Devonia Escapes

18/08/2026

The Walled Gardens at Hartland Abbey and Gardens are particularly beautiful at the moment 🌳🌷🌻

It’s a wonderful time of year to visit Hartland Abbey. The Walled Gardens are looking so beautiful thanks to Nigel and Sam, who are busy deadheading and working so hard to keep things looking good for as long as possible in the drought! ☀️

Whether you’re here with family, friends or looking for a peaceful escape - there’s so much to explore:
🌳 Walk from the house right to the sea, follow our woodland paths to discover the Summerhouse, Gazebo and Blackpool Mill Cottage.
🍰 Enjoy delicious homemade cakes, cream teas and light lunches at The Old Kitchen Tearooms
🏵️ Step inside the house and admire the magnificent interiors
🛍️ Visit the gift shop
📜 Dive into our exhibitions and uncover the fascinating history at Hartland Abbey

🦚 We’re open Sunday to Thursday each week
🐾 Dogs on leads are always welcome!

🔗 Plan your visit at www.hartlandabbey.com

02/06/2026

An incredible lineup has been announced for this year's local Book Festival 📚 'Book' your stay (pun intended) 😉 and enjoy the Festival which starts on 18 September 📖

📣 2026 Starting Line-up Announcement 📣

We are delighted to be welcoming these fantastic authors in September! 📚

Comedian, actor and author, Ben Miller, the original star of the popular TV show Death in Paradise, and writer, Robert Thorogood, creator of the hit drama, will join us to discuss the success of the series, the appeal of the murder-mystery and the lasting legacy of Agatha Christie. We’ll also have the Queen of Shops, Mary Portas; BBC Newsreader, Sophie Raworth; colourful actress and singer, Su Pollard; host of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, Graeme Hall; actor and broadcaster, Caroline Quentin; angler, explorer and host of River Monsters, Jeremy Wade; Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson; Labour grandee, Baroness Margaret Hodge and novelist & presenter, Dawn O’Porter. 🏡 🐟 ✍️ 🎭 🐶 🛍️ 🎬

Returning to the stage will be Festival patrons Ann Cleeves, Jeremy Vine & Tanya Landman, beauty and wellness entrepreneur, Liz Earle; BBC security correspondent, Frank Gardner; author & filmmaker Damian Lewis and the nation’s favourite poet Pam Ayres. 🧘‍♀️ 🎥 📺 📕

Others in the line-up include Tim Marshall, Oliver Bullough, Amy Jeffs, Iain Dale, Claudia Hammond, Esther G**y, Peter Ricketts, Gilly McArthur, Clare Leslie-Hall, Shehan Hettiaratchy and even more names to be announced in the coming weeks and months! 💫

Tickets will be on sale for Friends of the Festival on Fri 24 July & on General Sale on Sat 1 Aug. 🎟️

Friends Membership for 2026 is now available, which offers priority booking and other great benefits! Visit appledorebookfestival.co.uk for more details ℹ️

📸 Ben Miller (©Arved Colvin-Smith), Dawn O’Porter (©Toby Madden), Frank Gardner (©Kin Ho); Mary Portas (©Linda Nyland), Sophie Raworth (©BBC)

29/05/2026

Spring sunshine, long shadows and peaceful moments in the meadow ☀️🌿

From walks with your dog through the wildflower meadow, to relaxing in your Cabin, Spring is looking beautiful here at Devonia Escapes (I even managed to get Mojo to sit for the shadow pic!) 🐾

The perfect dog-friendly North Devon escape for a little rest and reset ✨

devoniaescapes.co.uk

15/05/2026

Less travel - More time to switch off

If you live in the West Country, your perfect escape is right on your doorstep. No long journeys - just a short drive to Devonia Escapes in North Devon and straight into relaxation.

Slow mornings, fresh air, and space to truly unwind… because a proper break shouldn’t feel like hard work.

Your stress-free getaway starts closer than you think. 🌿

12/05/2026

Spring Summit Glamping Industries Trade Association UK amazing day at Tractors & Cream Glamping and Events. Weather has been good to us.

08/05/2026

Wildflowers in bloom, fresh country air and your own private cabin retreat 🌼🌺

Slow mornings, birdsong, and nature right on your doorstep… exactly how a getaway should feel.

04/05/2026

It's International Dawn Chorus Day 🐦‍⬛

At Devonia Escapes you can wake up to nature's symphony right outside your cabin - it's something truly special.

A peaceful, natural alarm clock you won’t want to snooze 🌿

01/05/2026

With warmer weather on the way, anyone planning a trip to Westward Ho! Beach is being reminded that seasonal dog restrictions will be in place from 1 May to 30 September 2026. 🐾

These rules help keep the beach safe and enjoyable during its busiest months, while also supporting its valued Blue Flag status, an award that reflects the high standards maintained at one of England’s select Blue Flag beaches.

Dogs are still welcome at the northern end of the beach, between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw and Torridge estuary. However, they’re not allowed on the southern section, and must be kept on a lead along the promenade. Signage is clearly displayed, and a £100 fixed penalty could be issued if the rules aren’t followed.

The northern stretch remains a great spot for dog walking, especially now many seasonal birds have moved on. Visitors are asked to stay mindful of local wildlife, particularly near the Burrows where lambs and young animals may be present.

If the tide is high, there are also plenty of alternative walks to enjoy, including the beautiful South West Coast Path and nearby countryside routes between Northam and Bideford.

Plan ahead, stick to the guidance, and make the most of everything North Devon has to offer this season!

26/04/2026

A lovely message left by guests this weekend 😍

23/04/2026

Just an evening stroll along our lane enjoying the blue, purple & green woodland hues 😍