Appledore Named Third Best Place to Live in Devon, Attracts Tourists

The picturesque village of Appledore in North Devon has recently garnered recognition as one of the top places to live in the UK, securing the third position in the Muddy Stilettos list of the Top 300 Best Places to Live. Nestled by the estuary and approximately six miles west of Barnstaple, this charming fishing village is characterized by its narrow lanes and vibrantly painted houses, attracting both residents and visitors alike.

The colorful cottages lining Irsha Street create a stunning visual impression, even on overcast days. Locals take pride in their community’s appeal and tranquillity, making Appledore a desirable location to call home. Keira Bissett, a resident of four years, expressed her fondness for the village, stating, “It’s very touristy but it’s still nice to come down here. The pubs have live bands and it’s always just lovely. There’s plenty of areas to visit and it’s a great place to take photos.”

Margaret Smith, who works at a local art shop called Fifty Crates of Crafts, also appreciates the village’s unique character. Having lived in Devon for 38 years, she values Appledore’s quirky charm and rich history. “I love the quirkiness and quaintness of Appledore. It’s the age I like, the history and the historic here,” she noted. The village boasts a significant seafaring heritage, with its harbour dating back to the Viking era, which played a crucial role in protecting England from Viking invasions. Over the years, Appledore has evolved into an important shipbuilding and fishing community, with the local Harland and Wolff dockyard constructing components for major naval vessels, including Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Local residents also voiced concerns about certain challenges, particularly regarding parking and pedestrian safety. Becky Frisby highlighted the need for a zebra crossing, stating, “They could really use a pedestrian crossing, because people park along the road when you’re trying to walk through, you have to peek out from behind cars and drivers might not see you.”

The village attracts numerous tourists, particularly during events such as the recent Appledore Book Festival, which featured well-known personalities like Alexander Armstrong, Martin Clunes, and Michael Morpurgo. Visitors like Chris and Barbara Bridle, who attended the festival, shared their experience, with Barbara saying, “I’ve never been to Devon in my life, the weather could be better but we’ve had a great day in Appledore.”

For those on holiday, Appledore offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and pets alike. Phil and Gemma, holidaying with their dog, remarked on the village’s dog-friendly accommodations, stating, “There are several dog-friendly hotels here so it was perfect. We’ve been to Clovelly and Appledore is just as picturesque.”

The village overlooks the stunning Torridge Estuary and features a seasonal ferry service that connects it to nearby Instow. Local potter Heidi Knight of Appledore Gallery emphasized the village’s appeal to both locals and tourists. “I really enjoy being around Appledore and the atmosphere here is a good combination of all the local people in North Devon who love the place, who work really hard to remain here and bring their families up here, combined with visitors who are always made to feel very welcome,” she explained.

Heidi further elaborated on the village’s vibrant community, noting, “There’s great eateries around here, some great music as well on the weekends, there’s usually some good music in the pubs and bars. There’s a nice variety of shops for locals and visitors alike. It’s a special place and the people here make it a community.”

As Appledore continues to attract both residents and tourists, the village’s combination of history, charm, and community spirit ensures it remains a beloved destination on the North Devon coast.