Hartland combines paths through the countryside with historic buildings and coastal views. The gardens and parkland of Hartland Abbey, churches with architectural histories spanning several centuries, and a walking trail with views as far as Lundy Island offer a range of experiences. You can plan your stay around your interests in gardens and culture, walking, cycling or possible wildlife watching.
Gardens, architecture and a valley leading to the coast
Hartland Abbey and Gardens are open to visitors from Sunday to Thursday in 2026; check the opening days again before your trip. The architecture and interior details date from the Middle Ages through the Queen Anne, Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods. The gardens, walking paths and parkland offer extensive areas to explore. The valley leads down to a rugged Atlantic cove and the cottage near Blackpool Mill.
The Old Kitchens Tea Room serves homemade light lunches and cream teas. You need a ticket for the gardens or grounds to enter. A visit lets you experience the gardens and parkland, the different architectural periods and a break in the tea room as distinct aspects of the same estate.
Churches and architectural history
Near Hartland, the main fabric of the Church of St Nectan dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its 128-foot tower is said to be the tallest in Devon. An ornate 15th-century rood screen spans the full width of the church. The dating, tower and rood screen each provide their own historical point of reference for the building.
The Chapel of St John also stands on The Square in Hartland. It is a Grade II listed building, built in 1839 as a Church of England chapel. Together with the Church of St Nectan, it shows how the architectural histories of religious buildings in Hartland and its surroundings can be viewed in different ways.
Maritime history and events
The Shipwreck and Smuggling Museum near Hartland devotes its colourful displays to four centuries of shipwrecks, the heroic local lifeboat services, and the men and ships that traded from Hartland Quay over the centuries. This adds the maritime past as a distinct focus for exploration alongside architectural and garden history.
Hartland hosts community events throughout the year, including art trails, food festivals and music festivals. The specific events vary from year to year. If you want to include a particular festival or art trail in your trip, check the dates in advance.
Walking, cycling and wildlife watching
The countryside around Hartland is criss-crossed by footpaths and quiet country lanes, making it suitable for walking. The rural roads also offer opportunities for cycling. Nearby is the short East Titchberry farm walk: it is step-free and has plenty of benches. The route offers coastal views as far as Lundy Island and opportunities to watch seals in Shipload Bay.
Seals, dolphins and various seabirds can also be spotted along the Hartland coast. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The East Titchberry farm walk therefore combines a short, step-free stroll with coastal views and the chance to watch wildlife, although sightings cannot be planned with certainty.
Getting to Hartland
Hartland is connected to the A39, making it accessible by car from Devon and the Southwest. Locally, footpaths and quiet country lanes are the main options for walking and cycling. Together with the gardens, historic buildings and coastal experiences, these offer a range of focuses for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cullompton, Burlescombe, Stoke Gabriel, Bishop's Tawton, Spreyton, Kenton, Parkham, Chapelton.
Return to the regional travel overview: Devon.
