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Horseshoe Cottage, Hartland

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Rating
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Horseshoe Cottage is a stone-built retreat in the Devon countryside near Hartland. Perfect for group gatherings, this property features an indoor heated swimming pool that makes it stand out for year-round breaks. The rural setting provides peace and space for larger parties.

The Hartland area sits on Devon's dramatic north coast. Rolling farmland meets coastal paths. The Atlantic coastline offers spectacular views and walking routes.

The cottage sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms. Four bathrooms serve the group. The spacious living areas include a sitting room and separate dining room, ideal for gathering everyone together. The kitchen is well-equipped for preparing group meals.

About Horseshoe Cottage

Horseshoe Cottage is a stone-built retreat in the Devon countryside near Hartland. Perfect for group gatherings, this property features an indoor heated swimming pool that makes it stand out for year-round breaks. The rural setting provides peace and space for larger parties.

The Hartland area sits on Devon's dramatic north coast. Rolling farmland meets coastal paths. The Atlantic coastline offers spectacular views and walking routes.

The cottage sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms. Four bathrooms serve the group. The spacious living areas include a sitting room and separate dining room, ideal for gathering everyone together. The kitchen is well-equipped for preparing group meals. Stone walls and traditional features create character throughout.

Hartland Quay (3 miles, 8 minutes) offers coastal walks and a historic harbour. Clovelly Village (6 miles, 15 minutes) presents cobbled streets and fishing heritage. Westward Ho! Beach (11 miles, 20 minutes) provides sandy shores. RHS Garden Rosemoor (15 miles, 25 minutes) showcases beautiful gardens.

Horseshoe Cottage suits families and friend groups wanting coastal access with countryside calm. The indoor pool sets this apart for any weather.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Horseshoe Cottage

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Hartland, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

14°C

Overcast

Updated: 19 Jul 2026, 3:10am

🌡️
13.50°C
Temperature
💨
7 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
97%
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 July 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

Horseshoe Cottage 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

173m

(568 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️
173m
Elevation
📍
Hartland
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 Hartland 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: 50.9664692° N | Longitude: 4.4782288° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Hartland (Monday, 20 July 2026):

4:24am

Sunrise

7:24pm

Golden Hour

8:24pm

Sunset

🌅
4:24am
Sunrise
🌇
8:24pm
Sunset
📸
7:24pm
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 (7:24pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Hartland, you have approximately 16.00 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 Horseshoe Cottage.

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: 19 Jul 2026 | Location: 50.9664692, -4.4782288

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Horseshoe Cottage

Indoor Heated Swimming Pool

The private indoor pool provides entertainment for all ages whatever the weather brings to the Devon coast.

Spacious Group Living Areas

Separate sitting and dining rooms give everyone space to spread out whilst staying connected during your break.

Coastal Walking Access

Hartland's spectacular coastal paths and Hartland Quay are just three miles away for breathtaking Atlantic views.

Traditional Stone Character

Authentic stone walls and period features create a warm atmosphere that feels genuinely special for group gatherings.

Peaceful Countryside Setting

Rural location near Hartland offers tranquillity and space away from busy areas whilst remaining accessible to attractions.

Four Bedroom Layout

Sleeping eight guests across four bedrooms with two bathrooms provides comfortable accommodation for extended families or friends.

Getting To Horseshoe Cottage

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Horseshoe Cottage by car, take the A39 Atlantic Highway towards Hartland. Follow signs to Hartland village and continue to the countryside outskirts. Off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, approximately 20 miles away. From there, a taxi journey takes around 40 minutes through the North Devon countryside to reach the cottage.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (20 miles)
Accessible from the A39 Atlantic Highway

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Hartland Quay
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 6DU
Clovelly Village
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 15 miles
EX38 8PH
Hartland Point Lighthouse
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 6DU
South West Coast Path
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 6DU
Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6EA
Hartland Village Stores
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6BL
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 15 miles
EX39 2DR
Morrisons Bideford
Distance: 15 miles
EX39 3QS
Hartland Abbey
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6DT
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 11 miles
EX39 1LH
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Distance: 18 miles
EX39 5RY
Hartland Quay
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 6DU
Clovelly Village
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 15 miles
EX38 8PH
Hartland Point Lighthouse
Distance: 4 miles
EX39 6DU
South West Coast Path
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 6DU
Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6EA
Hartland Village Stores
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6BL
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 15 miles
EX39 2DR
Morrisons Bideford
Distance: 15 miles
EX39 3QS
Hartland Abbey
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 6DT
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 11 miles
EX39 1LH
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Distance: 18 miles
EX39 5RY

Is Horseshoe Cottage Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The indoor heated swimming pool provides hours of entertainment for children throughout the year. Hartland's beaches and rock pools offer exploration opportunities. The Milky Way Adventure Park sits 18 miles away with rides and activities. Westward Ho! Beach has sandy shores perfect for building castles. The countryside setting gives space for outdoor games and freedom to play safely.
Groups Will Love...
The indoor heated swimming pool transforms this cottage into an exceptional group retreat. Available exclusively to your party, the pool operates year-round regardless of Devon's coastal weather. Children and adults alike can enjoy swimming at their leisure. The facility means entertainment is always on-site, reducing the need to venture out daily. This feature particularly benefits multi-generational groups seeking varied activities.
Pet Friendly
Horseshoe Cottage welcomes dogs to join your group break. The countryside location provides immediate access to walking routes from the door. Hartland's coastal paths and rural lanes offer varied terrain for different exercise needs. The stone-built property has durable flooring suitable for muddy paws. Nearby beaches allow dogs to run freely, particularly outside summer restrictions at certain locations.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Horseshoe Cottage

The Hart Inn Hartland

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 6BL

The Docton Mill Gardens Tearoom

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 6EA

The Hoops Inn Horns Cross

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 5DL

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Horseshoe Cottage

Is Horseshoe Cottage pet-friendly?
Yes, Horseshoe Cottage welcomes pets so your dogs can join the family break. The countryside setting provides excellent walking opportunities right from the door.
How many guests does the cottage sleep?
The property accommodates up to eight guests across four bedrooms. Two bathrooms serve the group comfortably.
Is there an indoor swimming pool?
Yes, the cottage features a private indoor heated swimming pool. This facility is available throughout your stay regardless of weather conditions.
What parking is available?
Off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles. The rural location means parking is straightforward for group arrivals.
How far is the nearest beach?
Hartland Quay is three miles away, approximately eight minutes by car. Westward Ho! Beach with its sandy shore is eleven miles away.
Are there shops nearby for supplies?
Hartland village has local shops for essentials within a few miles. Bideford, fifteen minutes away, offers supermarkets and wider shopping facilities.
What makes this good for groups?
The indoor pool, separate living spaces and four bedrooms create an ideal setup. Everyone gets space whilst enjoying shared facilities.
Can we visit Clovelly from here?
Clovelly Village is six miles away, about fifteen minutes by car. This historic fishing village makes an excellent day trip for the whole group.

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