Hartland Quay

Introduction

Hartland Quay's great rocks rear out of the sea. On a stormy day, sample the ferocious majesty of the wild and unpredictable Atlantic Ocean. On fine days, Lundy Island can be seen some 10 miles distant.

The Quay was once a bustling harbour and port for unloading goods and supplies for the surrounding villages of Hartland parish. Today the pier no longer exists, but the main street does. It comprises five cottages, Hartland Quay Hotel, Hartland Quay Museum, The Wreckers Retreat public house, a shop, two car parks and a toilet!

Hartland Quay Museum

The Hartland Quay Museum was founded in 1980 in order to preserve and display material relating to the history and character of the Hartland coast. Although small, the museum was carefully designed to provide informative displays on a wide variety of coastal topics, and as such it has proved popular with visitors and Hartonians alike.

The museum occupies two upper rooms of the historic Quay Buildings. These once housed the families of Coastguards, labourers and tradesmen in the days when Hartland Quay was a tiny but thriving port. The history of the Quay forms one principal exhibit wherein the story of its buildings, merchants, tradespeople and its vanished pier is told with the aid of prints and paintings, documents, photographs, maps and models. Hartland Quay Museum - Tel 01228 331353.

Cliffs & Beach The cliffs are amazing and even more sensational in a rough sea. At high tide the rocky beach at Hartland Quay has many rock pools and is surrounded by spectacular cliffs. At low tide, an expanse of golden sand is exposed. There are lovely views out to Lundy Island.

Hartland Quay Hotel

Hartland Quay Hotel

Walking

Hartland Quay is an excellent place to start or finish a walk as it has direct access to the coastal footpath. There are indeed six circular walks which start from the Hartland Quay Museum, passing waterfalls and through some fantastic scenery. Alternatively, walk to Spekes Mill Mouth or Docton Mill and Gardens.