Sea and sky roll as one at the peninsular…
This is an Atlantic coastland of spectacular waterfalls, deserted bays, bluebell woods and dramatic, rocky cliffs just waiting to be explored.
- Look out for seals, puffins and dolphins, which are regular visitors to this stretch of water.
- Explore shipwrecks and smugglers caves along the coastline around Hartland Quay.
- Enjoy a picnic in a bluebell meadow.
- Find a great piece of furniture or a unique gift to take home from Hartland village.
Stop off in the hamlet of Stoke and follow the tree lined forest path to the sacred spring of St Nectan’s Well (the church spire here is so tall it acts as a marker for ships) then it’s just a hop to the coast where you’ll find breathtaking walks alongside sweeping vistas.
This is an Atlantic coastland of spectacular waterfalls, deserted bays, bluebell woods and dramatic, rocky cliffs just waiting to be explored. Enjoy outdoor theatre at Hartland Abbey, maritime festivals and crab feasts at Clovelly and rousing gig rowing races and local carnivals.
Carpets of flowers greet you in all seasons – from snowdrops to bluebells, daffodils to wild garlic and sea campion to rare orchids. Why not set yourself free of your shoes and try a barefoot walk to reconnect with nature? Then pick your perfect stop for a picnic, Devon style.
Pop your shoes back on to head out to Hartland Point, where you’ll find the brooding, black razor-toothed rocks that pepper the sea below the cliffs are set with the rusty skeletons of ships that have run aground here, despite the warning lighthouse turning above. Look out for seals, puffins and dolphins, which are regular visitors to this stretch of water.
Then return to the village of Hartland, where there’s also inspiration from the big blue, with many of the houses, studios and shops painted in varying shades of marine and sky. There’s a blending here too – with houses that look like shops and shops that look like houses. Seek out Gordon’s tearooms (in the house called Sowena on the main street) for a refueling stop before you venture to the home of the Brocklehursts. Here the couple’s living room is the focus of White Hare Studio where talented artists Clive and Caroline do all their own printing, framing and bookbinding on the premises. Great for gorgeous, one-of-a-kind gifts.
The village is also a mecca for beautiful furniture – so if you’re looking for a contemporary piece by a topnotch artisan or a vintage find for your home then Hartland is a great place to find a treasure or two. Pick up a beautiful handmade wooden Windsor chair from Bob Seymour, or an eco creation crafted from salvaged oak by Paul Anderson. Or you might even choose to turn your hand to making your own fine furniture with expert tuition from David Charlesworth.
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