Instow

• THE view over to Appledore from Instow.

Torridgeside has much to offer all the year round, especially if you love the water. Instow and Westleigh are two holiday villages with unique character and charm.

• THE beach at Instow

It was the Victorians who first discovered Instow and turned it into a holiday destination. Alongside Instow’s natural charms is a host of modern attractions, not least water sports. Here is the home of the North Devon Yacht Club which holds regular events around the estuary. There are also commercial operations. Skippers will take visitors on trips, while experienced yachtsmen and women can charter vessels to skipper themselves. A regular ferry to Appledore on the opposite side of the estuary operates from here and tickets for Tarka Cruises’ trips are available from alongside Marine Parade. Water skiing, sailboarding, jet skiing and fishing are other popular pastimes.

Those who prefer to remain spectators can view the colourful sails and bobbing boats from Instow’s long promenade. The Commodore is one of North Devon’s most prestigious hotels, overlooking the beach and estuary and is worth a stay.