Appledore was home to the very first lifeboat in 1825 – appropriately known as Lifeboat Number 1. It was established because there were many shipwrecks due to the dangerous Bideford Bar, a sandbank, at the mouth of the estuary. There has been a lifeboat stationed in the village ever since.
In 2026 the Tamar Class all weather lifeboat will be changed for a smaller, faster and more agile Shannon Class lifeboat. The type of rescues has altered in recent years, often involving more leisure-based incidents in the estuary. The Shannon boat will be better suited to the these types of “shouts”, and will be more able to get out over the Bideford Bar at lower tides.
The smaller Appledore lifeboat, an Atlantic 85 Class boat, which is used for boarding the all weather lifeboat, and for in-shore shouts, is also being replaced in 2026 for a better equipped D Class boat.
If you’re visiting Appledore, do walk along to the Lifeboat Station at the end of Irsha Street. There are often friendly and well-informed volunteers around who are happy to share their knowledge with you.
Oyster Shell Cottage 
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