Hartland Abbey

Historic building surrounded by garden and trees.
Colourful garden with bench and vibrant flowers.
Colourful garden with flowers and greenery
Pathway through vibrant garden with purple flowers.

Hartland Abbey, the last monastery to be Dissolved by Henry VIII, was built in 1160 across a valley 1 mile from the Atlantic. This historic family home since 1539 has stunning interiors, fascinating architecture, collections and memorabilia; it is a perfect day out in any weather. Enjoy the house full of family history with its beautiful gardens, much of them hidden since 1914 but now restored.

Enjoy the Fernery and Bog Garden by Jekyll, woodland walks with bulbs, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, the Gazebo overlooking the Atlantic and Woodland Summerhouse. 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.

BBC 'Gardeners World' on Gertrude Jekyll was filmed here in June 2025 and the Antiques Roadshow in 2011. Walks lead to the beach and Blackpool Mill; 'Sense and Sensibility', 'The Night Manager', 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and 'The Salt Path' were filmed here. Hartland Abbey stars as 'Malory Towers' on iPlayer. Black sheep, peacocks and donkeys roam. Exhibitions. Old Kitchens Tea Room serves delicious homemade fare. Stunning Hartland Quay (1m) and Clovelly (4m) nearby.

Fact File

Opening Times: Sunday 29th March 2026 - Thursday 1st October (Sun - Thurs & BHs) 11.00am - 5pm
(House 2- 5 last adm 3.45pm)
Admission Rates 2026: Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £15.00, Children (under 5) FREE, (5-15) £5.00.
House,Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £18.50, Children (under 5) FREE, (5-15) £6.00
Group Rates 2026: Minimum Group Size (for discount) 20. House, Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £15.50.
Gardens, Grounds, Beachwalk, Exhibitions: Adult £13.00, 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: Daffodils and Mothers Day 15th March. Easter Fun 5th and 6th April. Bluebell Days 12th and 19th April. Outdoor theatre - see website..
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 admin@hartlandabbey.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: January 2026