The villages of Appledore, and Instow lie opposite each other on an estuary, where both the Taw, and Torridge rivers meet at the end of their journey to the open sea. Appledore has a very long and distinguished ship building tradition. Indeed in 1588, England was under threat of invasion as a Spanish fleet entered the English Channel. Queen Elizabeth the !st, mobilized the English navy to meet this threat: And a lot of the ships that sailed along with their Barnstaple compatriots, to join Sir Francis Drake, in Plymouth to fight against the 'Spanish Armada,' were built at Appledore on the Torridge. . We all remember the immortal words accredited to Drake, before he sailed to confront the Spanish: "I will finish this game of bowls then go to singe the Spaniards beards," if Drake really did say these words. Then surely that is proof  that the plan to use the fire ships, which scattered and ultimately defeated the Armada had already formulated in his mind? Mind you as Drake also said that he would singe the Spanish Kings beard, prior to the sacking of Cadiz. So it could just be that the great Admiral was an incorrigible arsonists! Yes both Instow, and Appledore played a leading part in the the British sea saga's of the Elizabethan era: A very grateful Queen Elizabeth the 1st, awarded Appledore the status of a free port in- recognition of the heroic, and brave part that  the ships and seamen of Appledore displayed in the defense of her realm. Today Appledore remains a free port.

 They still build ships in Appledore. But on a greatly reduced scale with only one yard in existence. Fishing is also a industry that has been hard hit in modern times, and only a few fishermen, and their boats are still operating out of both, Appledore, and Instow.  The result of the demise of fishing meant both the little villages, like a lot of North Devon's coastal villages rely on the tourist industry for their survival. In fact most all the sailors, you will see to-day in Appledore, or Instow, are visiting yacht owners. For the Royal Devon yacht club is situated in Instow. Appledore, like most the  North Devon fishing villages had its fair share of smugglers and tales of their exploits abound. During the 2nd World War, Appledore was used by Percy Hobart: the famous armored warfare expert. It was on the beach at Appledore that he tested many of his strange wartime inventions, such as the swimming, and flail tanks that were used to good effect by the DD invasion force. Hobarts: inventions, were known through out the military as Hobart's funnies. The German's however thought there was nothing at all funny about these weapons, in fact the German defenders were amazed and very disconcerted at the sight of tanks emerging from the sea destroying obstacles, clearing mines  and giving close tactical support to the invading troops. Yes it is true to say many soldiers lives were saved on the 6th June 1944, by Hobart's funnies. And today Appledore: is still closely associated with the armed forces, for not only do they build warships here, the Royal Marines are also based in Appledore.

Years ago, the River had its annual salmon run, which benefited both communities a lot. But sadly those days have gone, and the salmon runs are greatly depleted. But never the less both villages have coped very well with the ebb, and flow of their fortunes. Appledore is a charming little village of very narrow winding, streets, where fishermen, can be still be seen repairing their nets, and lobster pots. The Devon Maritime Museum, is also in Appledore, and for people who like to peruse our sea-faring  past, the seafarers history museum, is worth a visit.
Appledore, was where 'Hubba the Dane' landed, in 878 AD. He then set of to attack near by Kenworth Castle: but alas poor 'Hubba ' barely reached the next village Northam. Where he was defeated and killed in a bloody battle, by the Saxons, led by the legendary warrior, King Alfred the Great. And on the outskirts of the village of Northam, there is a place called bloody corner, here on a wall is a brass plaque stating that this is the place where poor 'Hubba met his Waterloo.' Actually what it says is:

"Stop Stranger Stop, Near this spot lies buried, King Hubba the Dane,who was slayed in a bloody retreat, by King Alfred the Great"

Hubba the Dane, is buried in the nearby village of Hubbastone, this is the reason why the village is called Hubbastone. Appledore is also the home of Hockings ice cream a particular favorite for the people of North Devon, and visitors myself included. If Hockings made larger, it would probably be the best larger in the world. Lying across the Taw  estuary from Appledore is the village of Instow, which is a charming little village, consisting of very narrow streets, and quaint cottages. There is a regular ferry between both villages.  A recent influx to Instow, is a community of Artists and Writers: they have settled down well in Instowe, and harmoniously live side by side with the fishermen, and sailors.  And this presence has helped to give Instow an 'Avant Garde' feeling. And in recent year's Instow, is gaining the reputation as the area in North Devon to dine out in. With lots of good class restaurants opening.

Instow has a lovely long promenade. Ideal for strolling along, and taking the sea air, or just spending the day sitting on the benches enjoying a Hockings ice cream. ( scrummy ) Actually ir is one of my favorite pastimes, just sitting on one of these benches, and watching people enjoying themselves. with a Hockins of course. No Hockings. has not paid me for the plugs, I just adore their ice cream. ( laughing ) Instow's beach, is very safe indeed, and  there-fore ideal for families with small children. The beach has a very shallow slope, into equally shallow water. And if one walks the length of the promenade, one will come to Northern Burrows.The Burrows is a delightful little place, awash with wildlife, plants, and birds. And an added bonus the 'Tarka Trail' is close by. Both of the villages, have good links to Barnstaple, Bideford and Clovelly which are quite near. With the afore-mentioned history, amenities, and location it is easy to see why both villages are a great place to choose as an holiday location

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