Kitesurf Travel Guide: Instow, North Devon

Instow is the spot North Devon kiters head to when the Atlantic coast is too big, too onshore, or simply closed out. A sheltered estuary opposite Appledore, it trades waves for flat water, and that trade is exactly what makes it worth the detour.

Why Instow?

Instow sits on the Taw and Torridge Estuary, directly across the water from Appledore, between Westleigh and Yelland. There is no real swell here, just flat, sheltered water that can turn a little choppy in a strong wind, which makes it a genuinely good teaching and flat water venue, and a reliable backup when the exposed beaches at Saunton or Westward Ho! are blown out or too rough.

→ West and northwest winds work best here. A southerly tends to get gusty, since it has to pass over Appledore before it reaches the Instow launch.

↳ This is a tidal spot through and through. Instow needs water over its sandbanks to work, so plan around high tide rather than turning up and hoping.

Getting There & Getting Around

Instow's own railway station closed in 1965, so the nearest working station is Barnstaple on the Tarka Line, with hourly trains from Exeter taking about an hour ten minutes.
→ From Barnstaple, Stagecoach bus 21 or 21A runs to Instow in about 25 minutes, departing every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, every 30 on Sundays.
↳ A seasonal foot passenger ferry also crosses the estuary between Instow Quay and Appledore around high tide, handy if you are based on the Appledore side.
London has no direct train; route via Exeter, then the Tarka Line, then a bus or taxi to Instow, or take a National Express coach.

Instow itself is a small historic village with a 13th century church, a 1620s quay and the Tarka Trail cycling and walking path running straight through it, connecting onward to the South West Coast Path.

When to Kitesurf (and Stay Safe)

The windiest months across this stretch of North Devon are January, February, October, November and December, with winter generally bringing the most reliable wind, though February can be bitterly cold on the water. Plan each session around the tide: Instow needs water over the sandbanks, so most riders work roughly two to three hours either side of high tide.

The estuary carries real tidal and river currents where the Taw and Torridge meet, and the parish council itself warns that great care should be taken at all times in the water. Low tide exposes soft mud and sinking sand, and many private boats are moored on the sand and reached by dinghy at low tide, so watch for moorings, anchors and old wreck timbers as you launch and land. This is also shared water, used by sailors, paddleboarders and other craft, so keep a careful lookout rather than assuming right of way. Instow is not a designated bathing beach and has no lifeguard cover, so treat any session here as entirely your own responsibility, and avoid the open river mouth near Westward Ho! unless you are confident reading tides and flow.

Kitesurf Spots

Instow Beach (main launch): Flat estuary water opposite Appledore, best around high tide.
Water: Flat, occasionally choppy in strong wind.
Level: Beginner to intermediate, a good teaching venue.
Westward Ho! (nearby alternative): An open, Atlantic facing beach a short drive away, with its own marked kite zone and RNLI lifeguards in season.
Water: Open beach, small to moderate waves.
Level: Intermediate and up, when Instow is too light.

No currently operating, Instow based kite school could be confirmed at the time of writing, so most visiting riders either bring their own gear or book a lesson at one of the established schools nearby in Braunton or Saunton.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Options below cover Instow itself and nearby Bideford. Prices are approximate 2026 listings in British pounds.

Budget ($)

Broad Park Camping and Glamping, Fairy Cross, Bideford (from about £22 per night, seen October 2026)
A straightforward touring and camping site a short drive from Instow, a good base for a kite trip on a budget.

Mid Range ($$)

The Wayfarer Inn, Instow and Bideford area (from about £95 per night, seen October 2026)
A bed and breakfast listed under Instow itself, convenient for an early start on a high tide session.

Beachfront ($$$)

The Commodore Hotel, Marine Parade, Instow (from about £190 per night, seen October 2026)
Sits right on the estuary front at Instow, with the launch a short walk from the door.

Food & Drink

Fish and Chips: The Royal Plaice, Appledore
→ Haddock, plaice or a medium cod runs £7.75, with a regular portion of chips at £3.50.
Pub Dinner: The Royal George, Irsha Street, Appledore
→ A roughly 400 year old pub right on the estuary, with mains generally running from about £13 to £28.
Wood Fired: Flame Factory, Appledore
→ Wood fired pizza and flame grilled burgers, with most mains between £13 and £18.

Photographing Instow (Surf Snaps)

Flat estuary water and a wide open sky make Instow a genuinely good spot for clean, uncluttered kite photography, especially on a big tidal range when the sandbars are exposed. If you shoot a session, upload it to Surf Snaps so riders can find their own shots by sport, spot and date. If you were out on the water, browse Surf Snaps, and check our kitesurfing photography tips for sharper frames next time.

FAQ: Kitesurfing at Instow

What wind direction works best at Instow?

West and northwest. Southerly winds tend to turn gusty here, since they pass over Appledore before reaching the launch.

Can you kitesurf at Instow at any tide?

Not really. Instow needs water over its sandbanks to work, so most sessions happen roughly two to three hours either side of high tide.

Is Instow safe for beginners?

The flat water suits learning, but there is no lifeguard cover and real tidal currents where the Taw and Torridge meet, so a lesson with a certified school and careful tide planning are worth the effort.

How do I get to Instow without a car?

Take the train to Barnstaple, then Stagecoach bus 21 or 21A, which runs to Instow in about 25 minutes.

Where can I find photos of my Instow session?

Search Surf Snaps by sport, place and date to see if your session was caught on camera.

More Underrated Surf and Kitesurf Spots

Keep exploring with the rest of this series and our other surf travel guides.