Hartland Abbey & Gardens
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
4
About
Only one mile from Hartland Quay, Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove. Peacocks and guinea fowl roam at will, whilst donkeys and Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park.Hartland Abbey is the lived-in family home of the Stucley family. Although it was built in the 12th century, remaining as a monastery for 400 years and passing through the female line three times, it has never been sold. Consequently, it contains collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain which have accumulated over many generations. The story of the Abbey mirrors local and national history at every turn. It has a friendly and lived-in atmosphere, so often absent in many of our nation’s historic houses, a point continually remarked upon by those who visit us.
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- AndrewSt. Albans, United Kingdom7,116 contributionsMake sure you allow plenty of time for your visitThere was much more to do and see at Hartland Abbey then we had allowed time for. Next time we would allow time to walk along to the beach (c.1 mile) and also to visit the walled garden. However, we were able to purchase some the produce of the walled garden which we ate that evening. Still the family home of Hugh and Angela Stucley, so the Abbey House and Gardens have only limited opening hours / days – best to check before arriving. The old kitchens tearoom served some lovely homemade cakes. As we did not allow sufficient time our visit was limited to the house, café and a walk around the bog garden, fernery, and the shrubbery. Note to self: next time assign half a day for a visit and not two hours!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 March 2024
- David GWembdon, United Kingdom38 contributionsWhat a GEM!What an absolute joy to visit this beautiful home and garden located near the coast. We loved the walk through the woods to the walled gardens where you could sit and relax. The shrubbery walk & exhibits of all the different films and tv series that have used Hartland Abbey & grounds was eye opening to us and really interesting. Onto the house and WOW! Just WOW! Afternoon was spectacular with a walk to Blackpool Mill and private beach with Storm Kathleen blowing up a storm but that made it all the more spectacular. Then back through some fantastic woods with a gazebo and summerhouse, past the donkeys and into the tearooms! A great day out and well worth a visit - remember your 2-1 gardeners world card for even better value.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- rachel b30 contributionsLovely gardens, a touch expensive and car entrance poorly signed from road.It's a very pretty setting but a touch expensive. The gardens are beautiful and we had a wonderful impromptu display from a resident peacock. We didn't manage a walk down to the beach, but enjoyed the walled garden and the surrounding paths. I didn't find the house all that interesting and wasn't allowed to take my handbag in! The tearooms are quaint, but quite expensive and our cakes weren't as tasty as they should have been! The signage from the road is poor - we missed the turning for cars and ended up having to turn around in a very narrow road with an impatient local behind us! All in all, it is an OK day out if you are prepared to pay a little over the odds. But the gardens are beautiful.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 May 2024
- Jo H6 contributionsA magical day.We had the most magical day and left no stone unturned! Glorious sunshine for the 6 hours that we spent at Hartland Abbey, St Nectan's Church, walk to find the folly, then down to the beach, up to the gazebo and summerhouse. By this time all of us in need of food and drink. Lovely tea rooms with the most amazing cakes. Then off for a trip around the house - oh my goodness, those ceilings and more! Then on to the shrubbery and the walled garden to finish the day. Absolutely beautiful! Great value for money and will be thoroughly recommending to all. All the staff so friendly and accommodating. Thank you!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 August 2024
- Chris TLondon, United Kingdom3 contributionsInteresting Real Country House and Great GardensInteresting house and very good gardens. Its a great example of a real lived in country house which has not had the benefit of a National Trust type custodian and where the owners probably struggle to maintain it. If like us you have an historic house of your own you will appreciate the challenges and the entry prices! The woodchip wallpaper on the library ceiling was the most curious feature. The Exhibitions were good but might have been edited a little. The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable. The walled gardens were great and so well maintained. We ran out of time to go to the beach but drove separately to Hartland Quay after closing time which was superb. I am glad we went and enjoyed the visit. If you only like Gardens go to Marwood gardens instead which has especially helpful staff.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 September 2024
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4.0
416 reviews
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49
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19
wonkywarrior
Eastleigh, UK32 contributions
Aug 2020
Arrived in sunny August, under Covid restrictions. I’m a power chair user arrived plus two (Husband and our daughter) and a canine partner. It just is not accessible, even in a beefy power chair like my Permobil c500 s.. There’s a lovely track through the park to the beach and other areas of the estate- it’s perfect DEVON with black sheep and stunning views. But it must be BONE DRY to get a robust chair through it. There’s been rain the last few days and so got stuck twice. Had to turn back. Thankfully my husband tugged the chair while our 12yr old daughter helped me step a little. My canine partner was a star too. But that was not the only adventure.....
We decided to stop for lunch and the cafe is lovely and accessible- there’s a doozy of a wasp problem so most people bought lunch and ate it inside their cars! Which was very British and quite funny! We went to visit the garden options but without success. The front of the stunning Abbey is all gravel, my chair managed it but no way would you push someone through that. We had forewarning that there was no disabled access to the house or loo or shop.
We followed the map but the only way to access the shrubbery was via a narrow, slippery and muddy path. We had to turn back, but only a bit stuck this time. To access the kitchen gardens you are directed down the roads which is pretty scary. We were told about the disabled car park near the gate but had to laugh as it’s inside a cattle grid area and has steep uneven steps out of it. We did try getting into the kitchen garden by me leaving my chair at the entrance and hobbling the first few steps, but there were no seats so it was hopeless.
Getting back- not fancying the road.....we attempted the cattle grid. Again I had to get out of my chair to be helped across. Assistance dogs aren’t too keen on cattle grids either so he got lifted over and then my husband half drove my empty chair over. It was actually a lovely walk back from the entrance to the house.
Things to do to improve access. 1) put wooden or concrete slats to act as runners for wheelchairs and buggies across the cattle grid. 2) pace out 20 steps, put a seat there. Tell everyone there’s a seat every 20 steps. 3) compact the ground in areas so that push chairs and wheelchairs can cross the gravel areas and the field path to the beach. 4) Put signs up along the entrance track warning ⚠️ for wheelchairs and pedestrians getting to the kitchen garden, don’t direct them to use the main road. 5) Get your local accessibility group/ disability group/ mobility groups to try out the grounds/ paths etc. develop a map of how disabled people with a variety of impairments can enjoy this better.
We decided to stop for lunch and the cafe is lovely and accessible- there’s a doozy of a wasp problem so most people bought lunch and ate it inside their cars! Which was very British and quite funny! We went to visit the garden options but without success. The front of the stunning Abbey is all gravel, my chair managed it but no way would you push someone through that. We had forewarning that there was no disabled access to the house or loo or shop.
We followed the map but the only way to access the shrubbery was via a narrow, slippery and muddy path. We had to turn back, but only a bit stuck this time. To access the kitchen gardens you are directed down the roads which is pretty scary. We were told about the disabled car park near the gate but had to laugh as it’s inside a cattle grid area and has steep uneven steps out of it. We did try getting into the kitchen garden by me leaving my chair at the entrance and hobbling the first few steps, but there were no seats so it was hopeless.
Getting back- not fancying the road.....we attempted the cattle grid. Again I had to get out of my chair to be helped across. Assistance dogs aren’t too keen on cattle grids either so he got lifted over and then my husband half drove my empty chair over. It was actually a lovely walk back from the entrance to the house.
Things to do to improve access. 1) put wooden or concrete slats to act as runners for wheelchairs and buggies across the cattle grid. 2) pace out 20 steps, put a seat there. Tell everyone there’s a seat every 20 steps. 3) compact the ground in areas so that push chairs and wheelchairs can cross the gravel areas and the field path to the beach. 4) Put signs up along the entrance track warning ⚠️ for wheelchairs and pedestrians getting to the kitchen garden, don’t direct them to use the main road. 5) Get your local accessibility group/ disability group/ mobility groups to try out the grounds/ paths etc. develop a map of how disabled people with a variety of impairments can enjoy this better.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tamar839
Leicester, UK12 contributions
May 2021
Of all four gardens we visited in the area this was the most expensive and least
value for money. Very muddy, covered in scaffolding, a tv show being filmed and gardens poorly laid out we left after ten minutes. I suggest Marwood Hill gardens.
Half the entrance price and twice the pleasure with wonderfully laid out gardens, colour a plenty, no mud and very genial staff.
value for money. Very muddy, covered in scaffolding, a tv show being filmed and gardens poorly laid out we left after ten minutes. I suggest Marwood Hill gardens.
Half the entrance price and twice the pleasure with wonderfully laid out gardens, colour a plenty, no mud and very genial staff.
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
etonn1
Rogerstone, UK3 contributions
Jul 2020
Had a lovely sunny day out at Hartland Abbey. We wandered round the walled gardens and enjoyed the beautiful flowers, then walked back to the abbey to picnic under a chestnut tree in front of the fabulous building. Then a stroll to the cove to check out the rock pools. On the way back we climbed up to the gazebo and took in the amazing views. A real bonus was the peacock strutting his stuff in the grounds, what an incredible bird. It wasn't busy, we felt like we had the place to ourselves. The toilets were spotless and it all felt very safe. Well worth a visit.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela
Wolverhampton, UK382 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
What can I say. Stunning house and gardens. You may even get the lady of the manor Lady Angela Stucley telling you where to park your car.
The house didn’t open until 2pm which we hadn’t realised but there are plenty of walks to take. To the beach, the gazebo, the walled garden, the folly and the church.
The kitchen cafe was open and we paid £21 for three tea and three cakes.
Place is run by family and friends of the family who are very friendly and welcoming. The guides were not very knowledgeable and referred to their prompt cards often.
Only certain parts of the house were open as it’s still lived in by the current Lord and Lady Stucley.
It has been used as a hotel in the past to help bring in an income.
It is presently being used to film Mallory Towers an Enid Blyton series about a girls boarding school. Season three starts filming on Tuesday 14th June.
The house didn’t open until 2pm which we hadn’t realised but there are plenty of walks to take. To the beach, the gazebo, the walled garden, the folly and the church.
The kitchen cafe was open and we paid £21 for three tea and three cakes.
Place is run by family and friends of the family who are very friendly and welcoming. The guides were not very knowledgeable and referred to their prompt cards often.
Only certain parts of the house were open as it’s still lived in by the current Lord and Lady Stucley.
It has been used as a hotel in the past to help bring in an income.
It is presently being used to film Mallory Towers an Enid Blyton series about a girls boarding school. Season three starts filming on Tuesday 14th June.
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline Robson
Florida3 contributions
Aug 2020
I was on holiday, walking with my husband towards the lovely Downe Cottages when we saw the sign for Hartland Abbey. The sign mentioned a tea room, offering light lunches & cream teas. We thought that a cream tea would be good for later in the week, but decided to walk to the tea rooms to book a slot for later in the week.
When we arrived at the ticket booth for Hartland Abbey, I made it clear that I just wanted to make a booking at the tea room for later in the week. The lady pointed me in the direction of the tea room.
The lady at the tea room was very friendly & confirmed that we didn’t need to make a booking. She said that we would just need to pay for a ticket to come in. My husband & I were a little confused, as we only wanted to visit the tea rooms. However, the lady very apologetically confirmed that in order to visit the tea rooms, we would need to purchase a ticket.
Access to the grounds would have cost £18 for us both & were of no interest to us. Therefore we decided against a trip. I am sure that we would have spent a nice amount at the cafe, so that is your loss Lady Stucley. I don’t know what your business model is, but to turn down money from people wishing to eat at your tea rooms seems ludicrous. People who had no intention of exploring the grounds may have changed their mind & an afternoon tea could have led to more business.
I assume that your finances are in good order, but if not, you may wish to consider my thoughts.
When we arrived at the ticket booth for Hartland Abbey, I made it clear that I just wanted to make a booking at the tea room for later in the week. The lady pointed me in the direction of the tea room.
The lady at the tea room was very friendly & confirmed that we didn’t need to make a booking. She said that we would just need to pay for a ticket to come in. My husband & I were a little confused, as we only wanted to visit the tea rooms. However, the lady very apologetically confirmed that in order to visit the tea rooms, we would need to purchase a ticket.
Access to the grounds would have cost £18 for us both & were of no interest to us. Therefore we decided against a trip. I am sure that we would have spent a nice amount at the cafe, so that is your loss Lady Stucley. I don’t know what your business model is, but to turn down money from people wishing to eat at your tea rooms seems ludicrous. People who had no intention of exploring the grounds may have changed their mind & an afternoon tea could have led to more business.
I assume that your finances are in good order, but if not, you may wish to consider my thoughts.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael E
3 contributions
Jul 2020
Beautiful gardens . Very colourful, well worth a visit. The day we visited we first walked to the beach. The signs could be clearer as we hiked up the wrong path for quite a while as the gate we should have gone through said Private. By the time we reached the beach it had started to rain. The weather didn’t improve so we went to look around the very interesting exhibition and found we didn’t have enough time to see the gardens. The lady on the gate immediately offered for us to come again at no extra charge which we did and we were very pleased we did.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tamarrab2016
Bristol, UK22 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
The afternoon tea was really nice but to pay £10 to walk around the grounds is very expensive in my opinion.
We were advised at the hut that the walk to the Sandy beach was short… it wasn’t a Sandy beach, far from it and the walk took ages. So may be wise to not tell people this.
We were advised at the hut that the walk to the Sandy beach was short… it wasn’t a Sandy beach, far from it and the walk took ages. So may be wise to not tell people this.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheMelanges
Christchurch, UK17 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We had a lovely day!
Beautiful spring flowers, including stunning bluebell woods. Very enjoyable walk down a track to the beach with impressive rock formations.
My daughter loved seeing places used in the Mallory towers series and enjoyed the trail.
We enjoyed delicious cake in the refectory cafe.
Walled gardens, peacocks, donkeys, plenty of places for picnics a great set up. Dog friendly.
We also looked around the house, details explained by knowledgeable and enthusiastic wardens, amazing portraits and they showed us where Prince William slept on his stag do! Interesting exhibition on the various films that have used the estate.
We plan to return perhaps for some open air theatre in the Summer!
Beautiful spring flowers, including stunning bluebell woods. Very enjoyable walk down a track to the beach with impressive rock formations.
My daughter loved seeing places used in the Mallory towers series and enjoyed the trail.
We enjoyed delicious cake in the refectory cafe.
Walled gardens, peacocks, donkeys, plenty of places for picnics a great set up. Dog friendly.
We also looked around the house, details explained by knowledgeable and enthusiastic wardens, amazing portraits and they showed us where Prince William slept on his stag do! Interesting exhibition on the various films that have used the estate.
We plan to return perhaps for some open air theatre in the Summer!
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana D
United Kingdom205 contributions
Sept 2021
I was surprised to see on reviewer saying his visit was marred by the NT treating all visitors like school children for two reasons. The first is that the Abbey is not run by the National Trust but is a privately run family home. "Hartland Abbey is the cherished home of the Stucley family" Secondly the guides who appeared mostly to be volunteers were very warm and friendly and informative. We arrived as part of a coach tour with Just Go and it poured with rain for our entire visit. I thought the lady who greeted us on the coach and organised us into groups was very warm and efficient. We were grateful if we mistook the directions and grateful for help, fully recognizing it was our fault. I thought it was much easier than navigating some National Trust houses. The only slight problem which maybe could be corrected was having to queue in the pouring rain with no canopy to place our order at a small window when only one person was serving. However the food when it arrived was good and enjoyable. We did not visit the gardens as it was like a monsoon but we are Historic House members and will look forward to a visit on our own next time. We thought the whole organisation coping with such large parties was without reproach.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Micky M
1 contribution
Jun 2022
The house was closed to visitors due to filming, but in fairness this was advised on their website. Having said that it is only open from 2pm until 5pm normally. The gardens are average at best, and the beach is accessible to the public free of charge using the coastal path without paying for the privilege of walking through their grounds. The tea room cake and drink was enjoyable but the ploughman's lunch was vastly over priced and poor quality. All in all I felt it was over priced, although the outside of the house is impressive.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HartlandAbbey
Bideford, United Kingdom
Thank you very much for your enquiry. All information on opening times and entrance fees are on Our Hartland Abbey website under the pull down menu Information and then Visitor Information 2018.
Full adult price for entry to the historic house, gardens, grounds, woodland walks, exhibitions, shop, Tea Room etc is £12.50. Entry to the gardens, grounds, exhibitions, shop, Tea Room etc is £9. All entrance charges for children, disabled visitors and family tickets etc are on our Visitor Information 2018 page.
Many thanks for contacting us.
Car parking is included in these prices
Written 14 June 2018
Maybe a bit late answering, Robert. Sorry.
From their website:
Sunday to Thursday inclusive
House 2 – 5pm (NB last admission to house 4.15pm). Gardens 11 – 5pm.
Tea Room open 11 -5pm
The gardens are a bit of a walk uphill from the house. OK if you're mobile but if you're not up for trekking around don't turn up too much before the house opens at 2pm or you'll be hanging around. It's worth getting there in time to have a cuppa and cake, though.
Have a nice trip.
Chris.
Written 15 February 2017
What are the entry prices ?
Written 27 July 2016
What are the entry prices ?
Written 27 July 2016
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