2026 FERRY SEASON

The 2026 season started on 1 April and we look forward to seeing you onboard. The ferry operates daily between April and October, unless there are adverse weather conditions - see FERRY STATUS to the left of this notice. The service is based on tide times and we run roughly two hours either side of high tide. Please note our service is card payment only.

 

During Amber heat warnings we can SUSPEND OPERATIONS to protect the wellbeing of our skippers and volunteers, as extreme temperatures can place additional strain on those working by the water. Please check here, Facebook or Instagram for service updates. We appreciate your understanding. 

 

 

 

THE FERRIES ARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow the ferries' news and status on Facebook (Appledore & Instow Ferry Ltd) and Instagram (@appledoreinstowferry). If the ferry cannot operate for any reason we will use social media to let you know. We will also post a message on this page and will update the A-boards at both Appledore & Instow. 

TAPELEY GARDENS, INSTOW

Tapeley Gardens are open in 2026 from 29 March to 29 October. Please check their web site (https://www.christieestates.co.uk/tapeley-park/)  for further information.

 

THE COMMODORE HOTEL, INSTOW

The Commodore Hotel is a 26 bedroom hotel in Instow which is the perfect place to explore the delights of North Devon. Please see their website (https://www.commodore-instow.co.uk) for more information. 

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE FERRY?

The Appledore Instow Ferry is a not for profit company and has endeavoured to keep the prices as low as possible. However, we do need to cover the costs of running two boats and paying for a logo on the home page is the perfect way for companies and businesses to show their support for the ferry operation and advertise their business.  The logos on the Home page lead directly to the business's own web site.  For more information please use the Contact Us page and one of us will be in touch with you.

BICYCLES AND BUGGIES

The ferry is licensed to carry twelve people and two crew, which includes the skipper. The ferry is able to take buggies and bicycles but the skipper will make a decision if there are some large buggies and a number of bicycles, to balance the number of passengers, buggies and bicycles - so please be patient if you are not able to get on the first available ferry.

Tricycles, tandems, bicycles with trailers, e-bykes and e-scooters cannot be carried.  Following consultation and research the AIFL Board of Directors have made the decision not to transport electric bikes or scooters on the ferries as from Wednesday 1 May 2024.  The decision has not been made lightly but based on the impact of an ebike/escooter combusting in a confined space next to a fuel source and the life raft.

*****All riders of bikes are asked to remove all luggage from their bike before they can be loaded. Riders to be responsible for loading and unloading their bikes with limited assistance from skipper and crew.

JOHNS OF INSTOW

Johns of Instow has a cafe next door to their deli. The cafe offers gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options as well as all the wonderful pastries and cakes that they offer.

Appledore village

 

Appledore is a quaint fishing village where you can wander the cobbled streets and find secret gardens and interesting door hangings.   It has thriving local artists and numerous art galleries and craft shops, and is well known for its Visual Arts Festival, the book festival and the carnival that are held during the year.  Read More  

Instow village

Instow is a pretty, unspoilt seaside village with large stretches of sandy beaches and dunes. Fishermen’s cottages nestle against shops and a good selection of pubs and restaurants. The village store and delicatessen are superb.  Read More