Instow Beach

Instow is an estuary beach, not a surf beach. It looks across the water to Appledore, and it works for a slow day of sandcastles, kites and picnics rather than a swim. Its main stretch runs 1,200 yards from the Quay to the Cricket Ground, with the village of Instow, its shops and pubs close by.

Swimming and safety

Do not plan on swimming here. Instow is not a bathing beach, and the public are advised not to swim, following Environment Agency advice from 2018 after the water consistently failed bathing-water standards. Expect river currents, mud and sinking sand at low tide, and trip hazards from moorings and anchors.

There is no lifeguard service on this beach. For lifeguarded water you need a different beach, so check the RNLI’s list of patrolled beaches.

What the estuary does well is calm. The gentle water is popular for paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing. The beach has no breaking waves, and the estuary has a large tidal range, so check tide times before you carry a board down.

Dogs

Instow is a dog-friendly village and the beach is dog friendly, but one restriction covers the busy stretch near the village. Dogs are not permitted between the Quay to the south and the Boathouse to the north in July and August between 10am and 5pm. Part of the beach belongs to Christie Devon Estates, the contact listed for that rule. The Parish Council also asks for dogs to be on a lead on the upper beach in the same area throughout July and August.

Parking and facilities

Parking is free in designated areas on Marine Parade, with a one-hour limit from May to September. The Parish Council runs a car park opposite the Quay, handy for the village shop and the Appledore ferry, and a large private car park lies near the Cricket Club at the far end. There are toilets on the beach front and in the village, plus beachside shops and cafes.

Nearby

The seasonal ferry crosses from Instow to Appledore, and the Tarka Trail runs straight through the village for walking and cycling.