The village of Instow has a wide beach of sand reaching down to the Torridge estuary. It's backed partly by a road (Marine Parade) and sea wall, and partly by dunes. Free short term parking is available on Marine Parade and longer stay car parks are available. Instow is on the Tarka Trail cyclepath, which runs from Barnstaple to Meeth (about 30 miles) along the track of a former railway. The B3233 runs for about 2 miles alongside this, and there are frequent laybys where you can park (free) and either walk or cycle into Instow.
There are no lifeguards at this beach, and dogs are not allowed between Lane End Road and the Quay (the southern end of the beach) between 1st May and 30th September. Facilities include toilets and ice-cream vendors and a restaurant. The North Devon Yacht Club (adjacent to the old station) is very good for light snacks.
