Speke's Retreat in Hartland | Stunning Group Escape LargeHolidayCottages.com

About Speke's Retreat

Speke's Retreat is a converted barn in North Devon that sleeps up to 12 guests. This property sits within Spekes Valley Holidays near Bideford. The spacious layout works well for extended families or friendship groups. Off-road parking for two cars makes arrival straightforward.

The North Devon countryside surrounds this property. Rolling fields and quiet lanes define the area. You're positioned between the coast and Exmoor National Park.

The accommodation offers flexible sleeping arrangements across the barn conversion. Expect multiple social spaces to serve the group comfortably. Social spaces include a living area and kitchen where everyone can gather. The layout provides flexible sleeping arrangements for different group configurations.

Westward Ho! beach sits 6 miles away (15 minutes). RHS Garden Rosemoor is 8 miles distant (18 minutes). Clovelly village lies 9 miles away (20 minutes). The Milky Way Adventure Park reaches 12 miles (25 minutes). Exmoor National Park starts 15 miles away (30 minutes).

Groups wanting coastal access and moorland walks will find Speke's Retreat perfectly positioned. The spacious layout suits multi-generational gatherings.

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Need To Know

✓Barn conversion building located in a quiet and peaceful rural hamlet in North Devon, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and near an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest)
✓Oil underfloor central heating system included in the price
✓Electricity included in the rental price
✓Wi-Fi internet access included in the rental price
✓Five bedrooms total: 3 kingsize (5ft) beds and multiple zip and link single beds with pull-out singles allowing flexible sleeping arrangements
✓Five ensuite bathrooms: four with cubicle showers and heated towel rails, one with bath and shower over bath, heated towel rail, and toilet
✓Ground floor living room with Freeview TV, DVD player, CD player, and French doors opening to outside
✓Dining room featuring an electric woodburner for heating and ambiance
✓Fully equipped kitchen with electric cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine
✓Bedroom 1 (ground floor) with kingsize bed, smart TV, and ensuite with cubicle shower, heated towel rail, and toilet
✓Bedroom 2 (ground floor) with zip and link 2 x single beds, smart TV, and ensuite with cubicle shower, heated towel rail, and toilet
✓Bedroom 3 (first floor) with kingsize bed, smart TV, and ensuite with cubicle shower, heated towel rail, and toilet
✓Bedroom 4 (first floor) with zip and link 2 x single beds plus pull out 2 x single beds, smart TV, and ensuite with bath, shower over bath, heated towel rail, and toilet
✓Bedroom 5 (first floor) with zip and link 2 x single beds, pull out single bed, and pull out 2 x single beds (no ensuite)
✓Cot and highchair available for infants
✓Shared tumble dryer facility available on-site with other property
✓Large shared garden with garden furniture and barbecue on terrace
✓Ample on-site parking available for guests
✓Pets allowed free of charge, up to 2 dogs permitted
✓No smoking policy throughout the property
✓Decorated at Christmas for seasonal ambiance
✓Check-in time after 16:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Located 4 miles from Hartland village with amenities including post office, stores, garage, church, and local pubs serving food
✓Close proximity to English Heritage Coastline (1 mile) with direct access to a maze of coastal footpaths from the doorstep
✓Nearby beaches and coves include Speke’s Mill Mouth, Hartland Quay, Welcome Mouth, Bude Widemouth Bay, and Westward Ho!
✓Nearby activities include golf at Bude, sea fishing, water sports and sailing at Tamar Lakes, and trips to Lundy Island by helicopter or boat from Clovelly or Bideford
✓Nearby towns and villages include Clovelly, Bucks Mills, Appledore, and Bideford
✓Nearby family attractions include The Big Sheep, Milky Way, Docton Mill Gardens, Hartland Abbey, and Clovelly Court
✓Suitable for keen walkers, bird watchers, and naturalists due to location and surroundings
✓Grouped property with one other cottage on site (Aunt Nell’s Cottage), sharing some external facilities such as garden and tumble dryer
✓Bed linen and towels provided for all guests
✓Security deposit or booking details not specified in the data

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Local Insights: Speke's Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Hartland, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

18°C

Overcast

Updated: 13 Oct 2026, 3:05am

🌡️

17.70°C

Temperature

💨

34 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

85%

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 October 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

Speke's Retreat 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):

🌌

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

86m

(282 feet above sea level)

Speke's Retreat sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️

86m

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: 50.9766790° N | Longitude: 4.517267° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Hartland (Tuesday, 13 October 2026):

6:36am

Sunrise

4:32pm

Golden Hour

5:32pm

Sunset

🌅

6:36am

Sunrise

🌇

5:32pm

Sunset

📸

4:32pm

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 (4:32pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Hartland, you have approximately 10.93 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Speke's Retreat.

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

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Speke's Retreat

Spacious Five-Bedroom Layout

The barn conversion provides ample sleeping space for ten guests with flexible bedroom arrangements that suit different group compositions perfectly.

Parking for Two Vehicles

Off-road parking eliminates the stress of finding spaces and means everyone can arrive together without worrying about vehicle arrangements.

North Devon Countryside Setting

The rural location offers peace and quiet whilst keeping beaches and Exmoor within easy reach for varied day trips.

Proximity to Coastal Attractions

Westward Ho! beach and Clovelly village sit under 30 minutes away giving groups excellent coastal access for beach days.

Easy Access to Exmoor

Exmoor National Park starts just 15 miles away offering walking routes and moorland scenery for active groups to explore together.

Central Kitchen and Living Space

The open social areas let larger groups cook and eat together without feeling cramped during evenings and mealtimes.

Getting To Speke's Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Speke's Retreat by car, take the A39 towards Bideford and follow signs for Spekes Valley. The barn conversion is easily accessible from main roads and you'll have convenient off-road parking for two cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, approximately 12 miles away. From there, it's a straightforward taxi journey to the property through North Devon countryside.

Off-road parking for two cars

Barnstaple station (12 miles)

Easily accessible from the A39

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Westward Ho! Beach

Distance: 6 miles

EX39 1LH

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Distance: 8 miles

EX38 8PH

Clovelly Village

Distance: 9 miles

EX39 5TQ

South West Coast Path

Distance: 6 miles

EX39 1LH

Exmoor National Park

Distance: 15 miles

EX31 4QX

Northam Burrows Country Park

Distance: 7 miles

EX39 1NW

Bideford Town Centre

Distance: 4 miles

EX39 2DR

Morrisons Bideford

Distance: 4 miles

EX39 3QS

Barnstaple High Street

Distance: 12 miles

EX31 1BQ

Barnstaple Bus Station

Distance: 12 miles

EX31 1LE

Bideford Quay

Distance: 5 miles

EX39 2QH

Barnstaple Railway Station

Distance: 12 miles

EX31 2AU

Westward Ho! Beach

Distance: 6 miles

EX39 1LH

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Distance: 8 miles

EX38 8PH

Clovelly Village

Distance: 9 miles

EX39 5TQ

South West Coast Path

Distance: 6 miles

EX39 1LH

Exmoor National Park

Distance: 15 miles

EX31 4QX

Northam Burrows Country Park

Distance: 7 miles

EX39 1NW

Bideford Town Centre

Distance: 4 miles

EX39 2DR

Morrisons Bideford

Distance: 4 miles

EX39 3QS

Barnstaple High Street

Distance: 12 miles

EX31 1BQ

Barnstaple Bus Station

Distance: 12 miles

EX31 1LE

Bideford Quay

Distance: 5 miles

EX39 2QH

Barnstaple Railway Station

Distance: 12 miles

EX31 2AU

Is Speke's Retreat Right For Your Group

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

For Families

The Milky Way Adventure Park sits 12 miles away with indoor and outdoor activities. Westward Ho! beach offers sandcastle building and rock pooling. RHS Garden Rosemoor provides family trails through the grounds. The Big Sheep attraction near Bideford features animal encounters and play areas. Exmoor National Park has gentle walking routes suitable for children.

Groups Will Love...

The five-bedroom barn conversion layout gives groups genuine space to spread out. Multiple bathrooms prevent morning bottlenecks when everyone needs to get ready. The kitchen and living areas accommodate ten people comfortably for meals and evening gatherings. Off-road parking for two vehicles means arrival and departure run smoothly without parking disputes or coordination headaches.

Pet Friendly

The property listing doesn't confirm whether pets can stay at Speke's Retreat. Contact the accommodation provider directly to discuss bringing dogs or other animals. North Devon offers excellent walking routes and beaches where dogs are welcome during certain seasons. Many local pubs and cafes accommodate well-behaved dogs. Confirm pet policies before booking to avoid disappointment.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Speke's Retreat

The Pig on the Hill

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 5BE

The Riverside Restaurant

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 2QH

The Royal George

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 2EQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Speke's Retreat

How many guests does Speke's Retreat accommodate?

The property sleeps up to 10 guests across five bedrooms. This makes it suitable for extended families or groups of friends travelling together.

Is Speke's Retreat pet friendly?

The property details don't specify pet policies. Contact the property directly to confirm whether dogs or other pets can accompany your group.

How many bathrooms are available?

Multiple bathrooms serve the five-bedroom layout. This ensures groups won't queue during morning routines or after beach visits.

What parking is available at the property?

Off-road parking accommodates two cars. Groups arriving in additional vehicles should confirm arrangements before booking.

How far is the nearest beach?

Westward Ho! beach sits 6 miles away requiring a 15-minute drive. The sandy beach offers space for group activities and coastal walks.

What shops are nearby for provisions?

Bideford town centre lies approximately 4 miles away with supermarkets and local shops. Stock up on essentials before arriving or during your stay.

Can we access Exmoor National Park easily?

Exmoor National Park starts 15 miles from the property taking 30 minutes by car. The moorland offers excellent walking routes for active groups.

What attractions suit larger groups nearby?

The Milky Way Adventure Park sits 12 miles away taking 25 minutes to reach. RHS Garden Rosemoor and Clovelly village also work well for group visits.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Speke's Retreat Reviews

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Speke's Retreat, Hartland

About Speke's Retreat

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Weather & Local Conditions

What to Expect Through the Year

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Planning Your Days by Season

October Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Spacious Five-Bedroom Layout

Parking for Two Vehicles

North Devon Countryside Setting

Proximity to Coastal Attractions

Easy Access to Exmoor

Central Kitchen and Living Space

Getting To Speke's Retreat

By Car

By Train

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is Speke's Retreat Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Pig on the Hill

The Riverside Restaurant

The Royal George

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Speke's Retreat Reviews