 Hartland Abbey & Gardens
Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast only a mile away. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander freely around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove. Peacocks and bantams roam at will whilst donkeys and Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park. Hartland Abbey is the lived-in family home of the Stucley family.
Although it was built in the 12th century, remaining as a monastery for 400 years and passing through the female line three times, it has never been sold. Consequently, it contains collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain which have accumulated over many generations. The story of the Abbey mirrors local and national history at every turn. It has a friendly and lived-in atmosphere, so often absent in many of our nation’s historic houses, a point continually remarked upon by those who visit us.
Address: Cuckoo Wood Cottage, Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6DW
Tel: 01237 441264
E-mail:
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Visit the Hartland Abbey Website
 Arlington Court
Nestling in the thickly wooded valley of the River Yeo lies the 1400-ha (3500-acre) Arlington Court estate. At its centre stands Arlington Court, the intimate and intriguing Victorian home of Miss Rosalie Chichester. Crowded with treasures amassed from her travels, her collections include model ships, tapestry, pewter and shells. In the basement, from May to Sept, visitors can view the comings and goings of Devon’s largest colony of Lesser Horseshoe bats via the ‘batcam’.
Arlington’s stable block houses one of the best collections of 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles in the country and offers carriage rides around the grounds. The 12ha (30-acre) gardens are largely informal, featuring a beautiful Victorian garden complete with conservatory and ornamental pond leading to a partially restored walled kitchen garden. Stunning walks take in historic parkland grazed by Jacob sheep and Shetland ponies, leafy woodlands, a tranquil lake with heronry and bird hide, deep forests and stream-fed valleys.
Address: Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP
Tel: 01271 850296
Visit the Arlington Court Website
 Chambercombe Manor
An 11th Century Manor House that was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Come and see the Haunted Room, experience the Secret Passage or just stroll in the 4 acres of beautiful gardens. Cream Teas, Morning Coffee and Light Lunches available at Lady Jane's Tea Rooms.
Address: Chambercombe, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9RJ
Tel: 01271 862624
Visit the Chambercombe Manor Website
 Tapeley Park
With four distinctly themed areas, much of it worked on organic principles and set in a thirty-five acre site, Tapeley Garden is home to a rich and fascinating variety of flowers, shrubs, vegetables and wildlife. Features: Italian Terrace Borders, traditional walled Kitchen Garden, Lake with massive Thuja Plicata trees, Granite Labyrinth.
Falconry Displays each Sunday at 11:30am and 3:30pm, weather permitting. Animals including Highland Cattle, Peacocks and Berkshire Pigs. Tea Rooms - light lunches and teas. Children's Play Area 'hidden' in the Wild Garden. Plants Sale Area.
Address: Westleigh, Bideford, Devon, EX39 4NT
Tel: 01271 860528
Visit the Tapeley Park Website
 Watersmeet House
A fishing lodge, built c.1832 in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water, and now a NT shop, with refreshments and information. The site has been a tea-garden since 1901 and is the focal point for several beautiful walks.
Address: Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6NT
Tel: 01598 753348
Visit the Watersmeet Website
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