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? Why not make up your own mind? We hope you will share this sense of place and allow it to endure.
So begins Instow’s visitor brochure. it speaks of a village willing to celebrate its heritage, yet aware of the pressures of tourism and not afraid to prompt visitors to consider ‘how we might enjoy a place without affecting it adversely by our presence.

Instow is located between the rivers Taw and Torridge with wonderful views over the river to Appledore the village now enjoys a quieter life since the opening of the high level bridge over the Torridge. 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.

 

Instow beach

The sand is fine flat and there is plenty of room for beach games. There are no rocks but you may shelter in the dunes. Pubs, cafes and toilets are a short walk into the village.

 

Instow sands are at the meeting point of the Taw and Torridge rivers thus offering bathing safer than the open sea but without the surf, but beware of the strong river currents, for this reason bathing at low water is not recommended.

 

 

Local towns and villages to visit..

 

Appledore

Barnstaple

Bideford

Braunton

Great Torrington

 

Attractions

 

MAP