Holiday rentals and lettings in Appledore

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Appledore?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Appledore: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Appledore: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Appledore?

• Choice of accommodation: From refurbished rustic cottages for two to larger houses for groups of eight, Appledore suits couples and families.
• Where to stay: In the historic village near the quay, or a little inland for countryside and beach access.
• What guests love: Pastel-painted fishing cottages, fresh local seafood, and beaches within a short walk.
• Where to eat: Excellent seafood, cosy pubs and cafés along the quay and in nearby Instow.
• Things to do: Visit the Maritime Museum, swim at Westward Ho!, walk the Hartland coast and explore Clovelly.

Appledore's holiday lettings are full of character, from refurbished rustic cottages in the heart of the historic village to larger holiday homes for families and groups of up to eight. Beachfront cottages are instead perfect for those who want the sand on the doorstep. Many have a lovely garden with a view where you can enjoy a cup of tea, and most sit under 600 metres from the beach. Whether you want a romantic bolthole for two or a spacious base for a crowd, there is a self-catering property to match. Expect the sort of features that make a seaside break easy, including:

• Wi-Fi to plan your days out
• A garden or terrace with village or estuary views
• A cosy lounge for relaxed evenings
• A fully equipped kitchen for longer stays

Wherever you base yourself, a beach, a gallery or a quayside café is rarely far away.

What are the best areas to stay in Appledore?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: stay by the quay for village life, or a little out of town for beach access. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Appledore through Holidu often highlight the pretty pastel cottages, the fresh local seafood and the slow, relaxed pace of North Devon life. Many mention the short walk to the beach and the friendly, arty village atmosphere, and return for the mix of coastal walks, heritage charm and genuine peace and quiet the area offers.

On the North Devon coast, where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet the sea, Appledore is a charming historic fishing village of narrow lanes and pastel-painted cottages. With a long tradition of fishing and boatbuilding, it has been a popular holiday spot since Victorian times, prized for its fresh seafood, arts scene and slow pace of life. Just minutes from the coast, it makes a delightful base for a relaxed seaside holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Appledore?

Most visitors arrive by car, with train and bus links via nearby Barnstaple. Here are the most common ways to get to the village:

• By car: Appledore is a little over an hour northwest of Exeter and around four hours from London, with Bristol a couple of hours to the northeast. A car is handy for exploring the wider North Devon coast and its beaches, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train and bus: The nearest railway station is at Barnstaple, on the scenic Tarka Line from Exeter, with regular buses onward to Appledore and Bideford. In summer a passenger ferry also crosses the estuary to the neighbouring village of Instow.

🥗Where to eat in Appledore?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Johns of Instow is one of the best rated places to eat near Appledore. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers recommend the Appledore Fish restaurant on the quay: a friendly spot serving the day's catch, from cod and chips to locally landed cockles and mussels.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest beach weather and the Instow ferry, while spring and autumn are ideal for coast-path walks and the Book Festival. Winter is quiet and bracing, perfect for dramatic clifftop strolls.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Beaches, ferries and family days out
• Weather: Warm and often sunny, with cool sea breezes
• Atmosphere: Lively but relaxed around the quay

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Coastal walks, galleries and the Book Festival
• Weather: Mild and fresh, with fewer crowds
• Atmosphere: Peaceful and arty, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Bracing walks, wild sunsets and cosy pubs
• Weather: Cool and breezy, but wonderfully atmospheric
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, away from the crowds

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Appledore hosts recommend picking up fresh crab or mussels from the quay and enjoying them back at your cottage with a view over the estuary, then catching the summer ferry to Instow for a beach afternoon. Ask your host which stretch of the Hartland coast path has the best sunset.

1. Visit the North Devon Maritime Museum
2. Swim at Westward Ho!
3. Walk the Hartland coast
4. Explore historic Clovelly
5. Enjoy a family day at The Big Sheep

1. Visit the North Devon Maritime Museum

   Housed in an elegant whitewashed building, the North Devon Maritime Museum celebrates Appledore's proud seafaring past. Its displays trace boatbuilding and fishing through the ages, with a wonderful collection of model ships from Viking craft to modern vessels. Engaging for all ages, it is a fascinating look at the village's heritage, and the garden has picnic benches for a relaxed pause afterwards.

2. Swim at Westward Ho!

   A short hop from Appledore, Westward Ho! boasts a glorious two-mile sweep of golden sand. Its Victorian man-made tidal pool offers safe, sheltered swimming, and the surrounding rock pools are brilliant for exploring marine life at low tide. Add a pebble ridge, watersports and a lively seafront, and it makes a superb family beach day out with something for everyone.

3. Walk the Hartland coast

   The nearby Hartland Peninsula is a paradise for walkers, with the South West Coast Path tracing its dramatic cliffs. Expect breathtaking sea views, secluded footpaths and some of the most spectacular geology in northern Europe. Head to Hartland Quay for jagged rock formations and glorious sunsets over a pristine sandy beach. Whether you tackle a long stretch or a gentle amble, the scenery is simply unforgettable.

4. Explore historic Clovelly

   A short drive along the coast, the enchanting village of Clovelly tumbles down a steep, cobbled street to a tiny harbour, with no cars and donkeys still used to carry goods. Its flower-decked cottages and dramatic setting make it one of Devon's most photographed spots. Wander down to the quay, visit the little museums and enjoy a cream tea before the climb back up.

5. Enjoy a family day at The Big Sheep

   Near Abbotsham, The Big Sheep is an award-winning family attraction set in 40 acres of parkland. With wild rides, animal shows, indoor play and its famous sheep racing, it packs a full day of fun for all ages. Seasonal events, from a huge Easter egg hunt to legendary Halloween nights, add to the appeal. It is a guaranteed hit with children, whatever the weather.