Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey was the last monastery to be dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Built in 1160 by a stream flowing into the Atlantic, this historic, privately owned family home has stunning interiors, fascinating architecture from many periods, collections and memorabilia; it is a perfect day out in any weather.
Enjoy the fascinating house full of family history and its beautiful gardens, much of them hidden since 1914. The Fernery and Bog Garden by Jekyll were rediscovered, woodland walks were replanted with camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and blue hydrangeas, the Gazebo overlooking the Atlantic and Woodland Summerhouse restored. The intimate 18thC Walled Gardens are full of herbaceous, tender and rare perennials, climbers, vegetables, fruit and glasshouses of dazzling houseplants for the Abbey interiors. Historic daffodils, tulips, bluebells and wildflowers enchant in spring.
Film location for BBC Antiques Roadshow. Walks lead to the beach and Blackpool Mill; 'Sense and Sensibility', 'The Night Manager' and 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' were filmed here. Hartland Abbey stars as CBBC's 'Malory Towers' by Enid Blyton. Black sheep, peacocks and donkeys roam. Exhibitions. Old Kitchens Tea Room serves delicious homemade food. Close to Hartland Quay (1m) and world famous Clovelly (4m).
Fact File
Opening Times: Sunday 2nd April 2023 - Thursday October 5th (Sun - Thurs & BHs) 11.00am - 5pm (House 2- last adm 4pm)
Admission Rates 2023: Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £12.00, Children (under 5) FREE, (5-15) £5.00. House, Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £15.50, Children (under 5) FREE, (5-15) £5.50
Group Rates 2023: Minimum Group Size (for discount) 20. House, Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £13.50.
Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £11.00, Groups of 30+ please enquire.
Exhibitions: 'William Stukeley - Saviour of Stonehenge', 'Filming since 1934', 'The History of the Hartland Abbey Estate'.
Facilities: Homemade light lunches and cream teas in Old Kitchen Tea Room. Gift Shop. Plant sales
Disabled Access: Partial
Tours Events: Guided Tours (optional) and Group Bookings by appointment
Coach Parking: Yes, adjacent to house
Length of Visit: (with house) 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours, Walks and Gardens only 2 1/2 hours
Special Events: See website for Daffodil and Bluebell Days, outdoor theatre and other events.
Annual Exhibition: 'Filming on the Hartland Abbey Estate since 1934'. New exhibits annually.
Booking Contact: Theresa Seligmann, Hartland Abbey, Nr Bideford, North Devon EX39 6DT. Tel: 01237 441496/234
Email: hartlandabbey@hotmail.co.uk or ha_admin@btconnect.com
Website: www.hartlandabbey.com
Location: 15 miles west of Bideford, 15 miles north of Bude off A39 via B3248.
Between Hartland and Hartland Quay.
Updated: March 2023