Instow Beach — Attraction in North Devon

Great dog friendly beach, great for walking, paddle boarding or sailing. Lots of great pubs to grab a bite to eat. See some amazing sunsets over the town of Appledore. Instow is a picturesque village situated on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet. It commands panoramic views of the estuary, the sea and the surrounding countryside. The Instow Parish has around 800 households and a population of 660 in the 2021 census, of which an estimate of 580 live within the village, with a small number living in outlying farms and cottages.

Developed in the early nineteenth century much of Instow has retained its character due to an enlightened policy of the Christie family who own Tapeley Park and a large part of the village. A major part of it is in a conservation area. Development of small groups of more modern housing has occurred in the last fifty years allowing a greater diversity of residents and many properties are second homes or holiday lets.

For those who like to eat and drink Instow has many pubs, hotels and restaurants. From South to North, The Quay, The Commodore, Instow Arms, The Boathouse and the Wayfarer. There are also many Bed and Breakfasts and several homes are also Airbnb or available for short term letting.

The village has a very well stocked deli shop (Johns) and Post Office on Marine Parade and a garage repair centre in Mollands yard near the Parish Hall. Situated between Barnstaple and Bideford it has all the advantages of village life but with excellent bus transport giving access to the facilities of...

A lovely expanse of fine white sand comparable to anything you'll find in foreign parts. This is a privately owned beach were everyone is encouraged to use it, including dog walkers all year round. My wife and I have been here many times, and it's always clean and tidy, and perhaps when you leave the beach, take all your rubbish with you, and leave only your footprints. The beach is washed twice daily by the tide, bringing in a seafood platter for the gulls and herons, and puddles for the kids to discover marine life. The area around Instow beach is a haven for sailing types with loads of dinghies and boats in every view. From the beach there are lovely views across to Appledore, with its ancient and still used ship and boat yards. While we were there, there was a Royal Navy warship, moored up awaiting maintenance. If you like to walk as we do, I would recommend the walk from Instow to Bideford along the cycle track which is part of the Tarka trail, used to be the railway line, giving miles of flat walking, this can be accessed by the old railway signal box, just as you come into Instow. With three pubs, a restaurant and a shop & cafe you'll be set for a great holiday. Would recommend. ps if you find this review helpful, please...

Instow beach is always worth a visit. A beautiful sandy beach, which is also great for dog walks. Only a short walk from Sandhills Car Park. There is also parking along the road just by the beach, but it does get busy there, especially in the summer and bank holidays. There is another smaller carpark in Instow, Marine Parade Parking, where there are also public toilets. Instow beach is in easy reach when cycling along the Tarka trail. There are a couple of pubs in Instow and a beautiful delicatessen shop Johns of Instow, which also has a cafe. There is a little ferry you can catch from Instow, which takes you across to Appledore, which is another picturesque little town with little shops and beautiful colourful little collages. Check the times for the ferry though and...