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Instow - Tarka Sands

Instow, near Bideford, Devon
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
No Dogs
4 star
Apartment
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Decorated for Christmas
Downstairs bathroom
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
13 more

At a glance

  • The property is a great base for exploring the Tarka Trail on foot or by bike
  • Open the patio doors and dine al fresco whilst watching the world go by
  • The golden sands of Instow beach are within walking distance of the property
Property code: OC-73433

This contemporary, ground-floor apartment in the delightful North Devon village of Instow is the ideal retreat for friends and families. Located within a mile of the village's beach, dunes, shops and pubs, there is plenty to do in this attractive village. The former railway line, the Tarka Trail, also passes through which provides a flat cycling/walking trail for exploring the area. On a summer's day, you can open the patio doors and enjoy views of boats on the estuary and the pretty, fishing village of Appledore in the distance.

Light, bright and airy, this property blends contemporary fixtures and fittings with traditional furniture to create a comfortable and welcoming feel throughout. There is a small hallway for coats and shoes before you move into the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner where light floods in through the large patio doors, whilst the kitchen has everything you'll need to cook up some treats. Along the hallway, you'll find an attractive king-size bedroom, a twin room with an en-suite shower room, and an additional shower room. Outside, there is a small patio with garden furniture as well as a larger shared garden.

Join the Tarka Trail to find market towns Bideford (3.5 miles) and Great Torrington (10.5 miles) in one direction and the larger town of Barnstaple (6.5 miles) in the other. Alternatively, take to the water and catch the summer ferry across to Appledore. For days on the beach, head to popular Westward Ho! (5 miles) with its golden sand, amenities and entertainment. For history, head to the steep, cobbled streets of Clovelly (14.5 miles) or stunning Hartland Quay (20 miles). Award-winning attractions The Big Sheep and The Milky Way are within 10.5 miles.

  • 2 bedrooms - 1 king-size and 1 twin
  • 1 shower room and 1 en-suite shower room
  • Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine
  • Electric and central heating included
  • Bed linen and towels included
  • Allocated parking for 1 car, additional parking available on first come first serve basis
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Beach, shop and pub within walking distance
  • Outside patio area with garden furniture
  • Smart TV in lounge
  • Please note: the property is only suitable for 4 people maximum. The rooms aren't big enough to accommodate an infant in a travel cot.
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

Helen Gardner

This property is personally managed by Helen.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 22 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 stars4.8
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 stars4.5
Overall location
Overall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 stars4.8

Reviewed by Leslie 15th July 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Jeff 9th July 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Krissy 20th June 2026

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Reviewed by Wilda 15th June 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We love Tarka Sands and have stayed there several times. The flat is beautifully clean and well equipped. The location in Instow is perfect for a relaxing holiday with a nice shop just along the road for groceries and daily papers. There are also some good places to eat within walking distance.

Reviewed by Margaret 11th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We really enjoyed our week at Tarka Sands. The apartment was really clean and very well equipped. There were lots of local information leaflets. The car park is excellent and the gardens are lovely and very well maintained. The situation is also excellent, being so close to the Tarka Trail as well as the beach and restaurants and pubs of Instow.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 30th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Tarka Sands is a very comfortable, warm and well equipped apartment - everything of good quality and clean. It was ideal for me having mobility issues. We enjoyed the beach, deli and pub all nearby, in exceptional weather for March.

Reviewed by Anne 24th October 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Reviewed by Stuart 17th October 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Spotlessly clean, warm and comfortable. Lovely location and nice and quiet. We come to North Devon every so often to visit family and would certainly book this property again.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 3rd October 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This property has everything for a delightful seaside stay. You can walk the Tarka Trail and get the bus back, visit Tapeley Park gardens and enjoy exploring Bideford and Appledore. The location is perfect and the apartment has everything you need. It was warm on chilly mornings and cosy to return to after blustery walk.

Reviewed by Wilda 26th September 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

This was our 4th stay at Tarka Sands. We love staying there. Its ideal for a member of my family with mobility issues. There are lovely walks along the old railway path, a lovely deli/grocers shop and a good pub very near the flat. An idyllic peaceful location. We hope to stay there again some day.

Reviewed by Wilda 11th July 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This was our 3rd time at Tarka Sands. We love staying there. The beds are very comfortable and the flat is well equipped and very clean. We love the tranquil location but theres a good pub nearby if you want to go out for a drink.

Reviewed by John 4th July 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Margaret 27th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Excellent flat to stay in for me with limited mobility. The flat was lovely and clean on arrival just as we had hoped for. The beds were comfy which is a bonus compared to some of the places we have stayed in. Instow itself has some lovely places to eat and a Tesco just up the road for shopping.

Reviewed by Peter 20th June 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A clean and well maintained apartment in an excellent location a short stroll from the beach.

Reviewed by Mark 23rd May 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Steven 28th March 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely apartment and very well equipped,comfortable beds, and spotless on our arrival.The weather was perfect so we had a great holiday.

Reviewed by Sue 21st March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Kevin Lewis 28th February 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

10/10 for general holiday stays: 4/10 if visiting to make use of Tarka Trail for cycling!

Reviewed by Tracey 24th January 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Nice apartment great location

Reviewed by Wilda 11th October 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A beautiful flat in an idyllic location. Well equipped and the beds are lovely and comfy. We hope to stay there again one day.

Reviewed by Nicola 27th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Apartment is perfect, exactly as described with views out to the estuary. Clean, spacious and all you need for a home away from home. Cannot wait to return next year. Wonderful base to explore North Devon & Cornwall.

Reviewed by Susan 14th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

20 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Marsdens Devon Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.