Instow

Instow is a village in north Devon, England. It is on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, between the villages of Westleigh and Yelland and on the opposite bank of Appledore.

The hamlet of Worlington lies one mile east of Instow.

Instow has a famous railway signal box, managed by volunteers from the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre and a small river beach. Nearby are sand dunes, that home some rare species of orchid including the pyramid orchid.Fact|date=February 2007

The Tarka Trail passes through Instow, providing an easy means for people to arrive by foot or on bike. This section of the Trail is also part of the South West Coast Path, offering longer walks along the coast.

Beach

Instow Beach is used widely during summer months at the peak of the tourist season. The beach is suitable for families as it enjoys few waves because of the sandbanks at the mouth of the estury cancelling out most of the ocean swell.

There are also a large number of boats anchored on the sand. Many are only accessible at low-tide or via a dinghy or what is locally known as a Tender. Over the past couple of year windsurfing and kite surfing have become popular, taking advantage of the open position and calm waters.Also canoes and kayaking up and down the rivers to Instow beach is becoming more and more popular.

Famous people

*Ex cricket umpire David Shepherd is probably the most well-known person associated with Instow.Fact|date=February 2007
*Actor Jude Law has also tried to buy a house on Instow seafront, but was out bid.Fact|date=February 2007
*Princess Anne also visited the Commodore Hotel some years back.Fact|date=February 2007
*Popstar Tito Jackson was seen eating an ice cream on the sea front with two of his sons, from the group 3T, on June 7th 2008. It is thought that Tito lives in the area.Fact|date=June 2007

WWII bomb

In 2000, an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered near the dunes on Instow beach. The majority of the village was evacuated before bomb disposal experts safely detonated it.

External links

* [http://www.instow.net/ Instow Website]
* [http://www.ndyc.org/ North Devon Yacht Club]