Instow is a long linear settlement on the shore of the Torridge estuary, opposite Appledore. A “tidal ferry”:https://www.appledoreinstowferry.com/timetable-fares.html connects the two.
It is renowned for its long expanse of sheltered sandy beach which popular with dog walkers. At the far end are sand dunes.
The river is popular for yachting and the Royal Devon yacht Club have a base here.
Marine Parade runs along the front with a few hotels, post office and Johns of Instow, a cafe and John’s of Instow a popular deli specialising in local produce.
Anstay Way is the main road though the settlement. The grass verges have been planted with a wild flower mix, with fritillary, cowslips and primroses.
The “Church of St John the Baptist”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/churches/england/south/southwest/instow_stjohn/index.html is on top of a hill at the far end of the village and surrounded by fields and trees. It is one of the few medieval churches in the area as most were rebuilt by the Victorians.
As the church was such a long walk from the village, a “Chapel of Ease”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/review/attraction/197832 was built in the centre of the village. As well as holding services, this is now increasingly used as a community centre by the village and is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for coffee and very good homemade cakes.
Although the railway line from Barnstaple to Bideford closed many years ago, the station box and level crossing survive and have been carefully preserved by enthusiastic volunteers.
The Tarka Trail runs from Instow Station along the disused track bed following the shore of the River Torridge to Bideford. This makes a very attractive and easy walk.
