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Instow - Tarka Sands

Instow, near Bideford, Devon
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
No Dogs
4 star
Apartment
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Decorated for Christmas
Downstairs bathroom
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
13 more

At a glance

  • The property is a great base for exploring the Tarka Trail on foot or by bike
  • Open the patio doors and dine al fresco whilst watching the world go by
  • The golden sands of Instow beach are within walking distance of the property
Property code: OC-73433

The property is presented to a high standard throughout, offering the perfect retreat for families or couples alike all year round. Instow itself is a traditional coastal village, has a vibrant community and is well served with pubs and restaurants. A must visit is to the local deli, where you can purchase fresh, local and homemade produce. Close by is the beautiful Instow beach, renowned for its golden sands, remarkable sand dunes and welcomes dogs all year round. Venture across the water, on the seasonal passenger ferry, to the historic fishing village of Appledore or venture further afield and explore the many attractions North Devon has to offer including beaches, Tapeley Park, National Trust's Arlington Court, Dartington Crystal and The Oldenburg for day trips to Lundy Island.

This coastal apartment is perfectly situated in a quiet apartment block which offers remarkable views across the estuary to the fishing village of Appledore. On entering the property, the entrance is the perfect place to leave your walking boots behind as you step into the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner with your fresh ingredients in hand to cook your evening supper. The kitchen offers an electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine, a truly great space for budding cooks. Step into the lounge area which has been finished off beautifully by the owner allowing you to sit back and relax amongst the rich, soft furnishings and watch your favourite programme on the TV or on those beautiful summers days pull open the patio doors and watch the boats go to and fro. After a long day head down the hall where you will find two bedrooms, a twin bedroom with en-suite shower room and WC and a king size bedroom. You will also find the shower room down the hall which consist of a shower and WC.

Heading outdoors via the patio doors from the lounge you will find a small patio area with garden furniture. You are also welcome to use the beautiful shared garden. There is one allocated parking space outside the property.

  • 2 bedrooms - 1 king-size and 1 twin
  • 1 shower room and 1 en-suite shower room
  • Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine
  • Electric and central heating included
  • Bed linen and towels included
  • Allocated parking for 1 car, additional parking available on first come first serve basis
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Beach, shop and pub within walking distance
  • Outside patio area with garden furniture
  • Smart TV in lounge
  • Please note: the property is only suitable for 4 people maximum. The rooms aren't big enough to accommodate an infant in a travel cot.
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

Helen Gardner

This property is personally managed by Helen.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 21 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 stars4.8
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 stars4.4
Overall location
Overall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 stars4.8

Reviewed by Krissy 20th June 2026

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Reviewed by Wilda 15th June 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We love Tarka Sands and have stayed there several times. The flat is beautifully clean and well equipped. The location in Instow is perfect for a relaxing holiday with a nice shop just along the road for groceries and daily papers. There are also some good places to eat within walking distance.

Reviewed by Margaret 11th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We really enjoyed our week at Tarka Sands. The apartment was really clean and very well equipped. There were lots of local information leaflets. The car park is excellent and the gardens are lovely and very well maintained. The situation is also excellent, being so close to the Tarka Trail as well as the beach and restaurants and pubs of Instow.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 30th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Tarka Sands is a very comfortable, warm and well equipped apartment - everything of good quality and clean. It was ideal for me having mobility issues. We enjoyed the beach, deli and pub all nearby, in exceptional weather for March.

Reviewed by Anne 24th October 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Reviewed by Stuart 17th October 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Spotlessly clean, warm and comfortable. Lovely location and nice and quiet. We come to North Devon every so often to visit family and would certainly book this property again.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 3rd October 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This property has everything for a delightful seaside stay. You can walk the Tarka Trail and get the bus back, visit Tapeley Park gardens and enjoy exploring Bideford and Appledore. The location is perfect and the apartment has everything you need. It was warm on chilly mornings and cosy to return to after blustery walk.

Reviewed by Wilda 26th September 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

This was our 4th stay at Tarka Sands. We love staying there. Its ideal for a member of my family with mobility issues. There are lovely walks along the old railway path, a lovely deli/grocers shop and a good pub very near the flat. An idyllic peaceful location. We hope to stay there again some day.

Reviewed by Wilda 11th July 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This was our 3rd time at Tarka Sands. We love staying there. The beds are very comfortable and the flat is well equipped and very clean. We love the tranquil location but theres a good pub nearby if you want to go out for a drink.

Reviewed by John 4th July 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Margaret 27th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Excellent flat to stay in for me with limited mobility. The flat was lovely and clean on arrival just as we had hoped for. The beds were comfy which is a bonus compared to some of the places we have stayed in. Instow itself has some lovely places to eat and a Tesco just up the road for shopping.

Reviewed by Peter 20th June 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A clean and well maintained apartment in an excellent location a short stroll from the beach.

Reviewed by Mark 23rd May 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Steven 28th March 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely apartment and very well equipped,comfortable beds, and spotless on our arrival.The weather was perfect so we had a great holiday.

Reviewed by Sue 21st March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Kevin Lewis 28th February 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

10/10 for general holiday stays: 4/10 if visiting to make use of Tarka Trail for cycling!

Reviewed by Tracey 24th January 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Nice apartment great location

Reviewed by Wilda 11th October 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A beautiful flat in an idyllic location. Well equipped and the beds are lovely and comfy. We hope to stay there again one day.

Reviewed by Nicola 27th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Apartment is perfect, exactly as described with views out to the estuary. Clean, spacious and all you need for a home away from home. Cannot wait to return next year. Wonderful base to explore North Devon & Cornwall.

Reviewed by Susan 14th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Wilda 12th July 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Tarka Sands is a delightful holiday let in an idyllic location. The flat is very clean and well equipped. The beds were very comfortable. The owners have obviously tried to think of everything you might need, even down to providing a hair dryer in each bedroom. I have no hesitation in recommending Tarka Sands to other holiday makers. We would love Read moreto stay there again sometime in the future. Hide

19 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.