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Instow The Dunes, Instow

Devon » Instow
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Instow The Dunes is a spacious holiday home in North Devon, perfect for larger groups wanting a coastal escape. This property sleeps up to 10 guests and features a private hot tub, ideal for relaxing after days exploring the coast. The house sits just moments from Instow's sandy beach, making it brilliant for families and friends gathering together.

The village of Instow offers direct beach access and stunning estuary views. You'll find local shops, cafes and pubs within walking distance. The Tarka Trail runs right through the area, perfect for cycling and walking groups.

The accommodation includes four bedrooms across multiple floors. There are two bathrooms to prevent morning queues.

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At HolidayCottages.co.uk
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About Instow The Dunes

Instow The Dunes is a spacious holiday home in North Devon, perfect for larger groups wanting a coastal escape. This property sleeps up to 10 guests and features a private hot tub, ideal for relaxing after days exploring the coast. The house sits just moments from Instow's sandy beach, making it brilliant for families and friends gathering together.

The village of Instow offers direct beach access and stunning estuary views. You'll find local shops, cafes and pubs within walking distance. The Tarka Trail runs right through the area, perfect for cycling and walking groups.

The accommodation includes four bedrooms across multiple floors. There are two bathrooms to prevent morning queues. The open-plan living area provides excellent social space, with a well-equipped kitchen for group meals. A separate dining area seats everyone comfortably. Enclosed gardens offer safe outdoor space for children and pets.

Explore Westward Ho! beach (4 miles, 10 minutes) or visit Tapeley Park Gardens (3 miles, 8 minutes). RHS Garden Rosemoor (14 miles, 25 minutes) makes a lovely day out. Barnstaple town centre (6 miles, 15 minutes) offers shops and markets.

Instow The Dunes combines beachside location with group-friendly facilities. Book now for your North Devon coastal break.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

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Local Insights: Instow The Dunes

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Instow, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

18Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 7 Sep 2026, 3:01am

🌑️
18.40Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
14 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
90%
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 September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ 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

Instow The Dunes 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

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
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

10m

(33 feet above sea level)

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

πŸ”οΈ
10m
Elevation
πŸ“
Instow
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
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: 51.0566990Β° N | Longitude: 4.17874Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Instow (Monday, 7 September 2026):

5:38am

Sunrise

5:51pm

Golden Hour

6:51pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
5:38am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
6:51pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
5:51pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:51pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Instow, you have approximately 13.22 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

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

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

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

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
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: 7 Sep 2026 | Location: 51.0566990, -4.1787400

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Instow The Dunes

Beachside Location

Direct access to Instow's sandy beach means groups can enjoy coastal walks, water sports and beach games within minutes of the property.

Private Hot Tub

The outdoor hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to unwind together after exploring North Devon's beaches and countryside trails.

Spacious Group Accommodation

Five bedrooms and three bathrooms mean larger groups have plenty of space, with no fighting over facilities during busy morning routines.

Tarka Trail Access

The famous Tarka Trail runs through Instow, offering flat traffic-free cycling and walking routes perfect for groups of all fitness levels.

Enclosed Gardens

Safe outdoor space lets children play freely and dogs roam safely, whilst adults relax knowing everyone stays secure within the property grounds.

Open-Plan Living

The generous social spaces keep groups together, with kitchen, dining and lounge areas flowing seamlessly for entertaining and shared mealtimes.

Getting To Instow The Dunes

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Instow The Dunes by car, take the A39 towards Bideford and follow signs to Instow village. The property is easily accessible with convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, just 6 miles away with regular taxi services. From there, it's a short scenic journey to your coastal retreat.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (6 miles)
Easily accessible from the A39

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 1LG
Tapeley Park Gardens
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 4NT
The Big Sheep
Distance: 5 miles
EX39 5AP
Tarka Trail
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 4LB
Instow Beach Coastal Path
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX39 4LW
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 1NZ
Barnstaple Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
EX31 1EU
Bideford High Street
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 2AA
Instow Village Stores
Distance: 0.4 miles
EX39 4HW
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 6 miles
EX31 1LE
Instow Ferry Landing
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX39 4LR
Bideford Taxi Rank
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 2DT
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 1LG
Tapeley Park Gardens
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 4NT
The Big Sheep
Distance: 5 miles
EX39 5AP
Tarka Trail
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 4LB
Instow Beach Coastal Path
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX39 4LW
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 1NZ
Barnstaple Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
EX31 1EU
Bideford High Street
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 2AA
Instow Village Stores
Distance: 0.4 miles
EX39 4HW
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 6 miles
EX31 1LE
Instow Ferry Landing
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX39 4LR
Bideford Taxi Rank
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 2DT

Is Instow The Dunes Right For Your Group

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

For Families
Children will love the direct beach access for sandcastle building, rock pooling and paddling in the sea. The enclosed gardens provide safe outdoor play space. The Tarka Trail offers easy cycling routes suitable for families. Nearby attractions include The Big Sheep theme park and Westward Ho! beach with its amusement arcades and water sports.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub seats multiple guests and provides the perfect group gathering spot after beach walks or cycling the Tarka Trail. Set in the enclosed garden, it offers privacy whilst everyone relaxes together. The outdoor setting means you can enjoy North Devon's fresh air whilst soaking. It's the ideal facility for groups wanting shared relaxation time.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Instow The Dunes, with enclosed gardens providing secure outdoor space for them to explore safely. The property sits moments from the beach where dogs can run and play. The Tarka Trail offers excellent walking routes straight from the village. Local pubs welcome dogs and Instow's dog-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for pet owners.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Instow The Dunes

The Wayfarer

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 4LN

The Boathouse Instow

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 4LQ

The Commodore Hotel

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 4LQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Instow The Dunes

Is Instow The Dunes pet friendly?
Yes, this property welcomes pets, making it ideal for groups who want to bring their dogs on holiday. The enclosed gardens provide safe outdoor space for dogs to explore.
How many people does the property sleep?
Instow The Dunes accommodates up to 10 guests across five bedrooms. The three bathrooms ensure comfortable facilities for larger groups throughout their stay.
Is there parking available?
The property provides off-road parking for multiple vehicles. This makes it convenient for groups arriving in separate cars from different locations.
What facilities are provided for groups?
The house features a private hot tub, open-plan living areas and a fully equipped kitchen. Enclosed gardens and proximity to the beach add to the group-friendly facilities.
How far is the beach from the property?
Instow's sandy beach is just a short walk from the house. Groups can easily access the shore for swimming, beach games and coastal walks.
Are there good cycling routes nearby?
The Tarka Trail passes through Instow, offering 30 miles of traffic-free cycling. The flat route suits all abilities and bike hire is available locally.
What shops and restaurants are within walking distance?
Instow village has local shops, cafes and traditional pubs all within easy reach. The beachfront location means seaside dining options are particularly close.
Is the property suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the enclosed gardens provide safe play space and the beach location offers endless entertainment. Three bathrooms help manage family routines efficiently.

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