Nestled in North Devon, the fishing village of Clovelly offers a step back in time, with steep cobbled streets once traversed by donkeys carrying goods to the harbour. The village remains completely car-free to preserve its timeless character, with winding lanes that tumble down a 400-foot cliff.
Shops and local crafts
The charming coastal village is adorned with whitewashed cottages and delightful independent shops, offering visitors a genuine sense of peace and calm. Its meandering cobbled street is commonly known as 'Up-a-long' or 'Down-a-long'. Dotted along the route are several Clovelly-based shops showcasing locally crafted goods, including She Sells Seashells, a treasure trove of unique preloved and vintage items. The village is also home to Clovelly Pottery, the Clovelly Soap Company, and Clovelly Woodturning, which specialises in hand-turned wood crafted from locally sourced timber.
History and fishing heritage
At the foot of the dramatic cliffside sits the quay, where visitors can watch boats drift in and out of the bay. This 13th-century landmark holds a profound connection to the village's origins, once bustling with hundreds of vessels returning with their daily catches, including herring and freshly caught fish.
Entry fees and visitor information
Clovelly is privately owned and currently in the care of John Rous, who inherited the 2,000-acre estate in 1983. An entry fee is charged to contribute towards the general maintenance of the area. The standard admission price includes a free return visit within seven days, upon presentation of the ticket at the Visitor Centre. The adult rate is £10.90, while children aged seven to 16 are charged £6.25 and younger children enter free of charge. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £27, and annual passes are available for those planning multiple visits. The admission fee grants guests access to parking, entry to Clovelly Court Gardens, the Fisherman's Cottage and Kingsley Museum, picnic spots, and scenic walks offering coastal views. An audio-visual experience is also available, and dogs are welcomed provided they remain on a lead throughout the visit.
One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: "We visited today, and we loved Clovelly. We paid £10.90 each to go in, well worth every penny to maintain the upkeep of this village. Beautiful and so interesting. Very steep cobbled streets, so you need to wear a sensible pair of shoes. We had a really lovely day." Another visitor wrote: "Those who are wanting bijou, upmarket, touristy village won't find it here...it's one of the few remaining places in the UK which has been preserved like a step back in time. A place where good hard-working people live, and we are treated to a sneaky peek of Clovelly's magic and depths." They added that extending a visit to an overnight stay or weekend break allows visitors to experience the "stillness of the sunrise" and the "peaceful presence of the village."
