Things to do
The Hartland Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty with plenty to explore in and around the Hartland coast as well as a little further a field and throughout North Devon. We're spoilt for choice so on this page we’ve put together our top fives for rainy days, sunny days and places to eat. We've also created a handy map to help you explore the local area and our favourite things to do in the south west.
5 things to
do in the sun
01
go to the coast
We're spoilt for choice with beaches in North devon, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking or take in the views with a walk along the coast path.
Hartland Quay is probably the most convenient coastal spot near Loveland. Perfect for bouldering, high-tide swims and with a bar and restaurant for when you feel like just relaxing.
Sandymouth offers a stunning and safe beach if you're visiting with a family. As the name suggests at low-tide the beach seems to go out for miles but it's also a great spot for sufing with life-guard patrolled sections and surf hire.
Our favourite spot though is Welcombe Mouth, a very secluded and quiet beach just 20 minutes from the farm on the A39 toward Bude. This hidden gem is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs and costal slopes. When the tide is low it reveals a small beach of golden sand with many rock pools to be found along the fore shore. Along with some interesting geology there is a picturesque waterfall. Accessed via a rough and narrow road it isn’t the easiest beach to find and is mostly popular with locals, surfers and ramblers. It is a fantastic location for coastal walking and exploring the wildlife, as the slopes are filled with plant and animal life, and the steep cliffs offer breathtaking views out over the inlet.
You can view the Hartland tide times here
02
Tarka Trail Cycling
The Tarka Trail is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route. Travelling the route you will experience many wildlife habitats including estuary mud flats and salt marshes, oak woodland, hazel coppice, hedges, ponds, streams, ditches and meadows.Beginning in the pretty village of Braunton, the route is incredibly easy to follow. It's also flat and traffic-free, making it very suitable for families.
03
THE GLORIOUS OYSTER
The Glorious Oyster is an authentic and charming oyster bar in Instow. If you love the ocean then take a trip here to taste the freshest oysters of Devon and Cornwall. They offer an array of tantalising dressings or you can stick to a simple wedge of lemon to experience the true taste of the Devonshire sea. There are picnic benches available, or you can take them away and sit on the beach only a 2 minute walk away.
04
Clovelly
Clovelly estate is home to the Rous family and has been for over 400 years. From Elizabethan times until today, it has remained in private ownership. Consequently this has helped preserve its originality and atmosphere.
The village remains a fully functioning working fishing village, clinging to a 400 foot cliff, overlooking Bideford bay. It has no vehicular traffic on its steeply cobbled street, just donkeys and sledges. Donkeys used to be the main form of transport for centuries. These days the main roll for them is to give children rides during the summer or posing for photographs in the street, whilst enjoying their retirment. The man-powered sledges transport all goods to and from the village, from groceries to furniture. Moving house in the village is a very demanding proposition. This might partly explain the generations of families that are living there today.
05
Ultimate Adventure Centre
The Ultimate Adventure Centre offers the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available in North Devon, with an Ultimate twist. Their most popular activity is the Ultimate Assault, which is just one of the many on-site and off-site activities available. With a large cafe & function space available they can provide unique packages and fun for all types of groups.
5 THINGS TO DO
FOR OCEAN LOVERS
01
Big Blue Surf
Surfing is one of the most fun and accessible activities to try out during your stay at Loveland Farm. From beginner to expert, the Big Blue Surf has you covered. They have been teaching surfing for over 20 years and close to great restaurants, bars and cafes to try after your surf. The Big Blue Surf is based in Bude, Cornwall which is a 35 minute drive away.
02
LUNDY ISLAND
Lundy Island is part of the national trust and is a lifetime experience. The beautiful mini island is a fantastic ferry ride or breathtaking winter helicopter ride away. Not only does this island have two distinct sides with western high cliffs exposed to the Atlantic ocean contrasting the softer, greener landscapes on the east side, there are plenty of activities to do. Ooffer climbing, diving, fishing and bird watching to name a few. It also includes self-catered accommodation to home parties of 1 to 15.
03
ilfracombe sea safari
Ilfracombe sea safari provides the ultimate boat service which includes boat rides in the spectacular ocean, trips to Lundy Island to swim with seals, dophin spotting, fishing trips and plenty more. It is a great option to experience the Atlantic Ocean and scenery if you are less of a hiker and more of a swimmer or simply laidback.
04
Shoreline extreme sports
Shoreline Extreme Sports is based in Bude, one town over and offers an array of water activities. Coasteering is becoming increasingly popular where you can explore the coastal edge with an option to jump off cliff edges and swim along the coast. For a tamer day, there is the option to kayak or canoe or abseil.
05
NORTH DEVON WAKE PARK
North Devon WakePark is a friendly family run park based around a stunning lake, with some of the best coaching in the country and a range of activities for all ages and abilities. Join in the activities or just spend the day at their stunning lake with its wooden clubhouse, lakeside cafe, undercover decking and luscious grassed areas.
Activities can be done individually or you can make the most of what's on offer and spend the whole day with one of their packages to take part in 3 or 4 activities from just £30 per person.
5 things to
do in the rain
01
the eden project
Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by some, the Eden Project is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches.
With a worldwide reputation, and recognised by the British Travel Awards as the Best UK Leisure Attraction 5 years running (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015), Eden barely needs an introduction, but this epic destination definitely deserves a day of your undivided attention. More than just a huge, tropical garden, Eden is a gateway into the relationships between plants and people, and a fascinating insight into the story of mankind's dependence on plant life. Not only a mind-blowing visitor attraction, Eden is also fast-becoming a unique resource for education and knowledge towards a sustainable future.
02
The Barn Climbing Centre
The barn is a dedicated climbing venue, so if you are passionate about climbing or obsessed with bouldering, then you will feel right at home. Housed in a massive barn, this uniquely crafted climbing wall and free standing boulder provides a friendly and social place to train hard and meet other climbers. If you're new to climbing you can try a taster session ideal for people who have no climbing experience, designed to be a fun introduction for the absolute beginner.
03
The Milky Way
The Milky Way has attractions to suit all ages, whatever the weather. With over 110,000 sq ft of indoor fun & acres of outdoor activities, its the biggest all weather, family day out in North Devon. From The Clone Zone - the dark, interactive indoor coaster - to heart stopping slides, to indoor dodgems to ball pools and soft play, they've got indoor activities for the whole family to enjoy when it's raining. The Time Warp, an undercover adventure play area is designed for adults as well as children, and they've also got indoor archery, pottery painting, laser shooting and a fantastic Sci-Fi exhibit - so you can all enjoy yourselves together!
04
The Big Sheep
The Big Sheep features an indoor playground, animal shows, brewery, animal barn, Battlefield Live laser tag, climbing wall, mountain boarding, climbing wall, shops and a restaurant. There are also currently 8 rides including a farm safari, train ride, twister ride, piggy pull along, swan pedalos, tractor school, carousel and pony rides. Throughout the year the park also hosts many live shows.
05
The Splash
With a huge 33m five-lane swimming pool, The Splash in Bude is a luxurious spot to get wet! There are two distinct sessions so that every family or individual can make the most of this fantastic facility! The flat-water session is ideal for fitness training, gentle swimming and family swimming with smaller children. The leisure session brings the waves, the flumes and all the fun of being at a waterpark inside a pool.
5 places to
eat & drink
01
farmers arms
This 3-in-1 restaurant is set in a unique rural setting, a short 15 minute drive from Loveland. With a strong focus on organic , local produce, the restaurant offers a varied menu boasting seasonal dishes, whilst the pub provides a cosy atmosphere alongside delicious meals.
Address: Farmers Arms, Woolsery, EX39 5QS
Tel: 01237 439 328
Reservations : reservations@woolsery.com
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 11pm | Food served 12pm - 2pm and 5:30pm - 8:30pm
02
The King's Arms
This is one of our closest pub at 1.6miles and a short walk located in the heart of the village, it is a great traditional pub and very friendly. They serve traditional beers and the finest gins l’ve ever seen. Food is a tight modern menu which is great and l highly recommend the burger and chips.
03
The Woolsery Fish & Chips
Set in the nearby village, Woolsery Fish and Chips serves your favourite traditional dishes as well as few creative specials that change weekly! With something for everyone, including veggie burgers and kids meals, it’s extremely popular with the locals as delicious take away when you don’t feel like cooking!
04
Temple Bude
Located by Summerleaze beach in Bude, Temple's menus are packed with fresh produce and big flavours. They love to innovate with new ingredients and taste combinations and regularly change their menu. Their carefully curated organic wines complement each dish perfectly.
05
the hart inn
A charming local pub with a fantastic beer garden offering a wide range of food and fantastic Sunday Roasts.
also recommended
Wreckers Rereat Bar
A must visit is Hartland Quay which is 3.7miles and a fantastic walk, as you descend the hill on your approach you will see an amazing panorama of the Atlantic coast, a great place for a sunset beer. www.hartlandquayhotel.co.uk/wreckers-bar.
The Old Smithy Inn
Based in Welcombe the Old Smithy is a freehouse offering traditional pub grub and great live music, pop down on a Tuesday for Jam night plus there's a folk night once a month.
North Coast Food and Wine
Cocktails, tapas and an incredible selection of local snacks, beers, wine and spirits to bring back to your Loveland Pod.
The Pig on the Hill
At The Pig you will find delicious food and a grand selection of drinks for tipplers and non-tipplers alike. Diners enjoy the quality of a restaurant menu with the down to earth atmosphere of a country pub.
http://www.pigonthehillwestwardho.co.uk/
Tin Tins
A great Thai/Chinese takeaway in Bideford just a 25 minute drive from Loveland. You can call ahead to place your order so it's ready in time for your arrival.
Tel: 01237 429633
The Old Bakery Coffee Shop
Home made cakes and freshly ground coffee can be found on our door step in Hartland Square. The old bakery is the perfect place for a spot of light lunch and does a mean bacon sandwich that starts the day off just right! Find a seat outside and you may find that it's the perfect place to stay a while and watch the local people potter and the town awaken.
https://www.theoldbakery.co.uk/
Rosie's Kitchen
Rosie's Kirchen is a family run bustling beachside cafe situated a stones throw from Crooklet's surfing beach in Bude. Rosie's offer a warm welcome to everyone and are a modern diner with Cornish charm offering beachside food. They have an enclosed sundeck overlooking the amazing waves of the Atlantic Ocean complete with a wood burner to keep you toasty on colder days.
https://www.rosieskitchen.co.uk/
Moran's Restaurant and Bar.
Moran's restaurant in Westward Ho! is a family run establishment specialising in a delectable range of exclusive Thai cuisine, traditional English dishes and cocktails complemented by the extensive fine wine list. Moran's is set in the heart of Westward Ho! just a few steps from the beach.
Tel: 01237 472070