Things to do in Appledore – Crabbing

Crabbing on the Quay in Appledore: A Perfect Easter Activity for the Family

If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and memorable way to spend time with the kids this Easter, crabbing on the quay in Appledore is a must-try activity. Nestled on the banks of the Torridge estuary in North Devon, the charming fishing village of Appledore is well known for its colourful houses, maritime history, and one of the most enjoyable seaside pastimes around — crabbing.

It’s a wonderfully old-fashioned activity that never seems to lose its appeal. Children and adults alike gather along the quay walls with buckets and lines, patiently waiting for the telltale tug that means a crab has taken the bait. Best of all, it’s easy to do, inexpensive, and completely safe for the crabs when done properly.

How Crabbing Works

Crabbing is simple and doesn’t require much equipment, which is part of its charm. All you need is a crabbing line with a small net or weight, some bait, and a bucket filled with a little seawater to temporarily hold your catch.

Attach the bait — bacon or fish works particularly well — to the end of your line and gently lower it down into the water from the quay. Then comes the fun part: waiting. When a crab grabs onto the bait, you slowly pull the line up and use your net to scoop underneath the crab before it drops back into the water.

Most of the crabs you’ll catch are shore crabs, small but surprisingly feisty creatures with plenty of character. Kids love comparing sizes and seeing who can catch the most.

The key rule of crabbing is simple: catch, observe, and release. After you’ve had a look at your catch, simply return the crabs safely to the water so someone else can enjoy catching them too. It’s a great way to teach children about respecting wildlife while still having lots of fun.

Everything You Need at John’s in Appledore

If you arrive without any gear, don’t worry — Johns of Appledore has everything you could possibly need to get started.

From buckets and nets to crabbing lines and bait, you can pick up all the essentials in one place before heading down to the quay. The friendly team are always happy to help and can give tips on how to catch your first crab.

It’s part of what makes crabbing in Appledore so easy — you can arrive with nothing and be fully equipped within minutes.

A Perfect Way to Spend a Couple of Hours

Crabbing is the kind of activity that naturally slows things down. There’s no rush, no screens, and no pressure — just fresh sea air, the gentle movement of the estuary, and the excitement each time someone shouts “I’ve got one!”

It’s ideal for families looking to spend a couple of relaxed hours together during the Easter holidays. Kids stay entertained while parents soak up the atmosphere of the quay and enjoy one of the most picturesque spots in North Devon.

You’ll often see groups of families lined along the wall, buckets at their feet, comparing catches and sharing tips. It’s simple seaside fun at its best.

Treat Yourself After the Crabbing

After a successful crabbing session, you won’t have to go far for a well-earned bite to eat. Head back into Johns of Appledore and treat yourself to a spot of lunch in the café.

Whether you fancy something warm and comforting or something fresh and light, there are plenty of options to choose from. Many visitors love grabbing one of the freshly filled baguettes to enjoy outside along the quay while watching the boats drift by.

And if you want to keep the seaside theme going, you can even treat yourself to one of the café’s fresh filled crab baguettes — packed with delicious local flavour and the perfect reward after a morning spent crabbing.

A Simple Easter Tradition

Sometimes the best family memories come from the simplest activities. Crabbing on the quay in Appledore is one of those timeless traditions that children remember long after the holiday is over.

So this Easter, grab a bucket, pick up your crabbing gear, and head down to the water’s edge. You never know what you might catch — but you’re guaranteed plenty of laughs along the way.