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Is Appledore Worth Visiting?

2026-09-22·Appledore

Short answer: Yes, but as a half day rather than a full one. Appledore is a fishing village of narrow pastel streets and a quay, with food far better than a place this size should have. Combine it with Instow across the water.

The short answer

Yes — with the expectation set correctly. Appledore is a beautiful working fishing village, not a day out with attractions. Go for the streets, the quay and the food, and give it a morning or an afternoon rather than a whole day.

What makes it worth the trip

The food is the surprise

The Royal George on Irsha Street is the most accomplished cooking here. Jack Sprats does fish landed locally. The Seagate opens at eight in the morning and its Sunday roast for two comes on a board that defeats most people. That is four good options in a village you can walk across in ten minutes.

What it does not have

A big beach, an attraction, or anything to fill a rainy day. If the weather is against you, The Big Sheep is ten minutes away past Bideford, or Bideford itself has the region's indoor options within fifteen minutes.

Make it a full day

Combine it with Instow directly across the estuary — a sandy beach, easier parking and the Boathouse, the best-loved pub in the area. A seasonal ferry connects the two, so you can visit both without moving the car.

The practical thing to get right

Park at the top of the village and walk down. The streets are extremely narrow and driving into them is how people end up reversing back out.

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