Local Area & Practical Information

Even though Elmscott feels wonderfully remote, you’re never far from everything you need. Here’s a quick guide to local services, shops, and amenities to help you during your stay.

Shops & Supermarkets

Hartland Village Stores

A well-stocked local shop and Post Office in the heart of Hartland. Great for everyday essentials, local produce, newspapers, and fresh bread.
Open: Monday–Saturday, mornings and afternoons (closed Sunday).

Farm Shops & Local Produce

  • Docton Mill Tea Room & Garden Shop – local treats and plants
  • Cheristow Lavender Farm – gifts, honey, and handmade products
  • Heddens Farm Shop – Bideford

Supermarkets (larger stores)

  • Bude (30 mins) – Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Lidl, Co-op
  • Bideford (30 mins) – Morisons, Tesco Superstore, Aldi, Lidl
  • Barnstaple (40 mins) – Sainsbury’s, Tesco Extra, Aldi, Lidi

Petrol Stations & Garages

  • Bideford – multiple larger petrol stations including Tesco and Morisons (30 minutes away)
  • Bude – multiple larger petrol stations

Medical Services

Doctors / GP Surgeries

  • Hartland Surgery – North Road, Hartland (5 minutes away) | Tel: 01237 441200 | Open weekdays for registered patients and emergencies.
  • Bideford Medical Centre – larger practice for visitors needing urgent care. | (30 minutes away)

Dentists

  • Bideford Dental Practice – 01237 473777
  • Bude Dental Practice – 01288 353840 (Both approx. 30 minutes from Elmscott)

Hospitals & Minor Injuries

  • Bideford Community Hospital – minor injuries, X-rays, outpatient services
  • Barnstaple (North Devon District Hospital) – main A&E and full facilities (40 minutes away)
  • Stratton Hopsital
  • Emergency: Dial 999 for ambulance, fire, or police.
  • NHS Non-Emergency: Dial 111 for medical advice.

 Post Office & Cash Points

  • Hartland Post Office – inside the village shop (Cash withdrawals available)
  • Bideford & Bude – full banking services and ATMs (30 minutes)
  • Kilkhampton

Mobile & Internet

  • Mobile signal can be patchy in rural areas, particularly near the cliffs.
  • Best coverage: EE and Vodafone.
  • Wi-Fi is available at Elmscott Youth Hostel for guests.

Local Transport

  • Buses: Limited local service from Hartland to Bideford and Bude (check current times at Hartland village shop or online).
  • Taxis: Hartland Taxis – 01237 441111
  • Bude Taxis – 01288 350050
    Nearest Train Station: Barnstaple (40 minutes) – regular connections to Exeter and London.

 Vet Services

  • Torridge Veterinary Practice, Bideford – 01237 473278
  • Tamar Vets, Bude – 01288 359500

Weather & Safety Tips

  • The coast is beautiful but can be exposed — always check local weather forecasts before walking the cliffs.
  • Tides change quickly — check tide times if exploring beaches or coves.
  • Carry a map, water, and waterproofs if walking the coast path.

Your Nearest Towns

  • Hartland (5 mins) – village centre with shops, pubs, and Post Office
  • Bideford (30 mins) – main town for shopping, banking, and ferries to Lundy
  • Bude (30 mins) – seaside town with supermarkets, beaches, and leisure centre

Relax, You’re Well Looked After

Whether you need supplies, fuel, medical help, or just a good pub meal, everything you might need during your stay is within easy reach of Elmscott — while still keeping that wonderful sense of being “away from it all.”