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Docton House, Appledore

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★
Devon » Appledore
8
1
4
3

Docton House is a spacious holiday property in Devon, perfect for larger groups wanting to explore the North Devon coast. This substantial house sits near Hartland in one of the county's most dramatic coastal areas. The property sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms, making it ideal for multi-family gatherings or group celebrations.

The surrounding area offers spectacular clifftop walks and access to some of Devon's most unspoilt beaches. Hartland Point and its lighthouse provide stunning coastal views.

Accommodation comprises four bedrooms sleeping 8 people total, with three bathrooms throughout.

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About Docton House

Docton House is a spacious holiday property in Devon, perfect for larger groups wanting to explore the North Devon coast. This substantial house sits near Hartland in one of the county's most dramatic coastal areas. The property sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms, making it ideal for multi-family gatherings or group celebrations.

The surrounding area offers spectacular clifftop walks and access to some of Devon's most unspoilt beaches. Hartland Point and its lighthouse provide stunning coastal views.

Accommodation comprises four bedrooms sleeping 8 people total, with three bathrooms throughout. Large communal living spaces include a generous kitchen-diner and separate sitting room, perfect for group meals and evening entertainment. The property features traditional character with modern facilities.

Clovelly (8 miles, 20 minutes) offers its famous cobbled streets and harbour. Bideford (14 miles, 25 minutes) provides shops and restaurants. RHS Garden Rosemoor (18 miles, 30 minutes) showcases beautiful gardens. Westward Ho! beach (16 miles, 28 minutes) is great for group beach days.

Docton House works brilliantly for groups wanting coastal walks, beach access and proper space to gather together in North Devon.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

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Local Insights: Docton House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Appledore, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:01am

🌡️
15.90°C
Temperature
💨
10 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
92%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Docton House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

13m

(43 feet above sea level)

Docton House sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
13m
Elevation
📍
Appledore
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Appledore are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.0517000° N | Longitude: 4.1938° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Appledore (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:22am

Sunrise

6:13pm

Golden Hour

7:13pm

Sunset

🌅
5:22am
Sunrise
🌇
7:13pm
Sunset
📸
6:13pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:13pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Appledore, you have approximately 13.85 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Docton House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.0517000, -4.1938000

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Docton House

Spacious Group Accommodation

Six bedrooms sleeping 12 guests means everyone gets proper space while still enjoying time together in the generous communal areas.

Coastal Location

Proximity to Hartland's spectacular coastline puts you minutes from dramatic clifftop walks and secluded beaches perfect for group exploration.

Large Kitchen Diner

The spacious kitchen-diner easily accommodates the whole group for meals, making self-catering for 12 people straightforward and sociable.

Traditional Character

Period features and traditional Devon architecture create a proper holiday atmosphere whilst modern facilities ensure everyone stays comfortable throughout.

Perfect for Families

Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms mean extended families or friend groups can holiday together without feeling cramped or compromising on comfort.

Peaceful Rural Setting

The quiet location away from busy tourist spots provides a proper retreat whilst keeping coastal attractions and market towns within easy reach.

Getting To Docton House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Docton House by car, follow the A39 towards Hartland then take the turning for Hartland Point. The property is located in this coastal area with parking available on arrival.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, approximately 25 miles away. From there, you'll need to arrange a taxi or car hire for the scenic journey to Hartland.

Off-road parking for multiple vehicles
Barnstaple station (25 miles)
Accessible from the A39

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Clovelly Village
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 5TA
Hartland Point Lighthouse
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 6DU
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 18 miles
EX38 8PH
Hartland Quay Coastal Path
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6DU
Speke's Mill Mouth Beach
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 6AA
Welcombe Mouth Beach Walk
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 6HF
Hartland Village Stores
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6BL
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 14 miles
EX39 2DR
Morrisons Bideford
Distance: 14 miles
EX39 3QS
Hartland Abbey
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6DT
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 14 miles
EX39 2QQ
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 16 miles
EX39 1LH
Clovelly Village
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 5TA
Hartland Point Lighthouse
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 6DU
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 18 miles
EX38 8PH
Hartland Quay Coastal Path
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6DU
Speke's Mill Mouth Beach
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 6AA
Welcombe Mouth Beach Walk
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 6HF
Hartland Village Stores
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6BL
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 14 miles
EX39 2DR
Morrisons Bideford
Distance: 14 miles
EX39 3QS
Hartland Abbey
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6DT
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 14 miles
EX39 2QQ
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 16 miles
EX39 1LH

Is Docton House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The coastal location provides endless entertainment with beaches for rock pooling and sandcastle building. Hartland's dramatic coastline offers exciting cliff walks suitable for older children. Clovelly's cobbled streets and donkeys fascinate younger visitors. Westward Ho! beach has a large sandy expanse perfect for games and water sports. The spacious house and gardens give children room to play safely.
Groups Will Love...
The expansive kitchen-diner serves as the social heart of Docton House. This large space comfortably seats all 12 guests around the dining table for proper group meals. The well-equipped kitchen has everything needed for preparing food for larger numbers. Adjacent living areas flow naturally from the dining space, creating perfect spots for groups to gather, chat and relax together throughout the day.
Pet Friendly
Docton House welcomes dogs to join your group holiday. The rural location and nearby coastal paths provide excellent walking opportunities straight from the door. Hartland's beaches include dog-friendly sections year-round. The property's grounds give pets space to explore safely. Always check specific pet policies including numbers allowed and any additional charges before booking your stay at this North Devon property.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Docton House

The Hart Inn Hartland

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 6BL

Docton Mill Gardens Tearoom

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 6EA

The Kings Arms Hartland

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 6BE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Docton House

How many guests does Docton House sleep?
Docton House sleeps up to 12 guests across six bedrooms. The property includes multiple bathrooms to comfortably accommodate larger groups.
Is Docton House pet friendly?
Yes, Docton House welcomes pets. Check with the property owner regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional charges that may apply.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
The property has six bedrooms configured to sleep 12 people total. Specific bedroom layouts include a mix of double and twin rooms suitable for families and groups.
Is there parking available?
Yes, off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles. This makes it convenient for groups arriving in separate cars from different locations.
What facilities are in the kitchen?
The large kitchen-diner is fully equipped for group catering with modern appliances. The dining area comfortably seats all 12 guests for meals together.
What's nearby for group activities?
Clovelly village is 8 miles away, Bideford town centre is 14 miles and Westward Ho! beach is 16 miles. Coastal walks start directly from the Hartland area.
Are there shops nearby?
The nearest shops are in Hartland village, a short drive away. Bideford, 14 miles away, has supermarkets and a wider range of shops for stocking up.
What makes this good for groups?
Six bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, large communal spaces and coastal location make it ideal. The property layout allows groups to spend time together whilst having private spaces too.

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