The Beach at Instow
Seen from out the window and an easy walk through the village from Moorings View is the River Torridge and Instow sea and estuary views with a relaxing walk along the beach, then take your pick from one of the many benches to watch the amazing Instow sunset in a perfect natural environment.
Information on Instow village local shops, pubs and restaurants is incomplete without referencing the local Hocking’s ice cream van alongside Instow beach, which will make your experience even more enjoyable!
Instow village has a fantastic sandy beach which is just a short stroll from The Moorings at Landfall. The beach looks out over Appledore to the west and Crow Point to the north, with views across Bideford Bar where you can see the tide breaking out to sea. The beach becomes huge when the tide is right out and is still usually big enough for a walk when the tide is in.
Johns of Instow
Johns of Instow is a local shop, cafe and award-winning delicatessen which is located just 150 yards from the apartment at the bottom of the garden and along Marine Parade. The shop also runs a beach hut on Instow Beach which offers refreshments.
Take a short stroll along the Instow waterfront for a cooked breakfast, coffee and cake or newspaper, or pick up essentials such as milk, lemon drizzle cake, chocolate brownies or Devon pasties.
Johns is open from 8.00am until late – and you can reserve a table on 01271 860310
The Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a circular figure-of-eight route of 180 miles, that traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The Trail follows a combination of footpaths and bridleways, and the southern loop is part of the longest continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. The Trail centres around Barnstaple and touches Dartmoor, Exmoor and the whole North Devon coast from Lynton to Bideford.
We have adjacent access at the bottom of our garden, and you are welcome to store your own bikes or hire some nearby. The route is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists and lets you experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.
North Devon Yacht Club
The NDYC is traditionally home to a sailing club where racing has taken place since 1905 and is 30 paces from the bottom of the garden.
Catamaran, monohull and gaffer racing goes on throughout the year, much of which can be watched from your apartment window at Landfall!
Visiting sailors are welcome and temporary membership will allow you to store your boat and use the club’s facilities.
And just like everywhere else in Instow – when the bar is open you can sit on the balcony and enjoy just watching the sailing or the beautiful sunset.
Quay Inn
This pub/bar/restaurant is just a hundred yards from the apartment and is a perfect place to watch the sun go down. A cooked breakfast is available.
You are assured of a warm welcome and can enjoy a pint and good food made with local ingredients. The menu offers traditional pub food and specials but if you’re more interested in a different bill of fare – try the ‘gin menu’ or take-away Fish and Chips between 6pm-9pm, Monday to Saturday, which are excellent.
Why not have a pint, sit on the wall and watch the sun go down or in winter enjoy the atmosphere while watching sports on the Quay Inn’s big screen.
The Boathouse
Situated opposite the beach, the Boathouse restaurant has a great local view from the balcony!
The restaurant describes itself as a ‘melting pot of great British food and drink from across North Devon’. Why not see for yourself and enjoy a drink on the sea-facing balcony, before a sumptuous meal from the menu?
Instow Arms
Take a level walk along the beach to enjoy a meal and drink at the Instow Arms, with its lovely views overlooking the beach.
The pub offers a warm and comfortable atmosphere with local ales and delicious food cooked with the freshest local ingredients.
The Wayfarer Inn
The Wayfarer is a local pub that offers food as well as satellite TV – so you don’t have miss the big football match.
Located a short distance away from the beach in Lane End, the Wayfarer sometimes is open later than other establishments in the village with live music nights.
Appledore-Instow Ferry
This seasonal two-boat ferry service runs between Instow and Appledore. This gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of both villages without the need for a car.
Some people just take the ferry for the ride whilst others “go to the other side” for a meal, drink or walk.
Whatever your reason for using it, the ferry is a great volunteer service for the community.
https://www.appledoreinstowferry.com/index.php
Tim’s Boat Trips
Take a relaxing and gentle boat trip up the river to Weare Gifford. You can enjoy the lovely River Torridge countryside during a peaceful cruise and see the stunning wildlife on the river of Tarka the Otter.
For extra enjoyment, why not take a picnic and bottle of wine?
(Pictured: Tim’s boat with Instow beach in the background.)
The Strandfield Grill at the Commodore
The Strandfield Grill at the Commodore is a recently developed top end restaurant open to all.
Like all the hostelries and other establishments on this page in Instow, the restaurant is a short walk from Moorings View at Landfall. Booking for an evening meal is essential but you won’t be disappointed with the service or the food! Afternoon Cream Tea or cocktails are also available overlooking the water.
North Devon Cricket Club
The North Devon Cricket Club was founded in 1823. The club is situated in Instow. The thatched pavilion overlooks the estuary where the River Taw meets the River Torridge.
This thriving club has a rich history and has four senior teams that compete in the Devon and North Devon Leagues.
Probably one of the most unique and special places you can go to watch or play cricket.
Problem with your car?
Hopefully, a rare event but if you are not a member of a rescue organisation like the AA, you could phone Molland Garage, Instow on 01271 860307.
Situated an easy walk from Moorings View holiday home.
