Instow

The small town of Instow is a great holiday destination all year round, and a firm favourite with families. Tire out the kids with an energetic bike ride along the estuary following the route of the traffic-free Tarka Trail. Alternatively, take to the wide, golden beach for sandcastle building, kite flying or a spot of crabbing from the quay at high tide. For the more adventurous, hop on your windsurf board and cruise along the shore.

Instow also offers an array of great bars and restaurants, with views across the water to the picturesque village of Appledore. Watch the world go by and boats journeying along the estuary as you tuck-in to fine local seafood, ruby beef and even locally sourced samphire.

On a hot day, pop into Johns of Instow to pick up a picnic hamper or source your own local produce so you can dine al fresco on the beach.

For a more tranquil visit, call into the Waterside Gallery to see works by some of North Devon’s finest artists, potters and craftspeople, or spend time watching the wildlife on the tidal mud flats along from the beach, as described in Henry Williamson’s classic novel ‘Tarka The Otter’.