Clovelly, a picturesque fishing village in north Devon, is unlike any other seaside destination in the UK. Perched on a 400ft cliff, the village is entirely owned by one man, the Honourable John Rous, who inherited it from his mother in 1983. All 80 cottages are rented to residents, who are carefully interviewed to ensure they fit the community's harmonious atmosphere.
Visitors must pay an entry fee of £10.90 for adults and £6.25 for children aged seven to 16 to enter the village. The money is not pocketed by the owner but reinvested into the upkeep and maintenance of homes and the village itself. Despite the fee, around 150,000 tourists visit each year.
The village is car-free, with steep cobbled streets prohibiting vehicles. This keeps the air clean and the atmosphere quiet, with no rush hour traffic or congestion. Residents live full-time in their homes, avoiding the problem of empty holiday rentals common in other seaside resorts.
During a visit, one reporter found the village to be one of the most welcoming places they had ever been. Locals greeted visitors with smiles and were happy to stop and chat. The strong sense of community was evident, with residents eager to recommend other locals to meet or places to explore.
The village offers stunning views over Bideford Bay from its ancient harbour. With its unique ownership model, peaceful environment, and friendly residents, Clovelly stands out as a truly unique and happy seaside destination.
