Welcome to Hartland

Step outside Fosfelle and you’re in the wild heart of the Hartland peninsula – where folded cliffs meet the Atlantic, lanes lead to secret waterfalls , and skies turn ink-black for stargazing. This corner of North Devon sits within the North Devon National Landscape (formerly AONB) and the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere, so you’re exploring landscapes protected for their beauty, wildlife and culture.

Book your base: Cottages | Glamping Buses | Caravan & Camping

Hartland Village – Your local Hub (10-minute walk)

Wander into Hartland for a cosy coffee, provisions from the local store, three dog friendly pubs perfect after a coastal hike. Or find he perfect gift to take home from one of the local potteries or galleries.

Don’t miss:

  • St Nectan’s Church (Stoke) with its soaring tower – often called the “Cathedral of North Devon.”
  • Hartland Carnival
  • Local events and live music throughout the Year – ask us at reception for whats on or follow us on facebook

Hartland Quay – Cliffs, Storms and Sunset pints

Just a short drive from Fosfelle, Hartland Quay delivers dramatic east facing cliffs, wave pounded rock formations, and legendary Atlantic sunsets. The old customs house is now a hotel and the Wreckers’s Retreat bar – a fine spot to watch the sea on stormy days.

  • Access the South West Coast Path north and south from the Quay for instant wow-factor views
  • Look out for contorted “chevron” rock folds – this coastline is a geology lesson in motion
  • Through the year the Quay hosts events such as the Motor bike hill climb and Mini meets
  • Popular spot for TV & films see how many scene locations you can spot

Iconic Walks on the South West Coast Path

This world-class National Trail runs for 630 miles and wraps around our peninsula. The Hartland Quay -> Bude section (~15miles) is widely regarded as the toughest and most spectacular stretch: expect steep ups and downs, shipwreck history and remote, empty combes.

Walk ideas from your door:

  • Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall loop (3.9 miles)– hanging valley’s, wildflowers, peregrines, and a dramatic fall to the beach. Start/finish at Hartland Quay
  • Short out-and-back to the falls (3km) if your tight on time (take care on the steep steps in wet weather
  • The Vale, wander along the woodland dell following the main Hartland stream out towards the sea several routes depending on the distance you wish to walk
  • Check tide times and wear sturdy foot ware – paths can be narrow and exposed

Secret Beaches & Wild Coves

Welcome Mouth (Devon /Cornwall Boarder) is a secluded, dog-friendly beach with rock pools at low tide, a waterfall, and signature folderd cliff strata. Access is down a steep path; facilities are minimal – bring what you need and leave no trace.

Other rugged pockets include Duckpool and Marsland Mouth and the coves south towards Bude

Day Trips and Family Adventures

Clovelly – Car-Free, Time capsule village

A Steep , cobbled street winds to a pitcture-book harbour; goods are still hauled by hand-pulled sledges. It’s unique, preserved, and photogenic, expect a slow beautiful decent and ascent (or get the landrover back up)

The Milky Way Adventure Park

An Award-winning all-weather attraction near Clovelly with rides, shows, and huge indoor play – ideal for mixed age families or rainy days. Or visit the Wake park behind

Lundy Island – Granite, Puffins & Sea views

In summer, sail on the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe; alternatively a seven-minute helicopter hops from Hartland. A true escape with wildlife and dramtic cliffs

Food, Pubs & Estuary Views

If you Fancy an evening out beyond Hartland

  • Appledore – Patel cottages, maritime history and pubs which welcome dogs, Try the Seagate on the Quay for sea air suppers. Then visit the Chamo for some live music in Appledore’s smallest venue
  • Instow – Watch the sunset over the sands from The Boathouse or try Johns Cafe for an afternoon nibble
  • Bude – This Seaside town has an array of chippies and Pasty shops for those Quay side munchies
  • Woolsery – The Farmers Arms recently voted one of the best Gastro pubs in England is the next village along from Hartland
  • HartlandPattards provide fine dinning just outside of the village for those looking for something special

Nature, Night Skies & Why this Area is Special

You’re exploring landscapes designated for their scenery, biodiversity and heritage – the North Devon National Landscape (AONB) spans our coast, dunes and valleys, and the UNESCO Biosphere recognises the region’s world-class environments (from Broughton Burrows to Lundy)

Our clear nights, low light pollution means exceptional stargazing – step outside, let your eyes adjust, look out for bats and listen to owls along the hedgerows.

Practical Tips

  • Weather & Tides: Atlantic weather can turn fast; check forecasts and tide times before cliff or beach walks
  • Footwear: Sturdy shoes/boots for uneven paths and steep steps at waterfalls/coves
  • Dogs: Many beaches and paths are dog friendly; keep dogs on leads near livestock and cliffs
  • Bring a torch!

Ready to Explore?

Stay Close o everything – wild cliffs, car free villages, waterfalls and family days out – then come “home” to hot-tub soaks and starry skies at Fosfelle

Plan your adventure!

Useful resources & links

Tide Times – Useful website providing location of beaches, the tide times and things to do

Explorer – What to do and see on and off the beaten track in and around North Devon in an interactive App

Wildlife spotting calendar – Calendar showing the wildlife on which can be seen at different times of the year

Hartland Peninsula Association – Website providing places to stay, things to do and events in and around Hartland

Contact

Office +44 (0)1237 441 273

Location

Fosfelle Country House.
Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6EF

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