A Local Connection Across the Estuary

From 1st April 2026, one of North Devon’s most loved local services returns to the water — the Appledore & Instow Ferry. For locals and visitors alike, the ferry is far more than just a convenient crossing. It’s part of the character of the Torridge estuary and a tradition that has connected the two villages for generations.

At Johns of Instow & Appledore, we’re proud to support this fantastic local service and to have our two locations perfectly placed on either side of the estuary. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast in Appledore, ice cream on Instow beach, or a relaxed lunch overlooking the water, the ferry makes it easy to experience both sides of the river in a single day.

A Historic Link Between Two Coastal Villages

The crossing between Appledore and Instow has been part of daily life in the area for centuries. Before modern road routes, ferries were the most practical way for people to travel across the River Torridge. Fishermen, traders, families, and visitors relied on small boats to move between the two villages.

Today’s Appledore & Instow Ferry continues that tradition in a way that still feels wonderfully simple and authentic. The journey takes just a few minutes, but it offers one of the most scenic short boat trips in North Devon. As you cross the estuary, you’re treated to views of the colourful houses of Appledore, the sandy shoreline of Instow, and the wide tidal waters that make this part of the coast so special.

It’s often described as one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the area — a quick hop across the water that turns a day out into something a little more memorable.

Perfectly Placed for Johns of Instow & Appledore

One of the things we love most about the ferry is just how close it is to our locations.

On the Appledore side, the ferry departs directly from the quay — right outside John’s Deli & Café. It means you can grab a coffee, breakfast roll, or lunch before hopping on board for the short journey across the river.

When you arrive in Instow, the ferry lands at the pier just across the road from our Johns of Instow store, making it incredibly easy to continue your visit with us. And just a short stroll along the beach, you’ll also find our Ice Cream Parlour, perfect for a classic seaside treat while enjoying the view across the estuary.

Many of our customers make a full day of it — starting on one side of the river, taking the ferry across, and exploring both villages before heading home.

Supporting a Much-Loved Local Service

Local ferry services like this play an important role in keeping coastal communities connected. They support tourism, help visitors explore more of the area, and preserve a traditional way of travelling that has long been part of life here.

That’s why Johns of Instow & Appledore proudly sponsors the ferry service. Supporting the ferry helps ensure it continues running for locals, visitors, and businesses throughout the season.

The ferry adds something special to the experience of visiting Appledore and Instow. It slows things down a little, encourages people to explore both sides of the estuary, and offers a memorable moment in the middle of the journey.

A Ferry That Helps Us Too

Our connection with the ferry goes beyond sponsorship.

Because our two stores sit directly opposite each other across the estuary, the ferry occasionally becomes the most enjoyable way for our team to move between locations. From time to time, it even ferries a few supplies between the two shops.

If we’re short on something in one store, it’s not unusual for a small delivery to take the scenic route across the water rather than the longer drive around the river. It’s one of those little quirks of working in two waterside villages that we love.

And while it might not be the most conventional delivery route, it’s certainly one of the most picturesque.

You might even spot one of our team hopping aboard with a crate or two — a reminder that the ferry is not just part of the visitor experience, but also part of everyday life here.

Making a Day of Your Visit

With the ferry running again from 1st April 2026, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan a day out exploring both Appledore and Instow.

You could start your morning with breakfast and coffee at John’s Deli & Café in Appledore, take a wander through the village’s narrow streets and galleries, and then hop on the ferry across the estuary.

Once in Instow, enjoy a walk along the beach, visit Johns of Instow at the pier, and finish the day with an ice cream from our Ice Cream Parlour while watching the boats on the water.

The crossing only takes a few minutes, but it turns a simple outing into a coastal adventure.

See You on the Ferry

The return of the Appledore & Instow Ferry is always a welcome sign that the season is beginning again along the North Devon coast. It brings people together, helps visitors discover both villages, and keeps a long-standing local tradition alive.

At Johns of Instow & Appledore, we’re delighted to support the ferry and to be located right at the heart of the crossing on both sides of the estuary.

So whether you’re joining us for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or ice cream — why not add a ferry trip to your plans?

We’ll see you by the water. 🚤🌊