Hartland Abbey Gardens

Romantic restored gardens with impressive heritage and a coastal walk.

from 382 Google reviews

A large green field with trees in the background

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Hartland Abbey by Steve Bittinger. CC BY 2.0

About the garden

You might already recognise Hartland Abbey and Gardens; the estate has been used as a filming location for many popular shows including the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Aside from this, the award-winning house and gardens, in North Devon, are also known for their large collection of Camellias.

Set across 50 acres of parkland are woodland paths adorned with Bluebells in spring as well as the Echium pininana which reaches up to 15 feet within the Walled Garden. Follow the pleasant short walk to the Atlantic Coast, explore the Baronet’s Bog Garden, plus take the children to meet Becky and Snowdrop the donkeys.

The 12th-century Abbey, which survived as a monastery longer than any other in the country, is still lived in by the Stucley family and now houses fascinating exhibitions and collections of architecture and paintings. The Old Kitchens Tea Room offers a delicious homemade selection of light lunches, cream teas and cakes to complete your day.

With beautiful gardens and parkland leading to the sea, it is both fascinating and fun for all ages. Whether you are interested in heritage and history, gardens, family memorabilia or lovely walks in the clean, invigorating Atlantic air, Hartland Abbey is not to be missed.

How long is a typical visit?

The average visitor spends 2 - 4 hours (Half Day) at Hartland Abbey and Gardens.

Opening times

End of Mar - First Sunday in Oct Sunday - Thursday 11AM - 5PM

Useful details

Garden area

50 Acres

Dog walking

Yes - Dogs on leads.

Cafe or restaurant

Food and drink facilities include a cafe/restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

Family

Yes - Children of all ages.

Wheelchair access

Mostly inaccessible (some paths moderately flat and paved).

Shops

Yes - There is a gift shop and plant shop.

Devon, EX39 6DT

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

Weather forecast

Find the garden

Hartland Abbey Gardens

Devon

EX39 6DT

Sat Nav Postcode

EX39 6DT

Open in Google Maps

Things to see

No features yet for this season

Google reviews

4.4
from 382 Google reviews

Ed Stekelenburg

a month ago

As recommended by others we didn’t buy the tickets for the house, just for the area and gardens. We enjoyed the easy walk to the beach (we skipped the climb to the summerhouse and upwards). At the beach we relaxed and absorbed the beauty of the coastline. After the walk back to the house we took some drinks and walked to the walled gardens. Many beautiful flowers and plants are kept there and we enjoyed it. We walked backed via the ‘Lady’s walk’ (not sure that was the exact name of the path), it was a wonderful walk back to the house. Less than 600 yards). We took a glance at the exhibition which was okay. The duration of the visit was approximately 4 hours, and we enjoyed it so, we were surprised that it was already that late. So, make sure to take the time for your visit and mind that it’s closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tim

a month ago

Hidden in its own verdant valley. Beautiful gardens short walk from the house. Secret and secluded. Many walks - down to the Atlantic Ocean and into the woods

Michael Brooker

a month ago

Great place for a day out. Location of many a film and TV set. You can walk to the sea where there is a cottage that you can hire for a holiday. You cal walk to the walled garden and see what veg is growing. Only drawback is the tea room where the prices are very high. Bring your own lunch!

Tony Dixon

3 months ago

Excellent visit. Walled garden and Bog Garden amazing. Cafe first rate with a really good selection of snacks and freshly made cakes. Take the stunning walk down to the beach. The house is well worth the visit as well with many interesting displays

Linda Pugh

3 months ago

We had a most enjoyable day at Hartland Abbey. The gardens were a pleasure to walk around, although some were a bit tricky because of the terrain. The walled garden is very well tended with the opportunity to sit and enjoy the enclosed area.The walk to the Quay was well worth the effort. It was a pity we did not have time to stay longer by the sea but we were keen to see the house. Whilst you make your own way around there are well informed stewards in each room. At the end of the visit there are some interesting documents on display.

Contact the garden

01237 441496

hartlandabbey.com/

facebook.com/hartlandabbey/

twitter.com/HartlandAbbey

hartlandabbey@hotmail.co.uk

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