the village, The Royal Hotel is a traditional Appledore pub and a good place to stop for a drink or a relaxed evening. The Royal Hotel

Fish and chips

And of course, no North Devon holiday would be complete without fish and chips. The Royal Plaice on Bude Street and Sylvesters on Meeting Street are both handy for picking up dinner and taking it back to your holiday home.