Visiting Appledore for the First Time

Short answer: Appledore is a fishing village of narrow streets running down to a quay where two rivers meet. The single most useful thing to know: park at the top and walk down. The streets are too narrow to drive comfortably.

What Appledore is

A small fishing village where the Taw and the Torridge meet, with colour-washed cottages, narrow lanes and independent galleries running down to the quay. It is a place you walk round rather than a place with attractions.

Park at the top

This is the thing to get right. The streets are extremely narrow and parking in them is limited. Use the car park at the top of the village and walk down — it is a few minutes, downhill on the way in, and it saves a lot of reversing.

Instow is across the water

Directly opposite on the other side of the estuary, with a sandy beach, easier parking and the Boathouse — mussels rated the best in north Devon and the best sunset seat in the area. In season a passenger ferry connects the two.

Where to eat

• The Seagate — on the quay, open from eight in the morning.
• The Beaver Inn — overlooking the estuary, seafood specials and a good vegan roast.
• The Royal George on Irsha Street — the most accomplished cooking in the village.
• Jack Sprats on Market Street — fish landed locally. Evenings only, some days.

Nearby

The Tarka Trail runs along the far side of the water, reached via Instow or Bideford. The Big Sheep is ten minutes away. Westward Ho! and Northam Burrows are the nearest big beaches.

How long to allow

A morning or an afternoon, with lunch. Combine it with Instow across the water and it makes a full day.