Hartland Abbey and Gardens
With a National Art Pass you get
A popular film location, Hartland Abbey is a stately home on the Devon coast with fascinating interiors and walled gardens.
Founded as a monastery in the 12th century, it became a private residence after Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1539. Remarkably, the house has remained in the same family, the Stucley family, ever since.
Historic house
Explore this fascinating blend of historical periods, from medieval architecture to Victorian splendour, the grand reception rooms showcase various styles, from Queen Anne to Regency. The Alhambra Passage designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, was inspired by Sir George Stucley’s visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Gothic Library houses an intriguing Batty Langley fireplace.
Haven for nature
Explore the 18th-century walled gardens, or follow woodland paths adorned with camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Hartland Abbey sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, take a walk through the valley leading down to a dramatic cove on the Atlantic coast. You might spot grazing sheep and donkeys in the Old Deer Park, or watch for the peacocks and guinea fowl that roam freely around the grounds.
Literary and film location
The house is believed to be the inspiration for the fictional home of the Dashwood sisters in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. More recently, it has served as a filming location for popular television series such as Malory Towers and The Night Manager.
Saving Stonehenge
Don’t miss the William Stukeley Exhibition. Stukeley, a fascinating 18th-century antiquarian and friend of Isaac Newton, is credited with pioneering the study of Stonehenge, the exhibition delves into his life and work.
Visitor information
Address
Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6DT
01237 441496
Opening times
29 Mar – 4 Oct Gardens and Grounds Sun – Thu including bank holidays,11am – 5pm House Sun – Thu including bank holidays, 2pm – 5pm (last admission 4 pm)
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.