Hartland Quay is situated on the South West Coastal path and the surrounding area is designated as ‘Heritage Coastline’ and as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The cliff walks, with their extensive coastal panoramas and wealth of wild flowers are on a par with walking anywhere in Europe. Peregrine falcons hunt the cliffs, oyster catchers, cormorants and seagulls are all around. Buzzards abound in the woodlands and roe deer are never far away.
For more information on the coastal path and it’s walks, visit: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
The hotel is twenty-five miles from a railway and although it is served by good roads, it remains secluded and unspoilt. The small gift shop (open seasonally) opposite the hotel sells a wide variety of local gifts and souvenirs.
Hartland village hosts multiple pottery and photography galleries as well as some places to eat and drink. For more information and local events, please visit the Hartland Peninsula website: www.hartlandpeninsula.co.uk
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
Hartland Abbey was built in 1169 and originally housed the monks who worshiped at the beautiful church of St Nectan’s in Stoke. It was dissolved in 1539 and was given as a gift to William Abbot, Henry VIII’s chief butler seven years later.
It has passed through the family and is now owned by Sir Hugh & Lady Stucley and is open to the public. Not only is there the historic house to see but also the astonishing gardens. There are some beautiful walks down to the sea and teas to refresh you afterward. The Abbey hosts many special events and outdoor theatre throughout the Summer months. Opening times and further information can be found at www.hartlandabbey.com/
Lundy Island
Lundy Island, off the North Devon coast and clearly visible from Hartland Quay, offers a diverse variety of seabirds, wildlife, flora and fauna for nature lovers and the seas surrounding the island are designated a marine nature reserve. Day trips to Lundy Island are available locally. For more information visit: //www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland
Spekes Mill Mouth
Twenty minutes walk South of Hartland Quay is the beautiful waterfall of Spekes Mill Mouth. The two streams that rise on the high ground of Bursdon Moor meet near Lymebridge and wind their way through the secluded Spekes Valley before cascading down a shear rock face sixty feet, through a series of four smaller falls before finally reaching the sea.
At low tide there are often sandy stretches running down to the shore. Surfers like to visit Spekes Mill for it’s renowned reef brake, yet it remains peaceful and quiet even at the height of summer.
Docton Mill
Situated only 1,400 yards from the Spekes Mill Mouth Coastal Waterfall, the garden at Docton Mill was created in 1980 around the existing river, waterways and ponds. As well as beautiful gardens, Docton Mill has a working water wheel and lovely tea room. Open March 1st – October 31st, 10am to 5pm. Visit: doctonmill.co.uk for more information.
Family Attractions
For great family days out, the award winning Milky Way & Big Sheep attractions are just a short drive away. For more information, click on the links below:
For further information about North Devon and things to do in the area, visit www.northdevon.com