Instow has a large safe sandy beach suitable for young children to play amongst the sand dunes. Easy free parking with ferry in season across to Appledore. Wonderful views across the estuary to Northam and Braunton Burrows.
Instow finds a special place in people's hearts, even their souls. Is this due to its setting, its history, its sense of community or a certain je ne sais quoi?
Placed at the heart of Tarka Country and a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve Instow lies at the mouth of the Taw and Torridge Estuary, upon which it is focused today. However, its origins lie in the farming activities of local manors.
Indeed, much of the village is still managed in trust by the Christie Family whose seat is nearby Tapeley Park. Here, aside from enjoying the
eclectic gardens, visitors can pamper themselves at the 'Health and Harmony' weekends held in the grounds.
Instow's maritime location inevitably witnessed the growth of sea-trade with other parts of Britain, Europe, even the Americas. Local products like dried fish and cloth were exchanged for coal, olive oil and tobacco.
Despite today's free-trade world, local produce is still valued here. The award-winning village store is the place to go to support local producers and cut down on your food miles!
In Victorian times the 'waters' became an important leisure attraction, aided by the arrival of the railway. Instow, the spa resort, had a direct service from Waterloo!
Though the railway declined, the village remained a popular playground, the old station becoming home to North Devon Yacht Club which last year celebrated its Centenary.
During the 1990s the old branch line became part of the Tarka Trail. This popular recreational resource now brings visitors to Instow by bike or on foot.
This is a great way to visit the village, especially since parking is limited, though the Trail's views are reason enough.
Another green option is to visit by bus. The regular buses going between Barnstaple and Westward Ho! pass through the village.
Once in Instow there are numerous lanes and footpaths to take the visitor out into the surrounding countryside. Some paths feed off the Tarka Trail allowing exploration of the dunes and marshes full of flora and fauna (such as Isley Marsh RSPB Reserve).
Those that head up the hills into the farmland behind the village soon afford stunning panoramic views over this estuarine landscape, including Braunton Burrows.
A ferry runs between Instow and Appledore during
the summer, plying the gap during the two hours either side of high tide (bikes carried).
Wildlife-friendly charters for fishing and sightseeing also operate from the village (a modern take on Instow's maritime legacy) whilst landlubbers can buy freshly caught fish down at the beach, courtesy of fisherman Mick Hook. A chalkboard details his 'due-in' times.
Add to all the above the fine pubs and restaurants, the many naturally inspired displays and sculptures of 'Instow in Bloom' and the beachfront cricket club with its famous thatched pavilion (visitors welcomed in season) and there is plenty to see and do in Instow, especially for those wishing to be a more responsible and respectful visitor to Tarka Country, leaving only their ephemeral
footprints.
'Instow: A History' is available at the village store and all good book shops.
The Instow visitor brochure is available at Tourist Information Centres and around the village.
Instow
Instow Beach is a long beach on an estuary very popular
for fishing and sailing as well as other beach activities. It is a sandy
beach, backed by low dunes, at the mouth of the rivers Taw and Torridge.
When the tide is out it is very pleasant walking along the beach by the
edge of the River Torridge with picturesque Appledore on the opposite
side. There is car parking in the village and also a car park behind the
dunes.
Instow’s quay dating back to 1620 houses the North Devon Yacht Club and features a Grade II listed Signal Box, a reminder of the days of steam. The original coastal railway is now part of the Tarka Trail for walkers and cyclists. Instow also has one of Englands oldest Cricket Clubs with a thatched club house. The beach is an ideal spot for all water sports, water skiing, windsurfing, and sailing (with instruction). You can also enjoy fishing, local Boat trips, golf and riding in the area. Instow has a Post Office, village stores, Art Gallery and local pubs with extensive menus.
Instow lies on the banks of the River Torridge almost opposite Appledore, with views towards Bideford Bay. The Appledore skyline, seen across the river, is dominated by the huge covered workshops of Appledore Shipyards. A wide variety of craft can be seen on the river as it stretches out to the Bristol Channel.
The estuary-side town of Instow is also the home of the North Devon Yacht Club. Towards the north end of the sandy beach, you will come upon the cricket grounds and picturesque thatched clubhouse. Near Instow Quay is a restored railway signal box and access to cycle or walk the Tarka Trail.
There is a colourful mix of local residents as, in recent years, Instow has attracted artists, writers, sailors and fishermen who have now integrated with the local community. The area is also developing a promising reputation for "eating out" establishments.
Tapeley Park Gardens with wonderful estuary views. Italian Terraces, Lake, and Vegetable Garden; in all, a gardeners' delight spread over 20 acres.
Instow from which the beach is wheelchair accessible. Although it does have a sandy beach it is not really for sunbathing and surfing as it is in the estuary. It is however great to play on, fly kites etc.
It is an attractive area and has always been popular with artists. When the tide is out it is very pleasant walking along the beach by the edge of the River Torridge with picturesque Appledore on the opposite side.
The children find this fun too as there are lots of pools in the soft sand, many of which contain attractive seashells.
There is car parking in the village There is also a car park behind the dunes
Beach Type: Sandy - Dogs: Dog
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