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Appledore is a tiny village with a big heart, famous for its shipbuilding,
fishing industry and maritime history. We must also acknowledge the bravery
of the Appledore Lifeboat crewmen who, since 1829, have been rescuing those
in peril off the North Devon coast from what is now the RNLI Lifeboat Station
at West Appledore. The village history and sea-faring traditions have been
well documented by local historians such as David Carter whose book "Illustrated
History of Appledore" chronicles the history of the sea-port village
from the earliest historical sources to the present day, The book includes
many original illustrations and approximately three hundred old photographs
of the village taken over the past century. We suggest you start your exploration
of this delightful place from the top of the village by visiting the North
Devon Maritime Museum on Odun Road. From here you can walk down to the quay
via Bude Street. The village is a labyrinth of narrow streets which run
down to Appledore Quay and stretches out along the Torridge estuary towards
the notorious Bideford Bar and the open sea. Appledore is positioned neatly
at the confluence of the River Taw and the River Torridge with spectacular
views over the estuary to the "Uplands", the Commodore Hotel and
the North Devon Yacht Club at Instow. From the Lifeboat Station slipway
there are views across to Braunton Burrows now part of the UNESCO North
Devon Biosphere Reserve. As in olden times, the Quay is still very much
the heart of the community and is bustling with activity at high tide when
sailing ships, yachts, gig boats and other craft scurry to and fro'. Local
fishermen still moor alongside the quay to sell their daily catch straight
off the boat and if you are lucky you will see a massive ocean going ship
on its way to unload cargo at the ancient port of Bideford. Fishing and
crabbing off the quay is still a favourite pastime for families and fishing
trips for sea bass and mackerel can be booked from the Quay Cabin or the
Sea Chest on Market Street who also sell marine chandlery. While you are
here search out the art and craft galleries, gift shops, tea shops, restaurants
and pubs tucked away in the narrow streets. For those who enjoy eating al
fresco try some traditional fish and chips from "Sylvestors",
just up the lane beside the Seagate Hotel, they also sell fresh local fish
and shellfish. A visit to Appledore would not be complete without tasting
local Hockings Ice Cream which has been made in Appledore since 1936. Their
brightly painted vans can also be seen in Bideford, Westward Ho!, Ilfracombe
and Torrington. During the summer there are some fantastic fundraising events,
festivals, fayres and fun days, including the colourful Appledore
Visual Arts Festival, Appledore Carnival, Appledore and Instow Regatta,
West Quay Fun Day, Appledore Lifeboat Open Day, Appledore Pilot Gig Races
and the Appledore Book Festival. The oldest building in Appledore is Docton
House on Marine Parade and is now home to Docton Court Gallery which holds
exhibitions from local artists at different times throughout the year. Sadly
the ferry service that had existed between Appledore and Instow for more
than two centuries was withdrawn in September 2007. There are plans by the
North Devon Ferry Project committee to reinstate a ferry link across the
Taw and Torridge estuary and it is hoped a pilot scheme between Appledore,
Instow and Crow Point could be in operation soon. The very first ferry ran
from Braunton in 1639. Time and tides did not stop the postal service and
from about 1849 to 1939, in fair weather or foul, letters from Appledore
were ferried across to Instow . Today the Post Office can be found at "Johns
of Appledore" on the Quay If you want some action away from the village
Skern Lodge at Watertown holds Adventure Days for all ages and abilities
with fun activities including surfing, high ropes, kayaking, coasteering,
abseiling, archery and power boating. There are some less strenuous walks
to Bideford and around the Northam Burrows Country Park at Westward Ho!
You can find out about guided nature walks from the Northam Burrows Visitor
Centre. Walkers, sheep and horses share this common land with golfers from
the Royal North Devon Golf Club, the oldest links course in England. There
are three miles of golden sand at Westward Ho! more than enough room for
families, surfers, wind surfers and kite buggy enthusiasts. The Tarka Trail
is enjoyed by walkers and cyclists all year round.
"The Torridge joins its sister Taw and both together flow quietly
toward the broad surges of the Bar and the everlasting thunder of the long
Atlantic swell" - Charles Kingsley
Historical References: "Instow
a History" by Alison Grant & Others, John Beara Appledore, Handmaid
of the Sea 1990
Useful Links: www.appledore.org,
Appledore
Lifeboat History, St.
Mary's Parish Church, North
Devon Maritime Museum |
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Appledore,
Taw and Torridge Estuary, Appledore Photos, Appledore Pictures, North Devon
Focus,
Appledore
Lifeboat,
Appledore History Bytes.
William Yeo and Prince Edward Island, Richmond Dry Dock, Charles Kingsley,
J. Hinks & Sons, Golden Hind, Nonsuch, Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore
Railway, Appledore Shipbuilders, Appledore to Instow Ferry |
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