At Hartland Quay two major
types of rock,
sandstone and
mudstone, have
been folded to
form some of the
most spectacular
coastal scenery
and geology in
North West
Europe. Hartland Quay was built in the 16th century but
destroyed by storms.The area is known to have been
frequented by smugglers and the rugged treacherous
rocks still bear the scars of shipwrecks. Its history can
be explored by visiting the Shipwreck Museum.There
is also a hotel containing a pub appropriately called the
Wrecker's Retreat.
Hartland Quay
Hartland Quay was once a thriving harbour, mainly because
of the area's remote location and the difficulty encountered in transporting
goods by road. In the mid 18th century, once the railway had reached Bideford and improvements made to the road network the harbour fell in to decline
and it became uneconomic to repair from the repeated storm damage.
The Beach at Hartland Quay
Today the quay consists of a small museum, a rocky shingled beach very
popular for fishing and the breath taking views of the unique rock formation
surrounding it. It is not too difficult to see why there were so many shipwrecks
on this treacherous coast.
The spectacular cliffs at Hartland Quay with their incredibly
contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there
is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks ito scramble over.
With access
to the South West Coast Path both North and South from the Quay, it is
an excellent start/finish point for a wide variety of walks.
Hartland Lighrthouse
The Lighthouse has a beam that is visible from about 20 miles out to sea. There are excellent views up and down the rugged north coast from Hartland Point.
Hartland Quay has great rocks rearing 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
Hartland Quay Museum contains information on shipwrecks, of which there have been many in the vicinity, and local places of historic interest.
Hartland Quay
The coast around Hartland Point is one of Britain's most treacherous. At least 36 ships were wrecked on the 4 miles centred on Hartland Quay alone between 1800 and 1920.
A small museum tells it all, and also has displays on the little port itself and its smuggling days, natural history, and the incredibly contorted rock layers hereabouts.
Six circular walks start from the museum.
The beach at Hartland Quay is rocky with numerous pools and the cliffs are spectacular with contorted rock formations. There are lovely views from Hartland Point although you are unable to climb down to the beach below.
Beach Type: Shingle/Pebbles/Rock - Dogs: Dog
Access restricted
At Hartland Quay the building of the harbour was financed by three of England's most famous
sailors, Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Ralegh and Sir John Hawkins.
Rocky beach, spectacular cliffs with contorted rock formations.
Car Park |
Toilets |
Café (Shop) |
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Seasonal Dog Ban |
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Walks |
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Hartland Quay has great rocks rearing 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
Hartland Quay Museum contains information on shipwrecks, of which there have been many in the vicinity, and local places of historic interest.
At Hatrtland Quay the
spectacular cliffs with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks to scramble over.With access to the Coast Path both North and South from the Quay, it is an excellent start/finish point for a wide variety of walks.
The Marine Conservation Society has awarded Hartland Quay its prestigious Good Beach Award making it popular with both swimmers and surfers alike.
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