Instow beach
Instow beach
4.5
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Best nearby
Restaurants
67 within 5 kms
Attractions
60 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
677 reviews
Excellent
403
Very good
174
Average
38
Poor
22
Terrible
40
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,508 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is a glorious beach with far reaching views up the estuary and out to sea. We visited in November, so the sand was full of dog-walkers, not minding their pets. The views across the water to Appledore were lovely, but the views further out to sea are spectacular. I’d love to come back and see and summer sun-set, as the promenade faces west.
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sam t
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
We went again to The Boat House for lunch last week. We chose the seafood platter, as did many others that day. It was absolutely wonderful. Top quality ingredients , prepared beautifully and lots of it.
Served by Gez and Bryony, top marks to them. A special mention to Jamie the chef who, knowing we had trouble cracking spider crab before , cracked it for us , then came to our table to ensure all was well.
This place has turned into a destination establishment under the care of Kat and Brendan. Well done and best wishes for the future.
Served by Gez and Bryony, top marks to them. A special mention to Jamie the chef who, knowing we had trouble cracking spider crab before , cracked it for us , then came to our table to ensure all was well.
This place has turned into a destination establishment under the care of Kat and Brendan. Well done and best wishes for the future.
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison F
Chalgrove, UK53 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Lovely beach but no 'infrastructure' in terms of shops. Several expensive eateries but Appledore - just across the estuary, far more interesting!
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenna K
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Beautiful beach just not much else for the kids as was looking for some arcades and a cafe with fish & chips
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve G
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Arrived from London on a Saturday eve with our two border terriers , tide was out excellent for dogs and beautiful Sunset couldn’t get a table at the local beach front restaurant as there are limited dog tables and pre booked so spoke to a local and we found Graylings fish and chip shop 2 miles up the road next to a convenience store got fish and chips and some beers and returned to the beach to an alfresco dinner in the sunset perfect
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Good sandy beach, great for humans and dogs.
Parking limited but that is the only criticism. After the beach there are some good restaurants and bars to visit
Parking limited but that is the only criticism. After the beach there are some good restaurants and bars to visit
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J B
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK18 contributions
Jun 2023
We traveled every morning from Westward ho to walk the dogs on this beach as it’s so lovely and there is a good expanse of sand even at high tide, and dogs are not restricted apart from July and August. Devon beaches are often closed to dogs from May or don’t allow them off lead, but this is a welcome exception.
Written June 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Paine’s
London, UK24 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Absolutely fantastic beech Sea goes out really far and ideal for dogs and really quite so much space to roam and walk free
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vicky T
Bromsgrove, UK44 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We went to i stow today. Wasn’t impressed. Small sandy beach . No gift shops unless they are tucked further back but we couldn’t find them. Unless you want to spend all day lying on the beach there isn’t much to see.
Written June 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony R
Barnstaple, UK17 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Close to where I live. Just a beautiful beach with sand dunes and great views ..just sooooo nice there.
Written June 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheri186402
Birmingham, UK64 contributions
Hi, we are visiting Instow soon and have read that the ferry is not operating due to Covid. Can you ever walk across to Appledore when the tide is out?
cejsmith
Milton Keynes, UK378 contributions
I don’t think you can with out getting very wet
NamasteHello
Harrogate, UK1,906 contributions
I would like to say I think it's right that she got charged.
kes666
London, UK82 contributions
If you've got to buy a parking ticket buy one !
Anuj N
Horley, UK38 contributions
Are dogs allowed on beach?? Aug 2018....
I am reading conflicting reviews online.
Any locals please.....
Mike P
Wendover, UK80 contributions
If you turn right on the beach opposite the Boathouse Pub you can't go wrong. After walking the dog take a drink in the Boathouse which is animal friendly.
Anuj N
Horley, UK38 contributions
Are dogs allowed on beach?? Aug 2018....
I am reading conflicting reviews online.
Any locals please.....
Foodies Devon
Appledore, UK91 contributions
Only at one end of the beach until end of September, After that the whole beach.
Kerry D
Blackwood, UK42 contributions
Interesting to see others complaining about Sandhills car park. Has anyone actually been taken to court? I am considering - thought the parking charge was ridiculous! (And left a sour taste after having a fab week in Instow).
David F
50 contributions
We never got a parking ticket even though we were a few minutes over the time then I read reviews and expected one anyday but that was April so now in the clear.
Mwagusi
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania1 contribution
Has anyone else had to pay the £60 charge for a few minutes. We were parked for a very short time to collect cyclist on a charity ride and have a fine for £60!
grahamandcherry12@yahoo.com
London, UK5 contributions
grahamandcherry
We overstayed by a few minutes on four occasions within a few days, wondered why the car park was nearly empty. Its not as though we parked and didn't pay - just gossiped with a few other dog owners.
Christie Estates and their owner Hector?should be ashamed of themselves - we now park in lay by after the Marine Base. Remember this beach has failed the tests for swimming water 21 out of the last 22 years and to add insult to injury the local councillors are pressing to stop dogs using the beach.
The beaches at Westward Ho are free to park in the winter and only £3.50 for the day in summer and are blue flag, just not well signposted.
Eldever
Barnstaple, UK109 contributions
Christie Estates own the car park. I got a fine too and didn't even park!
Vancruiser65
St Austell, UK1 contribution
Flippin' heck Jeanine. Remember, it is not a fine but an invoice (as they are not a local authority they have n power to fine). Just keep telling them that you don't accept their "invoice" for whatever your reasons are.
PaulyHaley
High Wycombe, United Kingdom1 contribution
I also have gripe with this car park. The management must be new as it wasn't there last year when we visited. We got done in August for overstay. Our appeal with the parking company has also been rejected but I am going to appeal to the Independent Appeal Service. Apparently when we went back to put more money in my ticket was only for 51 minutes (and not an hour). Clearly this is a money making scheme. DO NOT PAY THEM. Fight your case. I do not intend to pay and will never stay in that car park again.
thereviewagain
12 contributions
Hi,
It's not pretty and I got stung for a 12 minute overstay on a 3 hour ticket I bought. Its gone to appeal but not hopeful and won't be paying a bean.
Did you get anywhere with christie estates and Andrew wollacott?
gillian h
Buckinghamshire, UK21 contributions
Are dogs allowed on Instow beach in August.
Helengex39
Bideford, UK8 contributions
Hi there, dogs are most welcome on the beach - it's a great stretch of sand for them to run - just make sure you take your Doggy bags!
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Claim your listingInstow beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Instow beach
- Hotels near Instow beach:
- (0.48 km) The Wayfarer Inn
- (0.64 km) Instow Barton
- (0.80 km) Commodore Hotel
- (0.97 km) The Seagate (Hotel)
- (0.44 km) BEACH RETREAT, pet friendly, with open fire in Instow
- Restaurants near Instow beach:
- (0.28 km) The Glorious Oyster
- (0.29 km) The Glorious Oyster
- (0.51 km) Instow Arms
- (0.41 km) The Wayfarer
- (1.07 km) Flame Factory
- Attractions near Instow beach:
- (1.00 km) The Champ
- (1.27 km) North Devon Maritime Museum
- (1.56 km) Hockings Dairy Cream Ices
- (1.02 km) Appledore & Northam Burrows Walk
- (1.08 km) Appledore Sails - Private Day Charters