Instow

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Instow signal box
Instow signal box
Instow station in 1969.
Instow station in 1969.

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.[citation needed]

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.

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[edit] Beach

Panoramic View of Instow Beach
Panoramic View of Instow Beach
Instow Beach, overlooking River Torridge and Torridge Bridge
Instow Beach, overlooking River Torridge and Torridge Bridge

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.

[edit] Famous people

  • Ex cricket umpire David Shepherd is probably the most well-known person associated with Instow.[citation needed]
  • Actor Jude Law has also tried to buy a house on Instow seafront, but was out bid.[citation needed]
  • Princess Anne also visited the Commodore Hotel some years back.[citation needed]
  • Popstar Tito Jackson was seen eating an ice cream on the sea front with his sons, from the group 3T. This suggests that perhaps Tito is looking to buy a house in the area.

[edit] 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.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 51°03′N, 4°10′W