Instow on the Taw and Torridge Estuary

Instow combines a wide sandy beach with the impressive river landscape at the mouth of the Taw and Torridge. From Instow Beach, you can look across the estuary towards Appledore. Beach games, building sandcastles, flying kites, sunbathing and picnics are among the activities available locally. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Instow will find a base for very different days: relaxing hours by the water, exercise along long routes, maritime experiences and insights into the history of the village.

Beach, estuary and waterside routes

Instow Beach is located where the two rivers meet and offers plenty of open sand as well as far-reaching views across the estuary. The beach is easily reached on foot from the village centre. To the north of the main beach lies a second beach, accessible via a public footpath. It is suitable for walks and exercising dogs. For arriving by car, the Parish Council operates a car park opposite the Quay on Marine Parade. This makes it easier to access the ferry and the beachside area at the Quay.

Important for planning your day: Instow Beach is not a designated bathing beach. The public is advised not to swim there. The character of the beach therefore lies primarily in spending time on the shore, enjoying views of the estuary and taking part in the leisure activities mentioned above. During the summer season, the volunteer-operated Appledore Instow Ferry crosses the estuary between Appledore and Instow.

48 kilometres of the Tarka Trail and maritime experiences

The Tarka Trail is a 48 km, traffic-free leisure route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. You should take its length into account when planning your trip and decide in advance how much of the route you would like to cover. The South West Coast Path is also easily accessible from Instow. This allows you to combine the village with different ways of getting around, without limiting your holiday to just one type of excursion.

The sheltered estuary at Instow is also the setting for the sailing activities of the North Devon Yacht Club. During the Appledore & Instow Regatta, the rowing crews set off from Instow Beach. Anyone interested in boats, estuaries and sporting events can experience a different side of the coastal landscape here than on a traditional day at the beach.

History, art and regional cuisine

The Instow Signal Box dates from 1861 and retains much of its technical equipment. It complements the landscape experiences with a tangible insight into the local history of transport. The churchyard of St John the Baptist offers views over Bideford Bay. At the Waterside Gallery, you can see works by artists, potters and craftspeople from North Devon.

Instow also has its own culinary character. The village is known for seafood and dining options centred on fresh, locally sourced produce. These are complemented by traditional Devon cream teas. This allows you to combine active hours on the Tarka Trail or by the water with an enjoyable break.

Instow as a base for your accommodation

When choosing a holiday apartment in Instow, it is worth considering the rhythm of holiday you want. Anyone wishing to combine the beach, river landscape and maritime activities can make these the focus of their stay. For a trip involving several interests, the Tarka Trail, the South West Coast Path, the Signal Box, the gallery and the regional cuisine offer different points of interest.

Discover more places

If you would also like to compare other places when planning your trip, you can find Spreyton, Coffinswell, Stoke Rivers, North Tawton, Martinhoe, East Portlemouth, East Putford and Clyst Saint Mary here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.