Where was Malory Towers filmed in Devon?

The hit CBBC series Malory Towers returns to our TV screens this month. But did you know that the 1940s boarding school drama, based on Enid’s Blyton books, is filmed at Hartland Abbey in North Devon?

Love Devon? Why not follow me on Instagram, join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!

Devon mum Joanne Cochrane has been along to find out more about this spectacular stately home and stunning gardens that has been transforming into Malory Towers for five series.

Series six and seven have now finished filming. Series six starts on 9 June 2025, so now is the perfect time to visit this historic estate in North Devon. It’s a treat for Malory Towers fans!

The front of Hartland Abbey - the Devon setting for Malory Towers — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

Contents - jump to what you'd like to know

Visiting the the set of Malory Towers

Stone steps up into Hartland Abbey — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

When you arrive, pick up a locations map at the entrance. This tells you where scenes were shot around the estate. You can also pick up a fun quiz to test your knowledge.

As you walk around the grounds, you’ll also find helpful signs dotted about to show filming locations. Malory Towers fans will love it!

Behind the scenes photos of the filming of Malory Towers in the grounds of Hartland Abbey — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

A white bench and bushes on the lawn of Hartland Abbey. Under the bushes there are behind the scenes photos — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

The front lawn of Hartland Abbey - the Devon setting for Malory Towers — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

You can visit:

The huge front lawn where the girls play lacrosse and tennis
The woods where the pupils take part in cross country races
The walled gardens – home of Ron’s vegetable patch!

The green house of Hartland Abbey — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

Behind the scenes photos of the filming of Malory Towers in the green house of Hartland Abbey — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

The walled garden at Hartland Abbey flowering in late spring — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

The estate leads down to the sea so why not walk down to the coast and spot the dramatic landscape that featured in the series?

Malory Towers pupils stand on a cliff overlooking the sea — Photo credit: BBC/King Bert Productions/Gary Moyes

It’s not only the grounds where filming took place. Head inside the house to see the dining hall where the girls ate and the grand staircase that led up to their dorms.

There’s also a special Malory Towers exhibition in the house.

A glass topped cabinet containing props from the TV show — Picture credit: Joanne Cochrane

Young visitors can see:

Behind the scenes photos of the actresses taken on set
Props used in filming – everything from a ‘tuck’ box to tricks the girls used on each other
A desk from one of the classrooms
A Malory Towers uniform.

Discover more Devon claims to fame.

Hartland Abbey opening times

Hartland Abbey is open to the public between mid-March and the beginning of October. The exact dates change annually so check the website before you visit.

There are special spring flower events and live theatre performances over the summer.

When and where does the new Malory Towers series air?

Malory Towers characters, Darrel and Miss Grayling — Picture credit: BBC/King Bert Productions/Gary Moyes

Malory Towers begins on CBBC and on iPlayer at 6pm on Monday 9 June 2025.

Find out more about visiting Hartland Abbey and read more about Malory Towers.

Words by Joanne Cochrane.

2025 Days out in Devon ebook cover and pages

Download the 101 Days out in Devon with kids ebook

It’s FREE!

Grab your copy of this guide to family-friendly things to do across the county, from coast to coast, in the cities, on the moors and whatever the weather.