Instow is a quaint and picturesque village nestled on the estuary where the Rivers Taw and Torridge converge, offering a stunning panoramic vista across the water to the colourful fishing village of Appledore. The village is famed for its wide, sandy beach—known as Instow Sands—which is a perfect, sheltered spot for families, dog walkers, and water sports like paddleboarding, though bathing is advised against due to currents. Instow is also a key stop on the Tarka Trail, a popular route for walkers and cyclists, and its waterfront is lined with elegant, brightly shuttered buildings, traditional pubs, and a Grade II listed Victorian signal box, all reflecting its rich maritime and railway history.