Hartland Peninsula

If you journey west along the North Devon coast you’ll discover the Hartland Peninsula. This entirety of this area falls within an AONB and is the perfect destinations for those of you that love being outdoors. Wherever you look, you’ll find miles of inspiring clifftop walks, secluded beaches and marine wildlife, offering ample opportunities to be at one with nature and enjoy this beautiful and diverse landscape.

The central hub of the peninsula can be found in Hartland Village where you’ll find markets, events and accommodation options. The village also includes pubs and eateries which also spread out and cover the rest of the peninsula.

Family holiday destination

If you’re looking for somewhere different to visit with the family, consider the Hartland Peninsula area, aside from the charming village with its amenities, the kids will love Hartland Point for its hidden lighthouse, zig-zag rock formations and legends of the many shipwrecks in the water below.  Hartland Quay makes a great place for a pub lunch and some refreshments during your explorations. Not only can you sample some incredible locally sourced, seasonal dishes, but you’re surrounded by  a dramatic coastline, bold geology and panoramas that stretch from  Lundy Island to Cornwall.

Whatever your age, the Hartland Peninsula has a wide range of things to do whether you’re on a day trip or staying a bit longer. Aside from the stunning settings, there are a number of popular events, including festivals, live music, theatre shows and the local cinema and of course, the fabulous food and drink which is available in this area.

Things to do

Hartland Village has been the social hub for the whole peninsula for thousands of years and is packed with history, heritage and shops which delight residents and visitors alike. The beautiful surroundings have offered inspiration to creatives for generations, so its hardly surprising that the village is full of workshops and galleries where you can find some incredible works of art and unique locally made gifts. During the summer, you can take part in the annual art trek, where local artists all across North Devon open up their studios to visitors. If you can’t make it during the art trek, don’t worry, the Parish Hall and the local studios open their doors for events regularly, so you’ll never have to miss out.

If it’s culture you’re after, Hartland Abbey  boasts a fascinating historic family home (a former Augustinian monastery), whilst the award-winning gardens at Docton Mill  offer a journey through several lovingly restored landscapes and a highly acclaimed cream tea!

The peninsula is also home to a number of events and festivals, including food festivals, jazz festivals and folk festivals. Spring and Summer are great times to visit if you’re into flowers, as Hartland Abbey hosts regular events inviting you to come and view the spring flowers. Their Daffodils and Spring Flowers events tend to take place in March while April and May are when you can find the Bluebell Days. Staying in the Hartland Peninsula will also give you easy access to the heritage village of Clovelly, where you can find a host of interesting events as well as it being a tourist attraction in its own right.