Wild North Devon on your doorstep

Welcome to the Hartland Peninsula: a spectacular corner of North Devon where high cliffs, hidden waterfalls and ancient woodlands meet the Atlantic. Elmscott sits in a tiny hamlet a few minutes from the coast, perfectly placed for walking, wildlife and quiet escapes.

At‑a‑glance distances from Elmscott

  • South West Coast Path (Speke’s Mill Mouth): ~1.5 miles on foot
  • Hartland Quay: ~2.5 miles
  • Hartland village (shops, pubs, PO): ~3–4 miles
  • Clovelly: ~7 miles
  • Bude (beaches & shops): ~15 miles
  • Westward Ho! (beach & surf): ~15 miles

(Distances are approximate; allow extra time on rural lanes.)

Don’t‑miss highlights

  • Speke’s Mill Mouth – dramatic coastal waterfall and classic photo stop.
  • Mouth Mill & Blackchurch Rock – striking sea stack and a quiet cove.
  • Hartland Quay – shipwreck history, big skies, unforgettable sunsets.
  • Clovelly – car‑free fishing village of steep cobbles and donkeys.
  • Welcombe & Morwenstow – wild coves, church on the cliff and tea rooms.

Beaches & coves

This coast is rugged and beautiful. Popular sandy options (a short drive) include Sandymouth, Summerleaze (Bude) and Westward Ho! For rockpools and drama, try Hartland Quay, Mouth Mill, Welcombe Mouth and Speke’s Mill. Always check tides and follow local safety advice.

Walking & outdoor adventures

  • South West Coast Path: world‑class hiking right from our door.
  • Circulars from Brownsham & Hartland Quay: 3–6 mile classics.
  • Surfing & bodyboarding: Bude and Westward Ho! have hire & lessons.
  • Sea kayaking & coasteering: available seasonally along the coast.
  • Cycling: quiet lanes on the peninsula; Tarka Trail day trips from Bideford/Barnstaple.

Wildlife & nature

Look for peregrines, kestrels and seabirds on the cliffs, seals around rocky bays and wildflowers from spring to early summer (bluebells, thrift and gorse). Autumn brings spectacular sea swell and migratory birds. On clear nights, our dark skies are superb for stargazing.

Heritage & culture

  • Hartland Abbey & Gardens (seasonal opening)
  • Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Room (in bluebell season it’s magical)
  • Clovelly Court Gardens
  • Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscastle (scenic day trip)
  • Bideford & Barnstaple: pannier markets, riverfronts and galleries

Family‑friendly ideas

  • Rockpooling and beach days (tide‑dependent)
  • Short waterfall walk to Speke’s Mill Mouth
  • Milky Way Adventure Park (near Clovelly)
  • The Big Sheep (near Bideford)
  • Crabbing at Appledore or Clovelly harbour

Rainy‑day plan

  • Cream tea stops at Docton Mill or in Clovelly
  • Independent cinemas in Bude and Barnstaple
  • Local museums & galleries in Bideford, Barnstaple and Boscastle

Practicalities

  • Shops: in Hartland (plus cafés, pubs and takeaway options).
  • Fuel – in Bideford and Bude
  • Markets & local produce: farm shops and pannier markets across Torridge & North Devon.
  • Kit & safety: coastal paths can be steep and exposed; wear sturdy footwear and check the forecast and tide times.
  • Connectivity: mobile signal can be patchy on the coast; download maps before you go.

Getting here & around

  • By car: follow the A39 (Atlantic Highway), then rural lanes to Elmscott.
  • Public transport: limited rural bus services connect Bideford/Bude with Hartland/Clovelly; services are infrequent—plan ahead.
  • On foot: join the Coast Path at Speke’s Mill Mouth and follow signed inland paths to Elmscott.

When to visit

  • Spring: bluebells, wild garlic and quieter trails.
  • Summer: long days, beach weather and family attractions in full swing.
  • Autumn: dramatic seas, warm colours and great walking conditions.
  • Winter: storm‑watching and starry skies; bring layers and waterproofs.

We’re happy to help

Ask us for up‑to‑date tips on tides, trail conditions and our favourite spots for sunset, seals or cream teas. We love sharing local knowledge.