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

Bluebells all the way. From the Summer House to the Gazebo

We tip-toed through the Bluebells at Hartland Abbey on Bank Holiday Monday and this time we took the high road from the Summer House to the Gazebo. As usual on Wildflower Days Lord and Lady Stucley were busy welcoming visitors and they let us know that the Bluebells were especially good along here and we weren't disappointed. This path was opened last year and winds through a steep banked ancient woodland high above the long meadow with occasional glimpses of the tower of St. Nectan's, at Stoke on the opposite side of the valley. The old trees are sprouting fresh green leaves, wildflowers are awakening and it was warm enough for the butterflies and bees to venture out, I spotted a Red-tailed Bumble Bee, a Speckled Wood and a Large White butterfly and amidst the waving sea of Bluebells, were pockets of Primroses, Ramsoms, Wood Anemone, Red Campion, Dog Violet, Greater Stitchwort and spiky Dogs Mercury. I also spotted one Early Spotted Orchid and a couple of Bugle. The path emerges into the light and the sight of the sea, the Gazebo is perched at the end on the rocky hillside above Blackpool Mill Cove. From here I caught sight of the white fluffy blossom on the stunted Blackthorn beside the Southwest Coast Path. After enjoying the view from the Gazebo we continued down and followed the path beside Blackpool Mill Cottage. The first buds of the Thrift Sea Pinks were on show on the edge of the cliff above the beach. We sat and watched a huge container ship on the horizon then headed back via the low road for tea and Walnut Cake at the Abbey Kitchens. Article and photos copyright Pat Adams

Keep the home fire burning in the Summer House

Old trees sprouting fresh green leaves 

The Gazebo - a room with a view

• Visit Hartland Abbey  Web Site for opening times and special events.

 Don’t miss the next Bluebell Day on  27^th April 2014.

• Explore Hartland and Beyond with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour
• North Devon Focus - Hartland Abbey Highlights on Flickr 
• North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle Facebook - From the Walled Garden to the Sea

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS. BLUEBELL WALKS, FANTASTIC FUDGE & EASTER FUN

April and no showers, fantastic. I have just seen my first fledglings, two little Blackbirds and I'm planning to sew some more wildflower seeds in the garden, a little more encouragement for the bees, birds and butterflies. The sun is out at last and we can titivate the garden, do some DIY, have a barbecue or head for the hills! Well probably not the hills but definately the North Devon Coast. It's Bluebell time in our ancient woodlands and where better to see them in all their glory than Hartland Abbey. This year you can choose one of three Bluebell Days during April. Here are just some of the fun events over the Easter holidays:

Easter EGGStravaganza at the Big Sheep From Saturday 5th April - Monday 21st April
They've got an action-packed Easter in store for you: Full details visit the Big Sheep website

• Exclusive Easter Bunny Breakfast Mornings on Good Friday and Easter Bank Holiday Monday - click here for full details.
  
• Over 30,000 mini eggs to find - search high and low and if you find 3 mini eggs you can swap them for 1 large egg.
  
• 1 large chocolate egg per child who takes part in the Egg Hunt. Various eggs to choose from.
  
• Meet the Easter Bunny - everyday he'll be around to meet and greet. Remember your camera for some great Easter pictures!
  
• FREE Face Painting every day from 14th April - 21st April. A face painted egg or chick or daffodil..all things Easter!

From Saturday 12th April to Monday 21st April Funtastic Fudge Hunt, Clovelly. 20 fudge stones, like this one, will be hidden in the village each day. Find one and take it to the Fudge Shop at the Visitor Centre and discover how much fudge you have won. If you find Number 20, you will get a whole kilo of fudge, made up of 8 different flavours - what a treat! And you can come back and try again. One stone redeemable per visiting family per day.

Easter Egg Hunt at North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore. From Sunday 13th April to the 26th April the museum will be running an Easter Egg hunt! It will be held in the Museum from 10.30am to 4pm each day for a week. Come along and join in the fun!

Friday 18 April LIVE GIG at The Globe Hotel, Fore Street, Great Torrington 8:30pm. Valentine Gray and DIAMOND DOGS are kicking off the first night of their North Devon tour on Friday 18 April @ The Globe Hotel Great Torrington. Join us for a night of Punk, Rock & 70s Glam! Get down and funky! Make the first night of their North Devon tour a rip roaring one! ?3 entry fee on the door. Contact Tel: 07932 820764 Email: sallydonnellan@gmail.com

18th & 20th April Enjoy a Family Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at The BIG Sheep. HOP OVER TO THE BIG SHEEP FOR AN EGGSELLENT BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY! A GIANT Easter bunny will be making a special appearance at the BIG Sheep family attraction on Good Friday 18th April and Bank Holiday Monday 20th April to enjoy a very special holiday breakfast before taking children on a…

19th April Ruby Country Market, Hatherleigh 9am-2pm. Over 200 stalls. Website 

Sunday 20th & Monday 21st day April HARTLAND ABBEY BLUEBELLS & EASTER FUN 11- 5pm. Visit us on Easter Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday and explore the woodland walks carpeted in glorious bluebells while the children enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt – with a prize for every entrant! In the courtyard there will be traditional Easter activities – try Decorating Your Own Egg (specially laid by our bantams!) or enter Pin the Tail on the Donkey and other traditional games. Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy lunch in the Old Kitchen Tea Rooms where there will be some special chocolaty treats as well as the delicious, homemade menu! Outside, Emma and Trevor will be serving mouth-watering burgers from their barbecue for a more savoury treat. Your entry ticket to the gardens and grounds includes the Museum, ‘William Stukeley – Saviour of Stonehenge’ exhibition and Gift Shop. The Old Kitchen Tea Rooms will be open serving hot soup, light lunches and home made cream teas. Parking free. House open at extra charge. For prices and further information visit www.hartlandabbey.com or phone 01237 441234 /441496 Hartland Abbey, Hartland, North Devon EX39 6DT 

23rd April St. George's Day at the Big Sheep. Anyone with the name George or Georgina is admitted free of charge to help celebrate St George's Day! George's or Georgina's must be accompanied by a full paying adult or child.

26th April Psychic Suppers at the Big Sheep. We'll be holding Psychic Supper's in collaboration with the English Psychic Company. After enjoying a two course homemade supper in the BIG Sheep’s Shepherd’s Restaurant, guests will receive their own personal reading. Susan Pengelly from the English Psychic Company has been…

26th April Second Vintage and Makers Market at  The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington. There will also be a Punch and Judy Show in town organised by The Chambers of Trade. There will be lots of lovely stalls and more space as we are in the main auditorium this time downstairs.

27th April, HARTLAND ABBEY BLUEBELL SUNDAY 11am-5pm. The bluebells at Hartland Abbey are legendary. Visitors can come at a reduced entry rate and enjoy the wonderful circular walks through the bluebells to the sea. We love children and dogs and hope that you will bring as many as possible! Your entry ticket to the gardens and grounds includes the Museum, ‘William Stukeley – Saviour of Stonehenge’ exhibition and Gift Shop. The Old Kitchen Tea Rooms will be open serving hot soup, light lunches and home made cream teas. Parking free. House open at extra charge. Entry to the grounds: Adults £5-00, Children (aged 5-15) £1; under 5 Free. Entry to the house £4; open 12-4 pm, includes Museum, Shop, Exhibition. Free parking www.hartlandabbey.com T: 01237 441234 /441496 Hartland Abbey, Hartland, North Devon EX39 6DT 

Please also check out Local Church Services  - What's On Guide North Devon Journal and the North Devon Gazette - Bideford Cinema - North Devon Theatres - Plough Arts Centre - Burton Art Gallery & Museum

 Photos: Hartland Abbey Bluebell Day 2013 copyright Pat Adams (All rights reserved)

NORTH DEVON TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 9LS Bideford Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ   Braunton Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 ODH  Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre: The Memorial Hall, Holsworthy,  Torrington Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington    lfracombe Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9BX Lynton Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6HT T South Molton Tourist Information  1 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU  Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DL

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

Spring Breaks at Hartland Abbey

At Last, the sky above is blue! Spring breaks, the mists have cleared, the sun is out  just in time for Daffodil Day at Hartland Abbey. We arrived about 11.15am, no parked cars at the front as yet, blue sky and perfect light on the house so a great photo opportunity. Spotted a robin, a wren and two rather shabby painted ladies (the butterfly variety) as we made our way down the lush meadow. It’s so much warmer in this sheltered valley and the wildflowers are coming out sooner here than Peppercombe, my local patch just up the coast, the first Primroses, Bluebells, Dog Violet and even a Ransom and Greater Stitchwart are already in flower. Mission accomplished we pick up a Bacon Bap from the Exmoor Kitchens stall then have our picnic in the sun by the Summer House. On cold days you can sit inside and read all about the restoration of the Summer House and the Gazaebo by the log fire. A note on the table asks that visitors please “keep the fires going”. From here I noticed a new “High Road” a trail which runs all the way to the Gazaebo. Photographers and happy snappers will love this route when the woodland glades are covered in Bluebells in the next few weeks. Today we took the “Low Road” to Blackpool and felt a slight chill from the incoming tide after quite a balmy walk down, the sea, the deepest blue against the ochre hues of the cliffs. Dry under foot today as we ambled back up the meadow by the river. One of my favourite early Spring wild flowers is the Lesser Celandine. The star-shaped yellow flower twinkles in the sun lighting up coastal meadows, path and road-side verges. We took time for tea and Lemon Curd Cake back at the Abbey kitchens before taking some final shots as the daffodils turned their heads to the late afternoon sun. Their happy smiling faces reflected the convivial atmosphere created by Lord and Lady Stucely and their team making Mothering Sunday a real family occasion. Article Pat Adams 18/3/2012

Missed it then make a date for Hartland Abbey Bluebell Week - Sunday 22 to Sunday 29 April 2012 from 11am to 5pm For further information please ring 01237 441234 or visit www.hartlandabbey.com
Explore Hartland with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

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

Hartland Abbey Highlights. Wild Flowers and Woodland Walks

While winter winds bite and the first snow flurries settle on the frozen ground I thought it would be a good time to look back on some of the highlights of 2011. The sun definitely shone on Hartland Abbey in July when it was visited by the BBC Antiques Roadshow. The programme was aired on the 8th of January and attracted over 6 million viewers. There are a host of other events at Hartland Abbey including the annual Spring Wildflower Walks. I went to my first Snowdrop Sunday in February 2008 now Snowdrop Sundays, Daffodil and Bluebell Days are firmly fixed on the North Devon Coast and Country Calendar. Hartland Abbey, the ancestral home of the Stucley Family, is located in a sheltered steep-sided valley flanked by a fast running stream and ancient woodland. From the majestic house a long meadow sweeps down to Blackpool Mill Cove and the sea. On Open Days the public are allowed to use the private footpath which meanders down to the beach between this tranquil meadow and the woods. This is a great walk for four-legged friends and all generations of the family. The not so nimble can stick to the footpath while the more agile can venture up through the woods via designated paths to explore the Summer House and the Gazebo beyond. The Gazebo is perched on the hillside high above the South West Coast Path and Blackpool Mill Cottage, location for BBC1's film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". Blackpool Mill Cottage, became Barton Cottage and was, for a while, home to the Dashwoods. On Daffodil Sunday, a cold day in March we checked out the newly restored Summer House, and were delighted to find a log fire burning in this now inviting cosy hideaway. Although the big draw is the historic daffodils at this time of year there are also plenty of narcissus, primrose, dog violet and great swathes of pretty wood anemone. The ornamental cherry was flowering and huge buds were emerging on the old Rhododendron and Magnolia. On the way out we stopped to take shots of vibrant Spring Squill. April 25 and we are back for the Bluebell Walk. Spotted a Buzzard aloft, a little red Robin, small white, orange tip and speckled wood butterflies and heard a Peacock. Three donkeys loped down to see us off at the gate, black sheep were bleating on the upland while white sheep and lazy cattle snoozed on the meadow beside the Abbey River. The Summer House, now bathed in dappled light, is surrounded by fresh green woodland ferns and bluebells. The legendary bluebells, which stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea, were magnificent carpeting the banks either side of the path, the blue haze continuing upwards through the woods. The Bluebells were accompanied by Red Campion, Ransom (Wild Garlic), Lesser Stitchwort, Speedwell and Dog Violet. Down at the beach a loud rolling surf was crashing on the rocks. Amazingly wild flowers thrive on this windswept coast. Thrift Sea Pinks and Kidney Vetch poke out from the crags and the cliff meadow is dotted with Sea Campion, Devils-bit Scabious, Daisies and Lesser Celandine. Blackpool Mill Cove sits between Hartland Quay and Hartland Point on the South West Coast Path and the coastal hills are covered in golden Gorse at this time of year. After the bracing walk back up the meadow, beside the Abbey River, it was time for a well-earned cup of tea. There was a selection of homemade cakes, cream teas and our pasties arrived piping hot from the Abbey Kitchen Aga. Happy Days!

Don’t miss the next episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow from Hartland Abbey on 26th February

Hartland Abbey Wild Flower Walks 2012
11th and 12th February 2012 from 11 am-4 pm Snowdrop Weekend
Saturday 17th and Sunday, 18 March 2012, from 11am-4pm Daffodil Days and Mothering Sunday
Sunday 22 to Sunday 29 April 2012 from 11am to 5pm Bluebell Week
*All cream teas and home-made cakes served in the old Abbey kitchens in aid of St. Nectan's Church
Visit Hartland Abbey website for all special event information, House and Garden Opening times.
Article by Pat Adams North Devon Focus
Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

BBC ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW COMES TO HARTLAND ABBEY 7 JULY

One of the highlights of the summer at Hartland Abbey will be the arrival of BBC's Antiques Roadshow on Thursday 7th July, starting at 10 a.m.. It is a great honour to be hosting it in this beautiful corner of North Devon which is easily accessible from Junction 27 of the M5 or from the A39. We are within easy reach of all Devon, Cornwall and Somerset with the City of Plymouth, and towns of Launceston, Holsworthy, Okehampton, Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple, Crediton and Tiverton nearby. The house itself will be closed to visitors on that day only as it will be used as part of the show. However the gardens should be looking lovely and will be open as normal; if you are planning to visit anyway come along and perhaps bring some family heirloom with you too! The walk to the beach will also be open as normal and there will be a large variety of refreshments available, many supporting local charities. Contact TEL NO: Tel: 01237 441264/234 EMAIL: ha_admin@btconnect.com
7 July 2011 BBC ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW COMES TO HARTLAND ABBEY, Nr. Bideford, North Devon EX39 6DT.