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Make your way across the Hartland Peninsula to Hartland Quay. From Hartland Town the road winds down and round passed Hartland Abbey and onwards through the small hamlet of Stoke, home to the impressive Church of St. Nectan which towers above the parish. Eventually the road comes to an end and a small kiosk can be seen on the left. This is the entrance to Hartland Quay. In the holiday season (Good Friday until the end of the October half term) and weather permitting this kiosk is manned from 10am until 5pm. There is a small car parking charge, so much per car which entitles you to park all day. There is a steep tarmac road so you can drive all the way down which is ideal for families with young children or anyone who has difficulty walking back up. If you prefer a leisurely stroll down and always carry a camera you will be rewarded with plenty of photo opportunities as Bideford Bay and the famous jagged Hartland Rock Formations come into view. There is another car park and grassy picnic area about half way down. For over 400 years Hartland Quay has been a haven for mariners and travellers in fair weather or foul. The old 16th century quay has long since gone but a visit to the Shipwreck Museum will unlock the mysteries of how this historic quay worked in bygone days, the geology and natural history of this dramatic part of the Atlantic Heritage Coast. The museum also displays photographs, paintings and relics which bring to life stories of daring-do, smugglers, shipwrecks, fishing and coastal trade and industry. Three generations of the Johns Family have welcomed visitors to the Hartland Quay Hotel which is owned by the Stucley family who live nearby at Hartland Abbey and until 2016 the hotel was proudly run by Chris and Jill Johns. Today the hotel is run by Donal and Sarah Stafford. When the tide is out the beautiful sheltered cove exposes some interesting rock pools and a sandy beach which can be reached easily via the slipway. Enjoy safe bathing, fishing, surfing and exploring. Twenty minutes walk South of Hartland Quay is Spekes Mill Mouth, the most spectacular waterfall on the North Devon Atlantic Heritage Coast. It is also a short walk to Blackpool cottage, the setting for the BBC's recent adaption of Sense and Sensibility. So bright and breezy, wet and windy if you're a walker needing a well earned rest from the rigours of the South West Coast Path, a geologist in awe of the incredible Crackington Formation or simply spending an enjoyable family day out make your way down to Hartland Quay and the Wreckers Retreat. We would like to thank Jill Johns for help with this editorial. To find more information about accommodation and "weddings on the rocks" please visit Hartland Quay Hotel Web Site. Use the following web link for opening times for Hartland Abbey & Gardens The Wrecker Retreat Bar is open all year round from 11am to 11pm every day. The Shipwreck Museum is open in the holiday season from 11am to 5pm, Keep up to date with Lady Stucley's Blog
Local Map Clovelly & Hartland OS E126
Hartland Quay heather Look out at Hartland Quay
Hartland Quay Shipwreck Museum and Wreckers Retreat
Hartland Rocks
Hartland Quay Hotel
Southwest Coast Path - Hartland Quay
"Sundown", Hartland Quay by Brett Adams Harltand Quay -  Copyright  Pat Adams  all rigts reserved.
Hartland Quay Rock Formation
Another Point of View! PMA/BDA
South West Coast Path - Hartland Quay
A different flavour - fresh new look at  Hartland Quay Hotel Union Flag Hartland Quay
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