History - Appledore

experienceDevon’s customized holiday itinerary planning can show you the historic fishing village of Appledore.

Appledore, a fishing village, lies to the East of Bideford along the river Torridge. Mostly a conservation area, it is a thriving port with shipbuilding being the major trade – it has the largest covered dock in Europe. Appledore was originally settled by Cistercian monks in the 14th century. In 1588 it became a free port, granted as so by Queen Elizabeth 1st as the village provided ships and men to fight in the Spanish Armada.

Appledore grew rapidly in the 18th century, becoming the largest trading port, along with Bideford, for tobacco. There are special links between Appledore and Prince Edward Island, Canada, forged when local shipbuilders emigrated there due to a shortage of timber. The narrow lanes and cobbled courtyards behind the Quay are waiting to be explored. There are 2 halves to the Village, the westerly half can be found by walking from the main village up Irsha street to the west, with its quaint colourful houses.

The village attracts artists and craftspeople and there are a number of galleries open with a selection of sea and landscapes, ceramics, jewellery and glass ware. The annual Appledore Visual Arts Festival at the end of May and the Appledore Instow regatta runs for a whole week, once a year in August.