Thursday, 13 August 2009
A Hartland Adventure
Last week, I went with family to Hartland Quay. The rain varied from drizzle to heavier as I drove there, but it did not follow us all the way - it was windy, but dry when we arrived. The drive down to the quay is quite confusing and I was glad that we didn't meet anyone coming the other way! Still, we all made it in one piece, with twenty minutes to admire the view before the hotel, shop and museum opened.
And what a view! Lundy was not yet visible, as a mist was hanging over the sea that morning. But the mist made the view even more enchanting as the waves gently caressed the rocks below us.
Shortly after 11am we walked into the shop to find the entrance to the Shipwreck Museum. The Website said there would be a "small admission charge" and it was right: £1 for adults, 50p for children and OAPs. We walked up the stairs and were amazed at the exhibits on display! It was fascinating to look around and read the information, all for the combined cost of £3!
After we'd looked round it all, we went back downstairs and had a nose around the shop. I bought Jon a few pressies (books about Devon, a water bottle and a monkey keyring with LED eyes). Then we went outside, where it had grown a bit sunnier, and saw Lundy Island looming in the distance!
We had brought sandwiches with us for lunch, but we bought teas and coffees from the hotel bar to enjoy outside. Mum was impressed by how hot her coffee was, especially since it was windy outside!
Then we drove back to Hartland, but it was raining there and nothing seemed open (we could only find one pottery). We did, however, enjoy some of the decorations that were already in place for the carnival on the weekend. :) Then we drove on to Atlantic Village to do some shopping, safe from the rain.
I'd quite like to go back to the Hartland peninsula again soon. I much preferred the Quay to the town, but there's quite a few other places to visit in the area; I've been to Hartland Abbey once, years ago, and enjoyed that (I also liked the peacocks there!), and I'd quite like to see the lighthouse at Hartland Point. Plus, I picked up a brochure at Hartland Quay for a Lavender Farm and Tea Rooms in the area, which sounds lovely! Perhaps if someone visits again soon, we can go exploring around there. :)
Alternatively, I could sneak off for the day by myself, sometime next week. I'm quite tempted to! Shh! Don't tell Jon! ;)
[EDIT: 03/09/09]Jon and I explored the Hartland Peninsula some more on Wednesday, 2nd September, if you're interested.[/EDIT]
Have fun, peeps!
