Instow cottages

Cottages in Instow

A charming village on Devon’s north coast, offering miles of golden sands, cream teas and calm waters. Instow is a perfect family seaside destination.

The village of Instow overlooks a calm and wide beach, where old fishermen’s cottages and larger family-friendly cottages line the waterfront, making the most of its pretty aspect. With miles of golden sands and stunning views across the Torridge, this spot is very popular with families and sailors alike.

Venture out and explore The Tarka Trail, a former railway line running through the village of Instow and beyond, giving visitors a great access point to walk or cycle 40 miles of traffic-free Devon countryside. Across the water is the equally pretty village of Appledore, offering plenty more eateries and pretty fisherman’s cottages – perfect for a morning or afternoon gently strolling around narrow lanes. Get there by passenger ferry over the summer months – a delightfully scenic way to travel.

Let your day’s activities change with the ebb and flow of the tide. Enjoy crabbing on the quay when the tide's in, and when the water is out, fly your kite on the sand, build sandcastles, try your hand at beach cricket, rounders and any other number of energetic games or, for a cultured day, visit nearby Arlington Court, a beautiful National Trust property with fine gardens and walks as well as plenty of Regency history. 

The Instow estuary is a playground for all manner of native birds and wildlife, offering fantastic twitching opportunities, so nature lovers, take your binoculars! You can also enjoy a stroll along the coastal path to the RSPB reserve at Isley Marsh; a rare salt marsh with tidal mud flats and numerous indigenous plants and wildlife.

We have a variety of North Devon cottages available in Instow, from large family properties with hot tubs and gardens, sleek and modern homes perfect for a special get together or cosy fisherman’s cottages ideal for two. If a stay in Instow is just what you are looking for, then peruse our selection of properties below.