Pictures of Instow
in the county of Devon
About Instow
Instow is a gorgeous seaside resort with a mass of golden sands backed by a delightful village clambering upwards to meet with fine wooded countryside. It has the good fortune to lie between the waters of the rivers Taw and Torridge, giving it added appeal to boating enthusiasts, both river estuaries are navigable in small craft.
This is a popular tourist destination almost all year round, but never more so than in high summer when bright sunshine leads to lazy days on the beach and fun in the water. Conditions are good for wind-surfing, sailing, speedy catamarans, and fishing further off the coast. For the more energetic there is a close by riding stable, and keen cyclists can follow the Tarka Trail which offers miles of safe cycling along the magnificent north Devon coastline. Instow caters well for walkers, apart from rambling along the cliffs, the town has well prepared "town trail" featuring the most historic and scenic spots.
The views are quite spectacular no matter in which direction you look. From the higher vantage points you can get good views towards Bideford, Appledore, and the views of the estuaries are nothing less than amazing, only to be topped by the sight of the rolling waves of the Atlantic ocean as they lap the sands and the harbour wall.
Features of the town include the old lime kilns, the railway station - now the yacht club, the jetty and quay backed with terraces where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll, or simply prop yourself in a corner and watch the world (or rather the sea crammed with boats) go by.
Shopping facilities are good, these together with pubs, restaurants and galleries can be found within easy reach of Summerfield House.
Throughout the season Instow hosts several entertaining events for visitors and locals. The regatta is always a jolly, well attended affair, and those not taking part enjoy the sport and spectacle of a forest of gleaming white sails in the sea.
This happy seaside town with its gentle Devon atmosphere is ideal for every age, however its beautiful sandy beach is great for young sandcastle builders, making it particularly appealing to families.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Instow
| Crow Point Lighthouse | (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Northam Burrows Country Park | (2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| RHS Garden Rosemoor | (7.9 miles, 12.6 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Once Upon a Time, Woolacombe | (8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly | (10.2 miles, 16.3 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Arlington Court | (10.6 miles, 17.1 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Watermouth Castle | (12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park | (12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| The Valley of Rocks | (18.5 miles, 29.7 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Glen Lyn Gorge | (19.2 miles, 30.9 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Watersmeet | (20.5 miles, 32.9 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Lundy Island | (22.9 miles, 36.8 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
All attractions in InstowAll attractions in DevonComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Instow
Appledore, in the county of Devon (0.7 miles, 1.1 km)
Appledore is as enchanting as its name. It is a pretty place that shows a host of colourful fishermens cottages in the narrow streets beyond the quay
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Croyde, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction N)
Croyde village has a scattering of thatched, colourwashed cottages and other delightful buildings, all sheltered by dunes which stand between the village and the bay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
High Bickington, in the county of Devon (9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction SE)
High Bickington lies in one of England's most beautiful and relaxing regions, it is a short distance from the meandering River Taw and is ideally set close to both Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Clovelly, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction W)
Clovelly is beautiful, it retains an 'Olde Worlde' charm that even along this breathtaking coastline, is simply incomparable.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Combe Martin, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (12.1 miles, 19.4 km, direction NE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Chittlehamholt, in the county of Devon (12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction SE)
Chittlehamholt is a lovely peaceful village lying in unspoilt countryside close to the River Taw.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hartland, in the county of Devon (13.9 miles, 22.3 km, direction W)
There is not a lot to beat the sound of waves crashing against the rocky promontory which was known by the Roman's as the "Promontory of Hercules".
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hartland Quay, in the county of Devon (16.0 miles, 25.7 km, direction W)
The beauty of Hartland Quay is only eclipsed by the rugged cliffs which loom above it.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Mariansleigh, in the county of Devon (17.5 miles, 28.2 km, direction E)
This charming tiny village is set in lovely rural mid-Devonshire countryside within a short distance from the meandering River Mole in the beautiful Mole Valley, and the picturesque Crooked Oak stream.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Stratton, in the county of Cornwall (21.3 miles, 34.3 km, direction SW)
Stratton is a short distance inland from the resort of Bude and was the scene of a Civil War battle in 1643.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Bude, in the county of Cornwall (22.3 miles, 35.9 km, direction SW)
Backed in parts by grassy downs, the wide sandy sweep of Bude Bay with creamy waves flowing in endless procession from the Atlantic make this a perfect summer place for surfers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Zeal Monachorum, in the county of Devon (22.4 miles, 36.0 km, direction SE)
Set amid the rolling agricultural heartland of Devon, Zeal Monachorum is the very epitome of the perfect, tranquil Devonian village.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Oare, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (22.8 miles, 36.7 km, direction NE)
Thus, it was unsurprising to learn that this was the setting for R.D.Blackmore's famous novel, Lorna Doone.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in DevonComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Barnstaple Station | (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction E) |
| Chapleton Station | (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction SE) |
| M5 Junction 27 | (37.1 miles, 59.6 km, direction E) |
| M5 Junction 28 | (37.2 miles, 59.9 km, direction E) |
| Exeter Airport | (39.7 miles, 63.8 km, direction SE) |
| Cardiff International Airport | (43.1 miles, 69.3 km, direction NE) |
| Instow to London | (178.4 miles, 287.0 km, direction E) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Instow
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Instow center |
| The Pines At Eastleigh | (1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction SE) |
| Durrant House Hotel | (2.1 miles, 3.3 km, direction SW) |
| The Royal Hotel | (2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction S) |
| Tantons Hotel | (2.8 miles, 4.6 km, direction SW) |
| Cedars Inn | (4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction E) |
| The Barnstaple Hotel | (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction NE) |
| The Saunton Sands Hotel | (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NW) |
| The Imperial Hotel | (5.4 miles, 8.8 km, direction E) |
| Yeo Dale Hotel | (5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction E) |
| The Royal & Fortescue Hotel | (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction E) |
| All hotels in Instow |