Docton Mill, Hartland highlight.

Off the beaten track. Just a small selection of the many photos taken on a visit to Docton Mill back in May. A historic place, tearoom, beautiful garden and woodland walk. The dappled light over the Mill leat set the tranquil scene at the start of a magical walk around. 

The award winning Tearooms and Gardens are about 1000m inland from the iconic Spekes Mill Waterfall on the Southwest Coast Path, and a welcome respite for walkers and hikers.

"Docton Mill and its adjoining leat, head weir and terrace have been traced back to Saxon times, probably before the Norman conquest......The mill continued to produce flour for local bakers, Giffords of Hartland, until 1910 when the mill ceased to trade." (For full history and more information visit doctonmill.co.uk)

Scenic overview of the tearooms

Dappled light over the leat

The ancient Water Wheel

Docton Mill is an RHS Partner Garden

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Docton Mill, Lymebridge, Hartland, North Devon EX39 6EA

Telephone:  01237 441369

OPEN 1st April to 5th October 11am-5pm 

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Out and about Hartland - Places to Visit

Hartland Village - Hartland Abbey - St. Nectan's Church, Stoke 

TAP HERE for Stay in Hartland website 

Hartland Quay - Spekes Mill Mouth & Waterfall - Hartland Point Lighthouse - Hartland Point Refreshments a "A Pick Me Up With a View" 

Southwest Coast Path

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All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Tap here to visit North Devon Focus site Hartland Focus

 North Devon Focus promoting North Devon Coast and Countryside & Beyond since 2002

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March Highlights. Hartland Book Festival comes to Hartland Parish Hall

You’ll find literary fun and conversation with a talented bunch of local authors as they assemble for the first Hartland Book Festival. Discover exciting titles by a talented bunch of Local Authors across the categories including; Children/Young Adult, Comedy Adventure, Horror and Mystery.

Come and enjoy a few hours of relaxed friendly conversation, listen to presentations, join in with the meandering story and try the Literary Lucky Dip. With book signings and a free cake with every book purchased, there is something for everyone.

Hartland Book Festival

Hartland Parish Hall

Saturday 7th March 2020

10am-2pm

 Admission is FREE. 

Click here to Follow Hartland Book Festival on Facebook
Contact: Sandy Fish at Hartland Book Festival Email 

Proceeds from the Tea Table will be donated to Dementia UK

Wish you were here. Following in the footsteps of The Night Manager.

Hartland Abbey start their colourful season of events on the 6th March. Time to celebrate Mothering Sunday with the family and four-legged friends, get out in the fresh air and explore this beautiful valley on the Hartland Heritage Coast. The historic house, gardens and tea rooms will be open and if you want to follow in actor Tom Hiddleston's footsteps this is a chance for visitors to walk through the beautiful wild flowers to the sea and Blackpool Mill Cottage. Blackpool Mill Cottage was featured recently in Episode 2 of  BBC’s ‘The Night Manager’ a British-American television serial directed by Susanne Bier and starring Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman and Tom Hollander. It is based on the novel of the same name by John le Carre.  Last night's episode, set in Hartland, Devon saw Jonathan Pine (aka Jack Lindon) honing his bad boy skills, mixing it up with the locals on the mean streets of (yep) Hartland Village, winding up a local drug dealer in the garage and having a pint of Blue Anchor and a smashing time in the Anchor Inn. Other sequences included Pine racing in and out of the village on his motorbike, roaring his way up the hill climb from Hartland Quay, running up the rugged terrain from Blackpool Mill on the Southwest Coast Path and taking a cold shower under the waterfall at Blegberry after some strenuous undercover work. Crikey I bet you "Wish you were here"! (Article P. Adams 29/2/2016)

• Hartland Abbey
• Filming The Night Manager at Hartland Abbey
• The Night Manager - Catch Up with the BBC

Reviews

 The Guardian - Daily Mail - The Telegraph

• Wikepedia Stub - The Night Manager

MOTHERING SUNDAY & SPRING FLOWERS

6th March at Hartland Abbey from 11am–4pm.

Blackpool Mill Cottage was featured as ‘Barton College’ in the BBC’s adaptation of Sense and Sensibility

Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus

Stage Left: The Outdoor Theatre is coming to Hartland Abbey

Like me, you are probably looking forward to Summer and already thinking about those sunny days and balmy nights and this will be especially so for Hartland Abbey. Last year they hosted a series of outdoor theatre productions in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington, these events were so successful that they are doing it again. What better place to enjoy the "open air theatre experience" than in this stunning location. Please see full listing and ticket details below:

Thu 19 Jun, 7pm - Miracle Theatre presents ‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare
Freely adapted & directed by Bill Scott with original music by Jim Carey.
Miracle celebrates 35 years of producing engaging, inventive and enjoyable theatre by bringing together a team of talented collaborators, past and present, to create a fresh and musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless play that will delight audiences of all ages. Enjoy the full ‘open air theatre experience’ by bringing along well stocked picnics, cushions and blankets for a special night of theatre performed under the stars!
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show-
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Sunday, 29th June, 3 pm matinée and 7 pm - Plough Community Theatre presents ‘Candleford’
After ‘Lark Rise’ last year Plough Community Theatre complete the story with ‘Candleford’ where young Laura Timms leaves her village and goes to work in the very centre of rural 1880s small town life – the post office. Keith Dewhurst’s lively 1978 adaptation for the National Theatre tells a gentle yet powerful story of country characters with the action all taking place on the coldest day of the winter and the first day of the hunt. Local actors will breathe life, humour and music into this simple yet joyfully heart-warming piece of theatre.
“Plough Community Theatre created a surreal comedic air that gave a sense of a rural community in an isolated grip of madness....we became part of this insanity and had a jolly good laugh” Tony Glynn North Devon Journal (‘Lark Rise’ 2013)
Full £10.00 Concession £8.00 Supporter £7.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream Teas (afternoon show), Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the evening show (matinée – 1 hour prior to show)
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Wednesday 30th July, 5 pm - Illyria presents ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood
It’s the first day of half-term and Grandma has written to say she is coming to stay. George is going to have to give up his bedroom for her. It wouldn’t be so bad if Grandma were a nice Grandma. But George’s Grandma is horrible...Following their enormous successes with JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and FANTASTIC MR FOX, and a record-breaking sellout season of THE TWITS, Illyria returns with yet another Roald Dahl classic full of (literally) larger-than-life characters, plenty to join in with, and just a twist of malicious fun! It’s guaranteed to send you through the roof! Running time (approx): 1hr 35mins (including 20 minute interval)
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Suitable for all ages 5+ Drama Workshop with Sarah Middleton for 5-10 year olds 3.45-4:30pm £3
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream Teas, Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Sunday 10th August 7 pm- Illyria Theatre presents ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ by Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular comic opera is about Frederick, an apprentice pirate, born on 29th February, who quits the Pirate ship and falls in love with girl on land - until he learns he is contracted to the pirates until his 21st BIRTHDAY, not his 21st year. Being a steadfast Slave Of Duty, what is he to do? To denounce his piratical friends to the authorities? Or to postpone his marriage until he is 84?
The show is packed with laughter, romance and a ship-full of memorable lyrics such as "To be a Pirate King!"; "Modern Major General" and "A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One". This wonderful operetta gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a Musical Director on keyboard. Despite the reduction in scale not a single word from WS Gilbert's libretto is cut, nor a single note or harmony from Sir Arthur Sullivan's score unsung.
Running time (approx): 2hr 0mins (including 20 minute interval)
Suitable for: all ages 5+- Targeted at: all ages 10+
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Tues. 12 August 5 pm - Cambridge Touring Theatre presents ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’
Come and have a joyful, fun-filled picnic with your family while you watch this hilarious musical show. Boys and girls are invited to come along dressed in their best wonderland fashion.
"…wonderful ...entertaining ...enthralling" **** (What's on Stage)
“…has families rolling around with laughter.” The Guardian)
“…laughter-filled treat from start to finish." (The Stage)
2 hours including a 20 minute interval.
Pre Performance Workshop
Before the show, there is a 45 minute drama workshop where you can play drama games with the actors. Age 5-10. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream teas, Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624- www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Wed. 20 August. 5 pm- Illyria Theatre presents ‘Robin Hood’
On the day of his marriage to Marian Fitzwater, Robert Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon, is betrayed by his closest friend, the Sheriff of Nottingham and arrested for disrupting the peace. But he evades capture and hides out in Sherwood Forest with a band of outlaws under the assumed name of Robin Hood. Here he devotes his life to ruining the treacherous Sheriff, to seizing back the wealth of greedy church landowners and restoring it to the people, and to challenging power-mad Prince John's right to the throne of England.
Illyria's production is adapted from the earliest Robin Hood ballads pre-dating Chaucer - which makes it as authentic as Robin Hood legends come! The play is written in fast-moving, easy-to-follow verse, and introduces all the well-loved characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and King Richard. It is a collection of tales featuring camaraderie, swashbuckling action, and riotous comedy.
Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (including 20 minute interval)
Suitable for: all ages 5+ - Targeted at: all ages 7+
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream Teas, Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Monday 25 August 7pm - Heartbreak Theatre presents ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Heartbreak Productions are delighted to present a fresh and contemporary adaptation of the world-renowned Pride & Prejudice - an insight into the amorous exploits and enduring etiquette between family, friends and lovers.
A visit from the Prince Regent approaches and society waits in eager anticipation; will you be able to master the decorum of Regency Britain? Luckily the Association of Higher Etiquette and Manners will be there to educate you in the etiquette of the day. A combination of Jane Austen’s delicate yet intense observational style with the wit and affection of Heartbreak’s writer-in-residence David Kerby Kendall, ensures that this hilarious adaptation will resonate with anyone who has ever been in any relationship.
As sibling squabbles and passion-fuelled fall-outs abound, this inventive production combines dance, music and song to create an unforgettable interactive interpretation of the much-loved classic.
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624- www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 
Tel: 01805 624624- www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Hartland Abbey, Nr Bideford EX39 6DT 
(between Hartland and Hartland Quay)

www.hartlandabbey.com 
01237441496/234

Wildlife Trust's new App leads people to nature

Heading out this weekend and want new places to experience autumn's wildlife spectacles? Or perhaps you just want to discover nature on your doorstep... With Nature Finder, The Wildlife Trusts' new free iPhone app, you will have a fabulous guide to thousands of nature reserves and wildlife across the UK. If you're looking for a day out and wondering where to go or what to do, look no further. Nature Finder, the simple location-based app, enables the user to find Wildlife Trust nature reserves and events wherever their current location. The app uses GPS technology to automatically find the user's location and display maps and listings of Wildlife Trust nature reserves and events nearby. Each nature reserve has an image, brief description, and information on facilities, such as parking, toilets etc. Announcing the launch of the app Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said, 'If you're looking for a day out and wondering where to go or what to do, look no further. Visit glorious woodlands, beautiful wetlands and inspiring coastline - wander through wild countryside, discover secret inner city wildlife havens and enjoy family events from bat nights to fungal forays and children's nature activities.' The Wildlife Trusts care for more than 2,300 of some of the most beautiful wild places in the UK - landscapes that not only look gorgeous but are all the more precious because they are carefully managed to ensure that wild plants and species can thrive. In the South West the Wildlife Trust's care for some of the region's most iconic landscapes including wild coastlines, heather covered Dartmoor tors and tumbling rivers. 'This app represents a great way of accessing the South West's best nature reserves', said Steve Hussey. 'Using it will unlock walks along the River Teign at Dunsford Woods nature reserve, adventures across the wild countryside of Marsland nature reserve near Hartland, and a chance to explore the beautiful heathlands of East Devon at Bystock nature reserve. These and other wildlife havens are there to be explored and they are all free to enter.'

Fantastic features of Nature Finder, which is free, include:

• Searching more than 2,000 Wildlife Trust nature reserves  Information on more than 800 UK wildlife species, with the ability to favourite * Searching for nature events and activities
• A directory for all 47 Wildlife Trusts with contact details and ability to donate by text
• Saving your favourite places - where you've been and where you'd like to go 

Nature Finder, suitable for all iPhone and iPad models, is available from the App Store - just search for 'Wildlife Trusts'. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/app

Photo copyright Tom Marshall

Swallows, squelchy boots and swollen streams

We set off for Hartland Abbey in torrential rain on Sunday.  Appropriately dressed for a wet  walk through the bluebell woods we were pretty confident the rain would ease up so we could get some pics. I especially wanted to get some shots of those pretty little curly black lambs with the long tails. We kept to the track and encountered a few puddles created by water streaming down around the trees from the uplands. Looked out across the bluebells and the now pungent wild garlic beneath dripping hats. Quite comically the sheep were all facing the same direction standing stock still while the cattle huddled together in a line at the edge of the long meadow under the trees. We could hear and see the turbid Abbey River as it thundered down then watched as it spilled out into a weirdly calm sea at Blackpool Mouth. Sadly the rain was relentless so the cameras stayed in the bag. Despite our bedraggled appearance and squelchy boots we really enjoyed our walk and  paused for a while to watch the recently arrived Swallows as they swooped and scooped in the newly formed pools in the meadow beyond the bridge. There was a warm welcome back for us from the guy in the kiosk and the ladies in the Abbey Tea Rooms.  Pat Adams 29^th April 2012.

There were 13 flood warnings in force in Devon, after the wettest April on record 

For the latest weather warnings visit  http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html

Photos of Bluebells and Wild Garlic in the ancient woodland at Hartland Abbey 2011 by Pat Adams - Click here to see more of our Hartland Abbey posts

Hartland Abbey Daffodil Days and Mothering Sunday

Saturday 17th March and Sunday, 18 March 2012, from 11am-4pm Hartland Abbey Daffodil Day and Mothering Sunday Hartland Abbey, Hartland, North Devon EX39 6DT. Hartland Abbey is holding their Daffodil Days again this year. It will be a lovely chance to come with the family to see the wonderful collection of historic daffodils, many planted 150 years ago. Dogs and children (under 5) free, over 5 £1. Adults £4.00. House open at extra charge For further information please ring 01237 441234 or visit www.hartlandabbey.com

Explore Hartland with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Natural bright spots amongst the gloom!

I caught sight of these vibrant fungi clingling to the lifeless gorse bushes high above Hartland Quay on the the South West Coast Path proving that Snowdrops aren't the only highlight on these gloomy February Days.If you nature lovers can identify them let me know.

Yellow Brain/Yellow Jelly?

Common Rustgill?

Clinging On!

Click here to view more North Devon Coast Fungi Pics

Yapham - A Haven of Tranquility and Beauty

Yapham self catering cottages are situated on the stunning Hartland Peninsula equidistant between Bideford and Bude. This peninsula is a 'Hidden Gem', totally unspoilt and quite unique in it's rugged beauty and wildness. The three award-winning barn conversions are beamed throughout and full of character. Yapham Coastal Cottages are set down a private drive with marvellous views across the valley towards the sea. Ideally situated in landscaped gardens within seven acres of grounds including an ancient two-acre woodland and newly planted orchard you are assured of complete privacy. Guests are welcomed with a delicious Devon Cream Tea, chocolates and flowers. Yapham is ideally located for Exmoor, Dartmoor, the Eden Project and Cornwall. If you want to experience the best of North Devon’s coast and countryside then book your stay today. Yapham is a haven of tranquility and beauty with no noise or light pollution, you can almost touch the stars!

Click here for more accommodation details and availability

YAPHAM COASTAL COTTAGES
Hartland, Devon, EX39 6AN. Tel:01237 441916 

Web Address: www.yaphamcottages.co.uk

All three cottages are now dog friendly

Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

North Devon Mini Breaks!

As we made our way down to the Wreckers Retreat over the August Bank Holiday Weekend we came upon the "arresting" sight of hundreds of minis huddled above the famous Hartland Quay. These colourful little cars form the North Devon Grand Tour, a host of mini owners from around the United Kingdom, who meet once a year to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. The Legendary Grand Tour was taking a mini break in their happy journey around North Devon towns and villages. The convoy of "Little Cars with Big Hearts" are a most welcome sight for both locals and visitors who stop to wave them by..

The North Devon Heritage coast is also awash with natural colour as the purple heather blooms on the cliffsides around the Bideford Bay Area.
The Legendary Grand Tour started in 1994 with 4 Mini's going out for a drive! - Find out more at www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk

Swallows and waterfalls

Nice to know that whilst the world's airlines remain grounded due to the Icelandic Volcano, those brave little swallows have still managed to make their epic journey from the other side of the ocean to arrive safely in North Devon. Isn't nature wonderful!
I spotted the first lone swallow on the telegraph wire at Horns Cross on the 17th April. Regular as clockwork I made a note in my diary last year and the first wave was also dated 17th April. I was delighted to see that there were larger numbers up the coast at Spekes Mill Mouth on Sunday 18th, about 30 could be seen swooping and swirling up above the cliffs and over the waterfall. I also saw a Kestrel hovering on the wind.
By the 19th the numbers on the Horns Cross wire had swelled to 6. I am now on the lookout for the swifts and house martins, the house martins tend to send an advanced party round about the 24th April each year. Let us know if you see them in your area.