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

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

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

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

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

Clovelly Highlights. Shimmering Lobsters and Sea Shanties

The crowds turned out for Clovelly’s annual Lobster and Crab Fest on the 4th September. A continuous stream of folk, young and not so young made the steep and winding walk down the wonky cobbles to the Quay. At journey’s end the reward was Clovelly Harbour, a stunning sight, especially at high tide. Shimmering water under  blue skies, bobbing boats and the Clovelly lifeboat whizzing to and fro.  The old cobbled Quay was lined with the colourful awnings of craft and food stalls and the aroma of sizzling seafood fritters and stir fry filled the air. Delicious cupcakes and all manner of local produce and products were on display, including those famous Clovelly lobsters and crabs. It was especially nice for the children to see the huge wriggling lobsters up close. Craft stalls were bedecked with colourful mosaics, fun t-shirts, hand-made patchwork and haberdashery, knitting yarns, recycled metal jewellery, local art and photographic gifts. There was even a wool spinning demonstration. Happy families with excited children took part in various fun activities including face painting, storytelling, balloon modelling, street theatre and still found time to greet the arrival of the resident donkeys. Bellowing above the buzz of the crowd some harmonious, fiddle-playing, folk singers took centre stage belting out sea shanties by the old lime kiln, which had been taken over by the North Devon ANOB for more kids’event-themed craft activities. The Lobster and Crab Fest was organised in support of the National Lobster Hatchery who brought along a tank of baby lobsters. Their bright red, white and blue stall was at the end of the Quay. You could sponsor your own teeny lobsters before they were released into a slightly bigger tank, Bideford Bay beyond the harbour.  Also shimmering along the bumpy quayside was one giant “Lobster”. Drawing oohs and ahs from astonished children and adults, the very brave stilt walker stopped to pose for photos then carried on with confidence and without incident.  The Red Lion, of course, did a roaring trade, the never-ending queue stretching from the bar and out the door where the beer and wine tasting stall was conveniently situated. I have never seen Clovelly quite so crowded but people waited patiently and with good spirits. The sunny weather held until mid-afternoon, then rain literally stopped play and everyone ran for cover including the band who decided it was much safer to head for the cosy Red Lion Hotel bar! Article and photos by P. Adams

 

The Lobster and Crab Fest is just one of many events held at Clovelly throughout the year. There is a landrover service which will take you “Up Along” or “Down Along” or you can stay in one of the two hotels, the New Inn at the top or the Red Lion. For more information visit clovelly.co.uk - What's On Clovelly, latest news and events - History of Clovelly Lifeboat

For information about the Padstow based National Lobster Hatchery
Explore Clovelly with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Peppercombe Light & Shade

24th June 2009
Midsummer and the swifts are soaring above the lane by the Coach and Horses.The vegetation either side of the Peppercombe trail is now at its fullest. At the start of the track the hedge is at least seven foot high with black bryony, flowering dog roses and honeysuckle climbing upwards through the leafy hedgerow. The verges now crammed with massive hogweed, thistle, red campion, foxgloves and sorrel spiking up from low lying buttercups and clover. The leaves on the ancient trees are now fully formed creating a canopy over the valley. Compared to Springtime the trail down is now in shade except for the occasional sunlit patches where wonky foxgloves bend over instead of upwards probing for the light. The massive fungus, pictured, was high up in an ivy clad tree. By the pink cottage rhododendrons are in flower but the stream by the bridge has all but dried up. Further on down past the old stables, the huge bank by the wooden bungalow is now full of ferns. This area was carpeted by primroses in March and April followed by bluebells in May. In the past donkeys and ponies have grazed in the upper and lower meadows and this year’s summer visitors, the Belted Galloway cattle, have settled into Peppercombe Meadows, under the coast path. Pathways and glades are opened up as a result of them grazing allowing a much greater range of grasses and wild flowers to emerge in Spring and Summer. The dung left behind benefits beetles and other insects which in turn provides a source of food for birds. The cattle were chosen because they are extremely hardy and have a “generally docile nature”. While I was there they didn’t lift their heads up and continued grazing quietly so keep to the path and they won’t even notice you. Read the sign, keep dogs on the lead and shut the gate. Ferns seem to be in abundance at the further end by the steps but the rest as usual full of wild flowers and grasses. In earlier years this site had a large number of big old gorse bushes which were home to many spiders. I arrived down at the beach in glorious sunshine and was greeted by a couple of blokes sitting on the cobbles who, on seeing the camera, pointed out a seal bobbing off-shore. The black blob didn’t hang around. The only other life forms were three gulls and the elderly couple I had spoken to earlier who were on their way to Portledge the hard way. After a very slow descent down the steep cliff path they now began to traverse the cobbles, explorer style, with walking poles. In contrast a more nimble pair scampered down with nets aloft ready for shrimping. Clear blue sky and still blue sea so there was excellent light over Clovelly and Hartland Point to the left and Portledge meadows above the red cliffs to the right. Beyond Portledge the South West Coastal Path leads to Abbotsham Cliffs and Westward Ho!. Below the path, the lower cliff is clad in heather with new shoots so this will make for a colourful August. I have been taken photographs of Peppercombe Beach, Peppercombe Valley and its wild flowers for many years so please visit my web site to see more Peppercombe Seasons. There is a good hike along the South West Coast Path from Peppercombe to Bucks Mills. The most colourful time for this in May when the woods are full of bluebells. Photos copyright Pat Adams