Short answer: Appledore's streets are extremely narrow and run steeply down to the quay, which is the flat ground. Park at the top only if someone can manage the descent; otherwise Instow, across the estuary, has a flat sandy beach and easier access.
Appledore is a fishing village of narrow streets running down to the water. The usual advice — park at the top and walk down — works well on foot and less well with a wheelchair, because what goes down has to come back up.
Once at the bottom, the quay is level and has most of what you came for — the view where two rivers meet, the pubs, and the galleries along the front. The Seagate is right on the quay, opens at eight, and has good outdoor space facing the water.
Directly across the estuary. Instow has a sandy beach, easier parking and the Boathouse facing the water — mussels rated the best in north Devon and the best sunset seat in the area. If Appledore's gradients are the problem, this is the better half of the pair.
Runs along the far side of the water, reached via Instow or Bideford rather than from Appledore itself. Flat, paved, benched and traffic-free — genuinely accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.
Ring ahead to any restaurant about steps before you set off — old fishing-village buildings rarely have level entrances, and it is better to know than to arrive.
See the full Appledore guide, filtered by who's with you.
Plan your day near Appledore →