Appledore is a sleepy, picturesque fishing village close to the large town of Bideford.
It has a wealth of maritime history founded from its shipbuilding and seafaring past. Shipbuilding is still carried out today at Appledore Shipbuilders which is has the largest covered dock in Europe.
Along the quaint, narrow streets there are many fishermen’s cottages, some of which date back to the Elizabethan era.
The Quay is very central to life in the village and it is here you will find activities including fishing trips, crabbing contests on the quay, and sometimes Morris Dancers! It is also home to some great arts and craft festivals throughout the year.
Appledore boasts a small but great range of shops, pubs, guesthouses and art galleries. It is largely a conservation area and is close to the South West Coast Path and beautiful beaches, providing plenty of places to enjoy the open spaces.
Closest main shopping facilities are in Bideford.
A bit of history:
A settlement here can be traced back to Saxon times, and Viking raiders led by Hubba the Dane, were defeated here in the Battle of Bloody Corner circa 878 AD.
In Elizabethan times Appledore, along with Bideford, was the largest importer of tobacco, In 1588 Elizabeth 1 gave the village 'Free Port' status because of the vital role it played in the Armada - providing ships and seamen to fight the Spanish.
More information:
Appledore Village
northdevon.com - Appledore