Visit Hartland (previously HP Source)

New 'Wild Spa' hot tub area at Coastal Cabins

2019-01-11T01:19:00.000-08:00

New for 2019 at Coastal Cabins is their exclusive 'Wild Spa' hot tub area.

Melissa from Coastal Cabins says, "What could be better after a long day at the beach than a soak in our brand new hot tub. Rest those tired feet and let the 26 spa jets massage away your aches and pains. Sit in the 'Captain's Seat' and succumb to the exclusive 15 point ultrablast master massage jet. Add to the mix some stunning views towards the Atlantic and a glass of cold bubbly and you'll be in holiday heaven!"

Last but not least, they have also just launched a new offer for bookings in January

Book your 2019 holiday at Coastal Cabins today for just £50!

Pay a £50 deposit to secure your holiday booking and you won’t have to pay a penny more until March. Offer available on all cabins for new bookings made in January for any date in 2019.

Go to https://secure.supercontrol.co.uk/availability/availability_weekly.asp?ownerID=9745&siteID=26955 or see www.coastal-cabins.com

About Coastal Cabins
The Cabins are truly luxurious, with kingsize beds (and bunk beds for the kids), an en suite shower room, handy kitchenette and flat screen TV.

With a fully stocked fishing lake just metres from your cabin door, a tennis court and a BBQ cabin with a huge fire pit - Coastal Cabins is the perfect getaway spot.

Spend your evenings tucking into great food at the local Hartland pubs, or take the kids rockpooling at one of the many local beaches just a few miles from your cabin. The award winning Hartland House Spa is also a must, with it’s relaxing massages and bubbling hot tubs.

Availability is limited so book now! Email info@coastal-cabins.com to check availability and receive this exclusive discount.

Hartland Late Night Opening and an invitation to the opening of the White Hare Chocolaterie

2018-12-08T02:20:00.002-08:00

Santa is coming to town next Tuesday Evening and all the shops, coffee shop, studios and galleries will be open for late night shopping 6pm-8pm. Please tell your friends family and guests to come and enjoy some Christmas cheer and maybe find that special gift for someone on a truly locally sourced basis!

Plus at White Hare Studio-Gallery along with a full range of gifts, the White Hare Calendar 2019 and Christmas Cards, they are pleased to announce that on that very evening they will be opening their chocolaterie counter selling handmade chocolates made there at No 67.

Caro aka Mrs B has been working with Nigel Rumsey, an award winning chocolatier, of 'Rumseys' whose outlets are in Oxford and Buckinghamshire, and is now in her Mrs Bs registered kitchen making a range of over a dozen different White Hare handmade chocolates for sale in the shop and online. Delicacies include champagne truffles, rum truffles, raspberry chocolate logs, salted caramel truffles coated in roasted nuts, chocolate covered caramelised macadamia nuts, orange seville truffles and many more!

On the late opening evening samples will be available to try and to buy in bags and boxes plus as ever there will be something warming to drink on a cold winter's night! So please join them in introducing this exciting new venture.

Clive & Caro Brocklehurst

White Hare of Hartland 67 The Square Hartland Devon EX39 6BL

Studio~Gallery Autumn Opening times

Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri 11.00am-4.30pm Sat 11.00am-1.00pm

Glad to open other times just call to arrange on 01237 441539

~ www.whitehare.co.uk ~ www.clivebrocklehurst.com ~a

Hound of the Baskervilles at Hartland Abbey this Thursday 23rd August

2018-08-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

This Thursday 23rd August at 7.30pm Hartland Abbey's outdoor summer theatre programme presents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. Tickets are £13 or 10

Who killed Sir Charles Baskerville? Can anyone prevent the same fate befalling the young Sir Henry Baskerville? Is a monstrous hound really roaming Dartmoor? Why is someone systematically stealing Sir Henry’s shoes? And how does a ghostly hound manage to leave vast paw-prints and other unwelcome evidence of its existence?

The original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackle the most baffling case of their careers in this faithful, cheeky but chilling adaptation…

Set against the backdrop of this historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, this year’s productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars!

From Hartland Abbey, "Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a our usual Pimms and Wine bar with local cider, beer and soft drinks too. This year we are delighted to announce that Amy Lythgoe-Jones, who provides the delicious refreshments to walkers from her shack at Hartland Point during the summer season, will be doing a proper barbecue with local meat (and veggie) at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to."

For more details see: https://www.hartlandabbey.com/outdoor-theatre/

30% off glamping this weekend!

2018-08-10T01:07:00.002-07:00

Super late availability this weekend 10th August!

This weekend is the highlight of Hartland's social calendar - Carnival! It's a weekend not to be missed with activities and events taking place in the village all week long. http://www.hartlandcarnival.com

We have 2 Family Cabins available this weekend. We are offering an amazing 30% off to get you in the festive mood! WAS £490 NOW £343**
(valid for new bookings arriving Friday 10th August only).

Go to https://secure.supercontrol.co.uk/availability/availability_weekly.asp?ownerID=9745&siteID=26955

and select either Sandy Mouth or Speke’s Mill cabins

The Cabins are truly luxurious, with kingsize beds (and bunk beds for the kids), an en suite shower room, handy kitchenette and flat screen TV.

With a fully stocked fishing lake just metres from your cabin door, a tennis court and a BBQ cabin with a huge fire pit - Coastal Cabins is the perfect getaway spot.

Spend your evenings tucking into great food at the local Hartland pubs, or take the kids rockpooling at one of the many local beaches just a few miles from your cabin. The award winning Hartland House Spa is also a must, with it’s relaxing massages and bubbling hot tubs.

Availability is limited so book now! Email info@coastal-cabins.com to check availability and receive this exclusive discount.

Docton Mill in Glorious Summer Colour

2018-07-17T22:35:00.003-07:00

Here is the latest blog from Lana Borrett at Docton Mill Gardens & Tearoom:

"Here in the garden today we are now moving onto rich colours of summer, bright oranges of Crocosmias and Red Lucifers, beautiful Day Lilies and our magnificent Sunflowers in the vegetable garden! The summer garden is a riot of golds, oranges and deep reds.

Our menu has a range of fresh salads, ciabatta filled rolls, cakes and cream teas with a selection of speciality teas and refreshing cold drinks."

About Docton Mill Gardens & Tearoom

Walk the beautiful gardens, enjoy an indulgent cream tea or lunch (free entry to the tea room) and buy rare and beautiful plants at the beautiful Docton Mill Gardens and Tea Room .

Set in nine acres of beautiful gardens surrounding the original working mill and mill pond, the sheltered wooded valley offers a microclimate enabling tender species to flourish. Located just 1000m from coast and Spekes Mill Mouth where North Devons tallest waterfall tumbles into the sea, Docton Mill is easily reached by road or by foot form the SW Coast path.

The Garden started in the 1930’s but fell into disrepair in the 1970’s. 1980 saw the Mill renovated and Garden cleared with extensive planting and the creation of a new Bog Garden and borders, vast numbers of trees were planted. The start of the new Millennium saw developments including a new Magnolia Garden with large Herbaceous borders, Woodland Garden and Greenhouse area enabling more extensive plant propagation. Recently a new Stream garden has been added together with a wildlife pond and vegetable garden area.

The award winning Tea Room is now situated in the converted granary overlooking the courtyard, in cooler weather a lovely woodburner acts as a cosy focal point. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm from March to October, light lunches, morning coffee and award winning cream teas are served. As much local produce, including local beef and seafood, is used as possible. Entrance to the tea room is free.

Features include:

Spectacular display of 20,000 narcissi in spring
River walk with displays of naturalised narcissi,
bluebells and wild garlic
Superb bog garden as described in Rosemary Verey’s book “Good Planting”
Extensive herbaceous border of over 140m
Wildlife pond and vegetable garden
My favourite garden Malcom Duncan R.H.S. Rosemoor
Award winning Tea Room (free entry) serving light lunches with speciality salads during the summer, all food locally sourced
Dogs allowed on short leads
Over 300 varieties of herbaceous perennial for sale
The garden has been featured on many local and national T.V. gardening programmes and recently won a Gold Medal at the Devon County Show. The Tea Room has won best Cream Tea in North Devon.

2018 Opening: 7 days a week, 15th March to 5th October 10am - 5pm. Free entry to the Tea Room. Garden Entrance: Adults £4.50, Seniors £4.25, under-18s free.

Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Room, Lymebridge Hartland, North Devon, EX39 6EA
Web: www.doctonmill.co.uk Email: docton.mill@btconnect.com
Tel: 01237 441369

White Hare Gallery Summer Solstice Sale

2018-06-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

From June 18th, for 2 weeks, White Hare Gallery in The Square Hartland are celebrating the Summer Solstice (Thursday 21st June) with a sale of signed prints and originals taking place over the next two weeks.

Pictures of the Hartland Peninsula and of Clive Brocklehurst's favourite subjects the hare and stag are available as framed signed prints down by as much as 25% and framed originals by up to 30%.

So take this midsummer madness chance to bag a few gifts for friends and relatives or to treat yourself or to freshen your holiday accommodation walls with a local artist's work.

See http://www.clivebrocklehurst.com/white_hare_studio_gallery.html

About the White Hare Studio~Gallery

White Hare Studio Gallery offers truly unique items made by husband and wife team Clive and Caroline Brocklehurst and their daughter Ellie. With prices to suit all pockets these beautiful items are ideal mementoes of Hartland or really original gifts for friends and loved ones. Caroline makes unique handmade jewellery and handknitted scarves, with Ellie making handpainted silk scarves. Clive is a prolific watercolour artist, creative maker and writer.

Paintings, prints, jewellery, cards, mirrors, stained glass work and a whole host of studio pieces that make great gifts and keepsakes. All pieces, printing, framing and making is done on the premises

The studio-gallery is also home to Clive’s story books about Assander the White Hare of Hartland. Mystical stories set on the wild North Devon Coast following the adventures of a dynasty of white hares from the 1860’s to the present day. Plus a book of dog friendly walks that inspired the stories and the locations that feature in the books.

67 The Square dates from the 1750’s and has had a shop on the ground floor for centuries. The studio~gallery is entered through the lofty hallway and into the original shop with its high ceiling, fireplace, original arched bookshelves and lovely bow window. Accessible by wheelchair.

67 The Square Hartland EX39 6BL
01237 441539 www.whitehare.co.uk studio@whitehare.co.uk
Open 11am - 5pm Mon Wed Thu Fri Sat 11-1.00pm, plus the first Sunday of each month in summertime when the Farmers Market is on. If making a special trip, call us to make sure. We live here and are happy to open up at other times by arrangement

Glorious Spring Colour at Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Room

2018-06-02T05:50:00.001-07:00

Sheltered in it's own little micro-climate in this beautiful valley setting right in the middle of the Area of Outstanding Beauty, Docton Mill's spring show is more spectacular than ever.

With it wonderful gardens, and the tea room and terrace offering delicious local produce lunches, snacks and cakes, this is a must-see place to visit this spring.

See www.doctonmill.co.uk

Highlights include:

Entry to Garden £4.50 Adults - £4.25 OAPS - Children U18 Free
Voted Best Tea Room in North Devon at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Gold medal winner at Devon County Show
Voted Best Cream Tea in Devon, at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Spectacular display of narcissi in spring
River walk with displays of naturalised narcissi, bluebells and wild garlic
Superb bog garden as described in Rosemary Verey’s book, "Good Planting"
Extensive herbaceous border of over 140m
Wild flower gardens
Award winning Tea Room serving light lunches with speciality salads, all food sourced locally - (There is no entry charge to use the Tea Room) Last Teas 4:30pm
Dogs allowed on short leads
Plant sales area
RHS Partnership Garden every Saturday throughout the season

Mrs B's Baking - Big Bake Fridays, Wednesdays and Mondays

2018-06-02T05:26:00.003-07:00

Booming micro-bakery Mrs B's Baking, based at the White Hare Gallery~Studio, produces genuinely hand-made artisan breads, biscuits and bakes. Each week, in addition to the regular soda breads, cheesy breads and vegan and gluten-free breads (available to order), Mrs B (aka Caroline Brocklehust) bakes batches of something truly special each baking day.

Over the past few months there have been:

Blueberry and Apple Crumble muffins
Coffee and Walnut Brownies
Orange Drizzle cake
Apple Strudels
Dark Chocolate & Orange cookies
Stem Ginger biscuits
Gluten-free bakes
Lemon Curd Butterfly cakes
Chocolate Fudge cake slices

to name just a few!

White Hare Studio~Gallery Spring Sale - original works from just £5

2018-04-22T23:04:00.002-07:00

Clive Brocklehurst's White Hare Studio Gallery is having a week long studio sale of original paintings and artwork from 21st April.

Dozens of original works including local scenes are available from just £5.

Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-1pm.

About the White Hare Studio~Gallery:

White Hare Studio Gallery offers truly unique items made by husband and wife team Clive and Caroline Brocklehurst and their daughter Ellie. With prices to suit all pockets these beautiful items are ideal mementoes of Hartland or really original gifts for friends and loved ones.

Caroline makes unique handmade jewellery and handknitted scarves, with Ellie making handpainted silk scarves. Clive is a prolific watercolour artist, creative maker and writer. Paintings, prints, jewellery, cards, mirrors, stained glass work and a whole host of studio pieces that make great gifts and keepsakes. All pieces, printing, framing and making is done on the premises.

The studio-gallery is also home to Clive’s story books about Assander the White Hare of Hartland. Mystical stories set on the wild North Devon Coast following the adventures of a dynasty of white hares from the 1860’s to the present day. Plus a book of dog friendly walks that inspired the stories and the locations that feature in the books.

67 The Square dates from the 1750’s and has had a shop on the ground floor for centuries. The studio~gallery is entered through the lofty hallway and into the original shop with its high ceiling, fireplace, original arched bookshelves and lovely bow window. Accessible by wheelchair.

67 The Square Hartland EX39 6BL
01237 441539
W: www.whitehare.co.uk E: studio@whitehare.co.uk
Open 11am - 5pm Mon Wed Thu Fri Sat 11-1.00pm, plus the first Sunday of each month in summertime when the Farmers Market is on. If making a special trip, call us to make sure. We live here and are happy to open up at other times by arrangement

Hartland Abbey Daffodil Sunday now on 25th March and with a family treasure hunt

2018-03-18T05:59:00.003-07:00

Hartland Abbey, as seen on BBC's Antiques Roadshow. Come and see beautiful, historic daffodils and narcissi in the gardens and woodland walks. Primroses, violets, rhododendrons, camellias and lots more spring flowering shrubs and bulbs. Visit this fascinating lived-in home, given to the family by Henry VIII.

Enjoy a lovely day out in this beautiful valley leading to the sea with plenty of exciting walks. Visit the restored Woodland Summerhouse with its lovely fire. Great exploring for children and dogs! Exhibition of Filming on the Estate.

**REDUCED ENTRY TODAY ONLY**

Adults £6 Children (over 5) £1 House open (£4 extra, children free)

Hot soup, pasties, light lunches & cream teas in Old Kitchens

* FAMILY TREASURE HUNT* BRING WELLIES*

Hartland Abbey, Nr. Bideford, N. Devon EX39 6DT

Tel: 01237 441496/234 www.hartlandabbey.com

Just off A 39 between Hartland and Hartland Quay

*See website for details of Easter Fun, Bluebell Sundays & Outdoor Theatre events

Daffodils and Spring Flowers at Hartland Abbey, Postponed to Sunday 25th March 11-4pm

2018-02-10T02:53:00.002-08:00

Daffodil Day is a lovely chance to come with the family or friends to see the wonderful collection of historic daffodils, many planted 150 years ago.

The spring flower days are really good fun days out for everyone including the children and dogs.

Visitors will be able to see not only the daffodils, but also lots of camellias, hellebores, early spring bulbs, mimosas and our lovely wild primroses and violets.

There is plenty of opportunity for some really good walks including to the beach and to Blackpool Mill, where the Night Manager (among many other productions) was filmed. Enjoy walking along stunning woodland paths through wild flowers to the Gazebo and the restored Woodland Summer House, with its welcoming log fire.

A new circular walk has proved very popular since it opened in 2012. The Abbey itself will be open between 1 –4 pm at a small extra charge.

Dogs are really welcome on leads but there will be plenty of space to let them run free as well. The Orchard, normally closed, will be open with its beautiful wild daffodils.

The Old Kitchen Tea room will have a selection of delicious traditional and modern cakes and biscuits and some gluten free too! There will be homemade soup, cheesy scones, pies, pasties, hand made sausage rolls, Pulled Pork and Coleslaw baguettes, Veggie Homity pie plus a selection of sandwiches, baguettes and other tasty snacks.

Visitors are advised to bring wellies! Daffodil Day entry prices: Adults £6, Children (age 5-15) £1, Under 5 free. Entry to the house £4 open 1-4 pm.

For further information please ring 01237 441496 /441234 or see www.hartlandabbey.co.uk

Winter sun at Welcombe Mouth

2018-01-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Annie Shillito at Cheristow Farm Cottages for providing this wonderful winter sun photo of Welcombe Mouth, with the river in full flow in the foreground.

Welcombe is completely unspoilt, another of the hidden, secret gems that mean this stretch of coastline regularly makes it into 'Top Ten' lists for secluded beaches (Spekes Mill, for example, made it into both the Telegraph and Times top lists in 2017, coming No. 1 on the Times).

Spectacular in any weather (walking here when the wind and seas are wild richly rewards those who brave it), these photos are a great reminder of how special these places are in winter as well as summer. This next photo was taken on the same walk, at Embury.

Hartland Peninsual coastline, North Devon, taken from Embury

You can discover the route (and the history) of this walk at South West Coast Path website here: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/690/ .

Thanks again to Annie, who also sent this lovely photo of one tired out walker taking a well deserved rest afterwards. Apparently his human counterparts were rewarded with a long soak in the hot tub at Cheristow Farm Cottages - what a great way to spend a winter's day!

Cheristow Farm Cottages are cluster of 5 cosy, well-equipped, self-catering farm cottages in countryside close to Hartland Abbey and a heart-thumpingly wild stretch of the South West Coast Path. Very child and dog-friendly, with sea views from the play area over fields and the tower of St Nectan's church, pet animals to feed, woodburners, hot tub & sauna. Find out more at their website: http://www.cheristow-cottages.co.uk/ .

Christmas & New Year in Hartland

2017-12-12T22:54:00.002-08:00

Christmas and New Year is a fantastic time on the Peninsula. The scenery is stunning: the land, woodlands and moor wear their winter finery and the sea awes with its winter power.

Yet the welcome is warmer than ever: Hartland village is bright with Christmas decorations and alive with festive bustle. Fires roar in the pubs and places to stay, and the local food and drink is at its very best.

Whether you're here for Christmas or New Year itself, or just visiting there is so much to see and do. Explore the beautiful scenery, indulge in fantastic local meat, cheese, seafood, drink, sweet treats and much more and take part in the wonderfully diverse range of Christmas events on and near the Peninsula.

See our 25 Christmas and New Year things to do for inspiration:

Take a long wintry walk on the cliff tops, through the woods or across the vale (pictured) before a glass of mulled wine in front of a roaring log fire in one of the local hostelries.
Join in with carols around the tree in Hartland Square with the town band.
Pick up unique gifts from the craft markets or one of the open studios and galleries, including a late nights on Wednesdays up to Christmas.
Shop for festive treats from the Christmas farmers' markets and local producers.
Go wave watching down at Hartland Quay before retreating into the bar for a warming bite, hot chocolate or local ale.
Pop in to Hartland to pick up local treats, gifts and supplies: cheeses, cream, meats, fish, icecream, apple juice, honey, arts, crafts...
Watching for shooting stars across a star-studded sky that goes on for as far as the eye can see.
Relax with a Christmas spa session and even get a massage or treatment.
Take a short break on magical Lundy Island, including a six minute spectacular helicopter ride each way.
Let children burn off some holiday energy at the award winning Big Sheep or Milky Way theme parks!
Enjoy late night shopping on Wednesdays when many of the shops and studios are open late and the town band plays.
Take a trip to the Eden Project for a magical Christmas experience and real ice skating!
Make a driftwood Christmas tree from wood collected from the beaches
Visit Rosemoor Gardens for their whole calendar of winter festival events
See Santa come to town when he visits Hartland in December or one of the nearby villages on other dates.
Go to one of Hartland's Christmas Concerts
Walk down through Clovelly's timeless cobbled streets to the harbour, taking in the Christmas lights
Attend the Christingle service at St Nectan's Church, Stoke
Order Christmas food from local suppliers: fresh turkey, smoked fish and other festive foodstuffs from local suppliers and pick them up at the Hartland Christmas Farmers' market in December
Enjoy some festive cheer, fantastic food, drink and music at one of Hartland's hostelries: the Hart Inn, Hartland Quay's Wreckers' Bar, The Anchor Inn, The West Country Inn or the Old Smithy at Welcombe.
Follow the Harton Borough or Parkland heritage walks, be inspired by local history and see Hartland village and its artisans in a new light
Take in a traditional pantomime, at Barntaple's historic Queen's Theatre
Join in (or just watch) the mad Christmas day sea swimmers at Bude, or the Boxing Day Barbeque at Clovelly
Visit Bideford on New Year's Eve for a whole days' programme of events and to see thousands in fancy dress in the streets and the incredible fireworks at midnight
Go on a wildlife walk. Keep an eye out for: gorse and early primroses, foxes, deer, badgers and listen for woodpeckers and tawny owls

'Homemade in Hartland' - Mrs B's Baking

2017-10-08T13:28:00.002-07:00

Mrs B's Baking is truly 'Homemade in Hartland'. In our dedicated, registered kitchen at 67 the Square Hartland, co-located with our White Hare studio and gallery, we are producing soda breads, speciality breads and delicious cookies, all made by hand.

Freshly made on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, enjoy our delicious soda bread and cookies. Choose from white, wholemeal and half and half soda bread, all genuinely homemade by hand. In addition, on some Fridays (please see our blackboard) we are also making speciality breads.

Our white, milk and dark chocolate cookies melt in the mouth and also make fantastic welcome or thank you gifts. Each pack costs £1 and contains two cookies, is wrapped in cellophane and completed with a "Homemade in Hartland" label.

Drop in or pre-order/reserve on 01237 441539. Special orders are welcome and delivery is available for larger orders, please ring to discuss.

See: http://www.hartlandpeninsula.co.uk/hartland-business/mrs-bs-baking.html

Hartland Farmer's Markets

2017-09-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Come and taste, browse and buy genuinely locally produced food, crafts and produce at the Hartland Farmer's markets, on the 1st Sunday of every month at Hartland Parish Hall.

See: https://www.facebook.com/HartlandFarmersMarketDevon/

Summer sunsets and star spangled skies at Hartland

2017-08-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Hartland Quay

With nothing between you and the horizon and one of the lowest light pollution levels in the area, the Hartland Peninsula is an exceptional place to view sunsets and starscapes.

And with August providing some of the year's balmiest evenings and nights, this is the perfect time to grab a blanket, bottle or wine or supper picnic and head up to a peaceful spot to watch the sun melt into the sea and the stars begin to shine.

See this page on our website for more about good places to head to:

http://www.hartlandpeninsula.co.uk/see-and-do/stay-star-gazing.html

The summer 2017 outdoor summer theatre programme at Hartland Abbey,

2017-07-17T14:14:00.002-07:00

Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, the 2017 productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies.

It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. There is a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to.

Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows. Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows. Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.

See www.hartlandabbey.com for further details.

26th Jul, 5pm, Hartland Abbey Outdoor Summer Theatre: The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (7yrs+), plus Family Arts Afternoon (2 – 4.30pm) Hartland Abbey. Prices £13/11/9 and Arts Afternoon £2.50. Four intrepid explorers, led by the redoubtable Professor Challenger, travel to an uncharted plateau in South America following a few scant directions scribbled in a sketch book. Illyria has an unmatched reputation for innovation in open-air theatre, where they are the first company to tackle a show in this genre and of this scope. Prehistoric thrills, monster laughs and life-size dinosaurs abound in the must-see show of the summer!

27th Jul, 7pm, Hartland Abbey Outdoor Summer Theatre: Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare, Hartland Abbey. Running time 120min. Prices £13/11/9. Midsummer night. An enchanted forest. Puck and his musical fairy band tell a tale of lovers, mechanicals, and magical mayhem. The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons present their innovative and hilarious open-air version of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy – told, as ever, in their own distinctive and anarchic style.

2nd Aug, 5pm, Hartland Abbey Outdoor Summer Theatre: Billionaire Boy, by David Walliams, plus Family Arts Afternoon (2 – 4.30pm) Hartland Abbey. Running time 120min. Prices £13/11/9 and Arts Afternoon £2.50. Be a part of the fun this summer at Heartbreak’s outdoor adaptation of this charming David Walliams best selling children’s book. Come to the helicopter pad outside Bumfresh towers with your picnic, your seat, and your sense of adventure to hear the story of how Mr Spud made his millions and then lost it all, and how Joe became the richest boy in the world…

11th Aug, 5pm, Hartland Abbey Outdoor Summer Theatre: The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Anderson, plus Drama Workshop 6-11yrs (3 – 4.30pm) Hartland Abbey. Running time 120min. Prices £13/11/9 and Workshop £5. The Emperor is a lovely man, but he’s not the best judge of character. What keeps him sane is the monthly Grand Parade at which he wears his newest outfit. When two swindlers offer him the ability to identify competence by making him clothes which only the wise can see, what price will he have to pay? Will he end up losing his crown jewels? When someone spins a yarn must everyone be taken in?

23th Aug, 7pm, Hartland Abbey Outdoor Summer Theatre: The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan, Hartland Abbey. Prices £15/13/9.Following the runaway popularity of HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe and The Pirates of Penzance, Illyria returns with another romantic summer opera to leave you with a song in your heart.

28th Aug, 5pm, Hartland Abbey Outdoor Summer Theatre: The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare, Hartland Abbey. Running time 120min. Prices £13/11/9.The roguish and foolish knight, Falstaff, schemes to woo two married women to get his hands on their husbands’ money, but the wiley Wives of Windsor are more than a match for him! The Festival Players Theatre bring you this hilarious and colourful comedy in an all-male, fast paced, costumed production – a summer feast of farce!

The Old Smithy Inn's annual Beer and Cider Festival returns for 2017!

2017-06-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

Pulling Pints at Last Year's Festival

Summer is finally here; the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and festival season is well under way! But it's not all about dancing in a field knee-deep in mud, as the 8th and 9th of July sees the return of local favourite, The Old Smithy Inn's annual beer fest.

The weekend promises to serve up excellent entertainment with 11 bands and a DJ, fantastic food with a hog roast and, above all, brilliant brews! Boasting an impressive selection of 18 beers and 18 ciders, this festival is not to be missed!

Just one mile from the sea and South West Coast Path, set in glorious countryside in the heart of Welcombe, the Old Smithy is a very lively, friendly and inviting 17C thatched pub with a spacious garden, making it the perfect beer fest venue.

The Old Smithy Inn Beer Festival 2016

Line-up

Saturday 8th July:

Smokey Mountain Boys

Ben Trevor

The Dave Smales Project

John Fairhurst

Road Kill

The House Fire

Dapper Dad presents Bam-Bam full reggae scorcher

Sunday 9th July:

Westerly 5 or 6

The Busketeers

Carl Morris Trio

Big Joe Bone

The People's String Foundation

Admission is free and families welcome, for more information please visit www.theoldsmithyinn.co.uk or drop an email to oldsmithy@btconnect.com

Spring at Docton Mill Gardens and Tearoom

2017-05-09T23:36:00.002-07:00

Lana Borrett from the wonderful Docton Mill Gardens has given us this latest blog.

"This sunny, glorious spring has enhanced the garden greatly, with the tree canopy bursting forth in the last week. We have a large variety of ferns here at Docton Mill, the shuttlecock ferns in our woodland garden are vivid green and the banks and weir area are carpeted with bluebells. The beech trees, ferns, bluebells and wild garlic are a wonderful sight, not to be missed, and the rhododendrons and azaleas complete the picture.

Our extensive herbaceous border is growing rapidly. Delphiniums, lupins and aliums, as well as the the many varieties of hardy geraniums are about to flower. Our bog garden areas have hostas and candelabra primulas, creating fantastic, brightly coloured effects.

Our salads are popular in the tearoom. We serve locally reared Devon beef and turkey, Cornish cheeses, homemade quiches as well as our ever-popular West Country crab, Scottish smoked salmon and tasty prawns.

Come for afternoon tea, our selection of homemade cakes and cream teas are the best. We also have gluten free cakes and scones.

We look forward to seeing you."

See www.doctonmill.co.uk for full details of all the these wonderful gardens and tea room have to offer.

Highlights include:

Entry to Garden £4.50 Adults - £4.25 OAPS - Children U18 Free
Voted Best Tea Room in North Devon at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Gold medal winner at Devon County Show
Voted Best Cream Tea in Devon, at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Spectacular display of narcissi in spring
River walk with displays of naturalised narcissi, bluebells and wild garlic
Superb bog garden as described in Rosemary Verey’s book, "Good Planting"
Extensive herbaceous border of over 140m
Wild flower gardens
Award winning Tea Room serving light lunches with speciality salads, all food sourced locally - (There is no entry charge to use the Tea Room) Last Teas 4:30pm
Dogs allowed on short leads
Plant sales area
RHS Partnership Garden every Saturday throughout the season

Docton Mill Gardens & Tearoom are open for 2017!!

2017-03-22T04:19:00.002-07:00

Lana Borrett from Docton Mill Gardens and Tearoom has given us her first blog of the year.

"Spring is in the air and our gardens & tearooms are open for the start of another fantastic growing and cream-tea enjoying year!

The gardens have come alive with thousands of daffodils of many varieties, as I write this the Red Devons along the drive are magnificent. Magnolias are blooming, the stellatas are a picture and carpets of hellebores and leucojums (giant snowflakes) can be seen in the woodland garden.

Have you seen our delightful article in the RHS Garden magazine? There are beautiful pictures of the stream garden in May and June with much of the history regarding the development of our garden since the 1930s. It is a brilliant article capturing the atmosphere here, especially in Andrew Lawson's photography.

We are looking forward to this coming weekend. Sunshine is promised, and of course it's Mothering Sunday. We have our menu of light lunches, homemade cakes and cream teas available, and the woodburner is glowing in the tearoom, so do come along with your Mum.

We look forward to seeing you!"

March's edition of the RHS Garden Magazine has a
multi page spread featuring many photos and details
of the gardens and their history

See www.doctonmill.co.uk

Highlights include:

Entry to Garden £4.50 Adults - £4.25 OAPS - Children U18 Free
Voted Best Tea Room in North Devon at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Gold medal winner at Devon County Show
Voted Best Cream Tea in Devon, at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Spectacular display of narcissi in spring
River walk with displays of naturalised narcissi, bluebells and wild garlic
Superb bog garden as described in Rosemary Verey’s book, "Good Planting"
Extensive herbaceous border of over 140m
Wild flower gardens
Award winning Tea Room serving light lunches with speciality salads, all food sourced locally - (There is no entry charge to use the Tea Room) Last Teas 4:30pm
Dogs allowed on short leads
Plant sales area

There are 20,000 daffodils in displays around the garden

RHS Partnership Garden every Saturday throughout the season

Hellebores in the woodland garden

The tearoom and woodburner

Hellebores in the woodland garden

An early preview of Hartland Abbey's Outdoor Summer Theatre

2017-03-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, so deeply steeped in the history of North Devon, the 2017 productions promise to keep theatregoers of all ages and tastes well rewarded with some fantastic productions from different travelling theatre companies. It is a perfect reason to get together with family and friends, bring rugs or picnic chairs and enjoy a night under the stars! Many people make a longer day out visiting the fascinating house with its beautiful gardens and a leisurely lunch or tea in the Old Kitchens Tea Rooms before the performance begins. We will have a Bar and a delicious barbecue at every performance so there is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to.


Sun 25 June 5pm	Hotbuckle	Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy	£13/11/9

Sat 8 July 7pm	Illyria	A Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare	£13/11/9

Wed 26 July 5pm	Illyria	The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (7yrs+)	£13/11/9
	Plough Artists	plus Family Arts Afternoon (2 – 4.30pm)	All £2.50

Thurs 27 July 7pm	The Pantaloons	Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare	£13/11/9

Wed 2 Aug 5pm	Heartbreak	Billionaire Boy by David Walliams	£13/11/9
	Plough Artists	plus Family Arts Afternoon (2 – 4.30pm)	All £2.50

Fri 11 Aug 5pm	Illyria	The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen(5yrs+)	£13/11/9
		(+ drama workshop 6-11yrs (3 – 4.30pm)	All £5

Wed 23 Aug 7pm	Illyria	The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan	£15/13/9

Mon 28 Aug 5pm	The Festival Players	The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare	£13/11/9

Grounds open free to those attending performances 1 hour before start of 5pm shows, 2 hours before 7pm shows.
Bring rugs/low backed seating/picnics. Refreshments. Bar. Barbecue, Ice creams. Cream teas before 5pm shows.

BOOKING
Please contact the Plough booking office direct on 01805 624624 or online via: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
You can always join our Facebook and Twitter feeds for up to date information and special offers.
“Plough Community Theatre created a surreal comedic air that gave a sense of a rural community in an isolated grip of madness….we became part of this insanity and had a jolly good laugh” Tony Glynn North Devon Journal (On ‘Lark Rise’ 2013).

Hartland Abbey is off the A39 between Bideford and Bude. Take B3248 through Hartland village towards Hartland Quay.

Hartland Abbey Daffodils and Spring Flowers Sunday, this Sunday (12th March)

2017-03-08T13:33:00.003-08:00

Enjoy a lovely day with family or friends and see the wonderful collection of historic daffodils, many planted 150 years ago, at a reduced admission price.

Visitors will be able to see not only the daffodils, but also lots of camellias, hellebores, early spring bulbs, wonderful mimosas and lovely wild primroses and violets. Parts of the estate, normally closed to the public, will be opened up and there is plenty of opportunity for a really good walk to Blackpool Mill, which starred as ‘Barton Cottage’ in the BBC adaptation of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and in BBC’s ‘The Night Manager’ by John Le Carre. Stunning woodland paths lead through wildflowers to the Gazebo and the restored Woodland Summer House with its welcoming log fire. The Abbey itself, with its fascinating collections and exhibitions will be open between 1 –4 pm at a small extra charge. From 11am the exhibition ‘Filming on the Hartland Abbey Estate since 1934’ will be open.

There will be a family Treasure Hunt around the gardens to keep children well exercised and occupied!

Dogs are really welcome on leads but there will be plenty of space to let them run free as well. The Orchard, normally closed, will be open with its beautiful wild daffodils.

The Old Kitchen Tea Room will be serving its usual delicious home made cakes and cream teas, along with welcoming hot soup, pasties and light meals.

Visitors are advised to bring wellies! 3 ½ miles of walks!

Daffodil Day entry prices: Adults £6, Children (age 5-15) £1, Under 5 free.

Entry to the house £4 open 1-4 pm

For further information www.hartlandabbey.com or please ring 01237 441496 /441234.

Docton Mill Gardens featured in March RHS Magazine

2017-01-30T12:31:00.001-08:00

Docton Mill Gardens & Tearoom is featured in
the March 2017 edition of the RHS "The Garden" magazine

Lovely Docton Mill Gardens are featured in the upcoming March issue of the RHS' flagship magazine "The Garden". No stranger to being featured in top flight publications, these award winning gardens and tea room look almost as glorious in this four page spread as they do in real life.

Docton Mill is an RHS partner garden at RHS members gain entry for free each Saturday (Member 1 only).

March coincides with the annual opening of the gardens and spring is the perfect time to visit. These wonderful valley slopes are host to over 20,000 daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, primulas, hellebores, epimediums and so much more.

This year there are two new summerhouses to look out for - designed by John Borrett himself and built by local craftsmen - both offering a sympathetic place to sit and enjoy different aspects of the gardens. In addition, there is a recently added greenhouse and improved plant sales area.

One thing that remains the same are the award winning cream teas, light lunches and delicious drinks available from the tearoom. On cooler days the tearoom is warmed by the cheery log burner and when it's sunny, the tea terrace beside the mill offers a sheltered spot to relax and unwind amidst beautiful surroundings.

Docton Mill opens on March 15th 2017. See www.doctonmill.co.uk

Highlights include:

Entry to Garden £4.50 Adults - £4.25 OAPS - Children U18 Free
Voted Best Tea Room in North Devon at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Gold medal winner at Devon County Show
Voted Best Cream Tea in Devon, at the North Devon Food & Drink Awards
Spectacular display of narcissi in spring
River walk with displays of naturalised narcissi, bluebells and wild garlic
Superb bog garden as described in Rosemary Verey’s book, "Good Planting"
Extensive herbaceous border of over 140m
Wild flower gardens
Award winning Tea Room serving light lunches with speciality salads, all food sourced locally - (There is no entry charge to use the Tea Room) Last Teas 4:30pm
Dogs allowed on short leads
Plant sales area
RHS Partnership Garden every Saturday throughout the season

Ultimate Beach Ride Adventures with Welcombe Equine

2017-01-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

Fancy something completely different this New Year? Well what about an unforgettable, blow-it-all-away beach ride with Welcombe Equine, run by highly experienced Jane Hunt.

Welcombe Equine offers beach rides, guided ride outs and completely personalised horse riding for adults and children with a highly experienced trainer on our stunning North Devon and North Cornwall coastline.

Ride amongst some of England's most beautiful beaches, coastal paths and countryside right in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ride out along the beach and then back along the cliffs 'Poldark' style - it'll blow you away!

All abilities are catered for with their beautifully schooled 'Real' horses who love to please. They offer rides of all varieties: unlimited time and distance along the beaches and through the countryside; guided rides to explore the local beaches and beauty spots; regular ride outs to include pub lunches; special occasion and festive ride outs; family and group ride outs...you can even join them with your own horse.

From £20 per hour for children and £28 per hour for adults, there is something for everyone. You can also buy vouchers or ride-outs as a perfect gift or holiday treat for someone.

They are fully insured, affiliated to BSJA, BE and BRC, and transport is available if needed. Give them a call or email to discuss what you'd like.

Call Jane Hunt on 07773 685470 or email welcombe.equine@gmail.com

Or find them on Facebook by clicking here.

Christmas and New Year events on and around the Peninsula

2016-12-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a magical time of year in this very special place and there's so much to see and do on and around the Peninsula. There's something for everyone from arts and crafts to theatre to beautiful gardens, exhibitions, Christmas farmer's markets and children's fun.

December 2016

Throughout December, Winter Sale at Dartington Crystal and free entry to the visitor centre and factory tour. Come and see how this world famous glass is made and take advantage of the offers in the shop for truly personal and unique gifts. See http://www.dartington.co.uk/visit-us/visitor-centre for opening times and full details.

Throughout December, Magical Winter Garden Illuminations, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington. See the Winter Garden as you’ve never seen it before, as high-tech colour changing lights illuminate the trees and shrubs to create an enthralling show. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-garden-rosemoor/magical-winter-garden-illuminations.

Throughout December, Winter Sculpture Exhibition, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington. Pick up a trail and see how many sculptures you can discover; most are available for sale. Free, guided sculpture walks leave the Visitor Centre at 11.30am most Wednesday mornings. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-garden-rosemoor/christmas-at-rosemoor

Throughout December, Christmas Events at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington. Special Christmas lunches, workshops, Christmas story trail, winter planting demonstrations, a holly trail...and much more. Visit RHS Rosemoor this Christmas and New Year to be inspired and invigorated. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-garden-rosemoor/christmas-at-rosemoor

3rd December Welcombe Pottery Christmas Sale, Welcombe Pottery, Welcombe 10am - 5pm. Mulled wine and mince pies and beautiful handmade gifts. Come along to get your festive shopping off to an inspirational start. See http://www.welcombepottery.co.uk/ or call 01288 331506. Darracott, Welcombe, Devon,EX39 6HG

3rd December, Christmas Fayre, Parish Hall, Hartland. Come and get into the spirit of Christmas at with the annual Hartland Christmas Fayre. Delicious food, fabulous local crafts and arts and Christmas music from the Hartland Town Band - what better way to find presents, select your Christmas goodies and stock up for the festive season.

3rd December, Christmas Concert, 7.30pm, Hartland. Join the wonderful Hartland Town Band for a resounding Christmas concert - the perfect start to the Christmas season.

4th December, Christmas Concert, 7.30pm, Hartland. Your second opportunity to join the Hartland Town Band for traditional Christmas favourites.

4th December, Clovelly Christmas Lights, Clovelly. Christmas is a magical time at Clovelly. The promenade starts down the cobbles with a local brass band leading the procession down to the harbour and accompanies Christmas carols sung by a local choir. There'll be a hog roast, hot dogs, Christmas grog and other refreshments available at the Harbour and Lifeboat Station and Father Christmas will make a surprise visit. At about 5 p.m. the switch is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up. It's a fantastic sight! A Carol Service is then lead by the Chaplain of the Lifeboat Station, The Rev. Shirley Henderson, and there is a grand finale of fireworks to finish off. Entrance fee: £5 per car at the Visitor Centre after 3 pm. All proceeds to RNLI. See: www.clovelly.co.uk/news-and-events

7th - 21st December, Santa's Coming to Town, local villages. Santa is visiting on his sleigh! Organised by the Round Table to raise money for local charities, come and see Santa arrive on his fabulous sleigh, a magical family moment.

8th December, Christmas Bingo, doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start. This is a fixture in the Hartland Christmas calendar. Locals and visitors alike join together for a spot of Christmas Bingo and to celebrate the festive season together.

10th December - 2nd January, Aladdin, Queen Theatre, Barnstaple. North Devon Theatres and Imagine Theatre present an Aladdin’s cave of entertainment for the festive season, with fabulous sets and costumes, superb song and dance routines and lots of laughter for the whole family. In Old Peking, poor young boy Aladdin struggles to make a living with his mum Widow Twankey and silly brother Wishee Washee in their Chinese Laundry…if only he could make his fortune and then all their dreams would come true! See: http://northdevontheatres.org.uk/shows/aladdin/

10th - 24th December, Santa Specials on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Woody Bay. Book early for this very popular, very special steam train ride through stunning scenery and receive a present for Santa himself. See: http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/page/santa-specials-2016

17th December, Christmas Markets, Big Sheep Abbotsham, 9am-1pm, Free Entry. Free range turkeys, organic meats, sprouts on stalks, cheeses, cakes, puddings, biscuits, fudge, chocolate, bread, fish and Christmas trees are just some of the delights which will be on offer at the South West’s BIGGEST indoor Farmers’ Markets. So why not forget the hustle and bustle of high street shopping and enjoy the social buzz of a fantastic traditional country farmer’s market. Stock up on some last minute Christmas presents in the BIG Sheep’s Sheepy Shop which is an Alladin’s Cave full of unique and quirky gifts. See: http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/events/details/christmas-farmers-markets

17th December, Family Gingerbread House Workshop, Big Sheep, Abbotsham. £20 per family. Why not start you own family tradition and create your very own magical gingerbread cottage – What better way to get into the holiday spirit than generations spending the afternoon creating and decorating a gingerbread cottage masterpiece together. The workshop includes FREE flat back ginger bread, icing and cake board costs £20 per house and is open to families of all ages (1 adult to every 3 children per house). So why not round up your family and start the Christmas season by decorating a festive gingerbread house by bringing along your favourite selection of sweets – all you need to bring are your sweets and a vivid imagination and Lori will share her skills and experience as well as fire you up with creative ideas. See http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/events/details/gingerbread-workshop

17th-24th December, Woolly's Christmas Wonderland, Big Sheep, Abbotsham. Santa’s elves have been beavering away day and night at The BIG Sheep adding their very own Christmas creativity to bring the magic of Christmas to everyone who visits and these enchanting little elves are bursting to share their Christmas secrets and magical moments with you. Meet Santa for an early Christmas Gift - from £5 per child, Enjoy Ice Skating, Tobogganing & Snowboard Simulator. Magical Light Show, Breakfast with Santa - 18th & 19th December, Ewetopia Indoor Playground, Eweston Station Train Ride, & Twister Ride. See http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/events/details/woollys-wonderland.

18th December, Hartland Farmers Christmas Market, 10am-1pm, Hartland Parish Hall. This is a wonderful, festive, annual fixture for locals and visitors alike. Come and buy truly local produce and crafts of the highest quality while the Hartland Town Band play and delicious food and drink is served. There is nothing like it for getting all your festive goodies and really getting into the spirit of Christmas.

18th December, Methodist Carol Service, Methodist Church, Hartland, 6pm. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with the annual Methodist Carol Service.

18th December, Carol Service, St Nectan's Stoke, Hartland 11am-12pm. All welcome to join in St Nectan's annual Carol Service in this beautiful church.

21st December, Christmas Market, Big Sheep, Abbotsham, 9am-1pm, Free Entry. The last of the Big Sheep's famous Christmas markets:free range turkeys, organic meats, sprouts on stalks, cheeses, cakes, puddings, biscuits, fudge, chocolate, bread, fish and Christmas trees are just some of the delights which will be on offer at the South West’s BIGGEST indoor Farmers’ Markets. See: http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/events/details/christmas-farmers-markets

24th Crib Service, St Nectan's Church, Stoke, Hartland. 3pm for half an hour. Plenty of participation for those who want it, dressing up, singing... and everyone is welcome.

24th December, Carols Around the Tree, 7.30pm, Hartland Square. If you are lucky enough to be in Hartland on Christmas eve this is an absolute must-do event. Carols Around the Tree is one of Hartland's deepest Christmas traditions. Locals and visitors alike gather in the main square around the beautifully lit town Christmas tree to sing traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by the wonderful Hartland Town Band. At 7.30pm on Christmas eve, when hopefully all the wrapping, cooking, cleaning and preparation for Christmas is done, this marks the true start of relaxing, enjoying and celebrating this special season.

24th December, Midnight Communion, St Nectan's Church, Stoke, Hartland. 11.30pm for 1 hour. All welcome to joint the Midnight Communion in beautiful Stoke Church.

25th December, Christmas Day Communion, St Nectan's Church, Stoke, Hartland. 10am for 1 hour. Everyone is welcome.

25th December, Christmas Day Swim, Crooklets Beach, Bude, 11am.Every year on Christmas Day more than five hundred people dash into the water in swimsuits only (no wetsuits) while hundreds more cheer them on from the beach in the annual Christmas Day Swim, raising money for Bude Surf Life Saving Club. Everyone is welcome to join in; children aged under 14 MUST be accompanied IN the water by an adult. Bude SLSC provide qualified lifeguard safety cover, mulled wine, hot chocolate and sausage rolls all FREE of charge so please find sponsors or make a donation to take part. To enter download a registration form from here, or just turn up to watch this very different but also very festive annual event!

26th December, Boxing Day Barbeque, Clovelly. Join us for our Boxing Day Barbecue on the quay at Clovelly, With FREE entrance into the village, why not have a walk on the estate then come along to the barbecue where there will be live music, mulled wine, and even a treasure hunt if you are up to it. Free entrance all day. See: www.clovelly.co.uk/news-and-events

January 2017

Throughout January, Winter Sculpture Exhibition, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington. Pick up a trail and see how many sculptures you can discover; most are available for sale. Free, guided sculpture walks leave the Visitor Centre at 11.30am most Wednesday mornings. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-garden-rosemoor/christmas-at-rosemoor

Until 2nd January, Aladdin, Queen Theatre, Barnstaple. North Devon Theatres and Imagine Theatre present an Aladdin’s cave of entertainment for the festive season, with fabulous sets and costumes, superb song and dance routines and lots of laughter for the whole family. In Old Peking, poor young boy Aladdin struggles to make a living with his mum Widow Twankey and silly brother Wishee Washee in their Chinese Laundry…if only he could make his fortune and then all their dreams would come true! See: http://northdevontheatres.org.uk/shows/aladdin/

Until 7th Jan on Thurs, Fris and Sats, Magical Winter Garden Illuminations, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington. See the Winter Garden as you’ve never seen it before, as high-tech colour changing lights illuminate the trees and shrubs to create an enthralling show. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-garden-rosemoor/magical-winter-garden-illuminations.