Neighbour on the Estuary
Where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet, the delightful quayside village of Appledore, next to the River Torridge, boasts a great range of shops, pubs, guesthouses and art galleries. A thriving fishing and trading village since the 14th century, Appledore has been a famous boat-building centre for many years and the shipyard is still active today. The Quay is central to life in the village and it is here you will find many activities including fishing trips, crabbing contests on the quay, Morris Dancers, and in summer, a ferry across the river to Instow. This quaint fishing village has a maze of narrow streets leading to the quay. A settlement here can be traced back to Saxon times, and Viking raiders lead by Hubba the Dane, were defeated here in the Battle of Bloody Corner circa 878 AD (a plaque to the battle can be found between Appledore and Northam on the Churchill Way corner near the swimming pool). In Elizabethan times, Appledore along with Bideford, was the largest importer of tobacco, and tales of smugglers and a nautical air can be found around every corner!
Appledore Book Festival
The governing charity was founded in 2006 by Nick Arnold, best-selling author of Horrible Science, to raise funds to save the Appledore Library. His campaign successfully united the local community, and he plays an active role in the Festival to this day. Managed almost exclusively by a loyal team of hardworking volunteers, the Festival offers a unique and enriching experience, with the aim to increase the enjoyment of reading and creative writing by providing access to inspirational events for all ages. This historic maritime village encourages participants and visitors alike to enjoy the delights of Appledore hospitality.
Further Information
For further information about Appledore – including places to eat, things to and places to stay visit the Appledore website. Appledore provides a peaceful base from which to explore North Devon, and is close to great surfing beaches and the ancient market towns of Bideford, Barnstaple and Great Torrington.
