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Highfield Instow, Instow

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Highfield Instow is a spacious holiday home in North Devon that sleeps up to 8 guests. This property sits in the coastal village of Instow with direct access to the beach and stunning estuary views. The house features a private hot tub and large garden, making it perfect for group gatherings and family celebrations.

Instow offers a peaceful coastal setting with sandy beaches and the Tarka Trail running through the village. The area provides excellent water sports opportunities and traditional seaside activities.

The accommodation includes four bedrooms across three floors. There are three bathrooms serving the property. The ground floor has a large kitchen and dining area that opens onto the garden.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About Highfield Instow

Highfield Instow is a spacious holiday home in North Devon that sleeps up to 8 guests. This property sits in the coastal village of Instow with direct access to the beach and stunning estuary views. The house features a private hot tub and large garden, making it perfect for group gatherings and family celebrations.

Instow offers a peaceful coastal setting with sandy beaches and the Tarka Trail running through the village. The area provides excellent water sports opportunities and traditional seaside activities.

The accommodation includes four bedrooms across three floors. There are three bathrooms serving the property. The ground floor has a large kitchen and dining area that opens onto the garden. A separate lounge provides additional space for groups to relax together.

RHS Garden Rosemoor (11 miles, 20 minutes) offers beautiful gardens to explore. The Big Sheep (8 miles, 15 minutes) provides family entertainment. Barnstaple town centre (4 miles, 10 minutes) has shops and restaurants. Westward Ho! beach (6 miles, 12 minutes) is popular for surfing.

Highfield Instow combines beachfront location with group-friendly facilities. This property works well for multi-generation families and friend groups wanting coastal access.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

Highfield Instow Video Tour

Highfield Instow video tour

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Local Insights: Highfield Instow

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Instow, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

15°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:00am

🌡️
15.10°C
Temperature
💨
11 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
94%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Highfield Instow sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

119m

(390 feet above sea level)

Highfield Instow sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
119m
Elevation
📍
Instow
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Instow are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.0508130° N | Longitude: 4.14704° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Instow (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:22am

Sunrise

6:13pm

Golden Hour

7:13pm

Sunset

🌅
5:22am
Sunrise
🌇
7:13pm
Sunset
📸
6:13pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:13pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Instow, you have approximately 13.85 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Highfield Instow.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.0508130, -4.1470400

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Highfield Instow

Beachfront Location

Direct beach access means your group can walk straight onto the sand without any driving or parking hassles throughout your stay.

Hot Tub with Views

The private hot tub overlooks the estuary, giving your group a relaxing spot to unwind after days exploring the North Devon coast.

Spacious Kitchen Diner

The large open-plan kitchen and dining area lets everyone cook and eat together, making group mealtimes easy and sociable for ten people.

Large Garden Space

The generous garden provides outdoor space where children can play safely whilst adults relax, perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings.

Tarka Trail Access

The famous cycling and walking trail runs through Instow, offering flat traffic-free routes suitable for all ages and fitness levels in your group.

Five Bedrooms

With five separate bedrooms spread across three floors, everyone in your group gets proper sleeping space and privacy during the holiday.

Getting To Highfield Instow

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Highfield Instow by car, take the A39 North Devon Link Road and follow signs to Instow via the A361. The property is located in the village centre with off-road parking available for multiple vehicles.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, approximately 4 miles from Highfield Instow. Regular bus services and taxis connect the station to Instow village, taking around 15 minutes.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (4 miles)
Accessible from A39 and A361

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 11 miles
EX38 8PH
The Big Sheep
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 5AP
Tapeley Park Gardens
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 4NT
Instow Beach Walk
Distance: 0.1 miles
EX39 4LB
Tarka Trail Instow to Bideford
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 4HY
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 5 miles
EX39 1NZ
Barnstaple Pannier Market
Distance: 4 miles
EX31 1BW
Tesco Superstore Barnstaple
Distance: 4 miles
EX31 2AS
Instow Village Stores
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX39 4HY
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 4 miles
EX31 1LE
Instow Ferry Terminal
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 4LR
Braunton Visitor Centre
Distance: 6 miles
EX33 1AA
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 11 miles
EX38 8PH
The Big Sheep
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 5AP
Tapeley Park Gardens
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 4NT
Instow Beach Walk
Distance: 0.1 miles
EX39 4LB
Tarka Trail Instow to Bideford
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 4HY
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 5 miles
EX39 1NZ
Barnstaple Pannier Market
Distance: 4 miles
EX31 1BW
Tesco Superstore Barnstaple
Distance: 4 miles
EX31 2AS
Instow Village Stores
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX39 4HY
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 4 miles
EX31 1LE
Instow Ferry Terminal
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 4LR
Braunton Visitor Centre
Distance: 6 miles
EX33 1AA

Is Highfield Instow Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children have direct beach access for sandcastle building and paddling in the estuary. The large garden provides safe outdoor play space. The Tarka Trail offers flat cycling routes suitable for all ages. The Big Sheep theme park is 8 miles away with rides and animal encounters. Instow beach has rock pools to explore at low tide. The property's layout gives families flexibility with bedrooms spread across three floors.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub at Highfield Instow seats several adults and overlooks the Torridge estuary. Your group can soak whilst watching boats pass and enjoying coastal views. The hot tub is accessible from the garden and available throughout your stay. It provides the perfect spot for evening relaxation after beach walks or days exploring North Devon. The combination of beachfront location and hot tub makes this property stand out for groups.
Pet Friendly
Highfield Instow does not accept pets. The property has a strict no-pets policy so you cannot bring dogs or other animals. If you are travelling with pets, you will need to find alternative accommodation or arrange care elsewhere. The beachfront location and interior furnishings are maintained as pet-free. Many other North Devon properties do welcome pets if this is essential for your group's requirements.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Highfield Instow

The Boathouse

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 4LP

The Wayfarer Inn

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 4HY

The Commodore Hotel Restaurant

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 4LQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Highfield Instow

How many people does Highfield Instow sleep?
The property sleeps 10 guests across five bedrooms. The bedrooms are distributed over three floors with three bathrooms serving the whole house.
Is Highfield Instow pet friendly?
No, this property does not accept pets. You will need to make alternative arrangements for any animals during your stay.
What cooking facilities are available for groups?
The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher and large fridge freezer. The open-plan dining area has a table that seats 10 people comfortably for group meals.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles. The parking area is directly at the property, making unloading easy for group arrivals.
Can we use the hot tub year-round?
The private hot tub is available throughout your stay regardless of season. It overlooks the estuary and can accommodate several guests at once.
What beach activities are nearby?
Instow beach offers swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking during suitable conditions. The sandy beach is safe for children and the estuary provides calmer water than open sea.
Are there shops within walking distance?
Instow village has a local shop, cafes and pubs within walking distance. Barnstaple town centre is 4 miles away for larger supermarkets and shopping facilities.
What is the Tarka Trail?
The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile walking and cycling route through North Devon. The traffic-free section runs through Instow, connecting to Barnstaple and Bideford for easy family cycling.

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