Our surroundings

Clovelly is a picturesque, privately owned fishing village in North Devon, renowned for its steep cobbled street that descends 400 feet down a wooded cliffside to an ancient harbour and 14th-century quay. The village presents a unique step back in time, preserved in its 19th-century glory. There is a wide choice of pubs, locally run shops and restaurants.

• Car-Free Heritage - One of Clovelly's most distinctive features is its complete vehicle-free status. The cobbled streets are so steep that cars cannot navigate them, so goods and supplies are transported exclusively by donkeys and sledges, a tradition maintained for generations.

• Historical Significance - Clovelly's history extends back to at least the 13th century, with origins documented in the Domesday Book. The village was originally owned by William the Conqueror, who gifted it to his wife Matilda of Flanders, making her England's first crowned queen.

• Attractions and Museums - The village features two museums that illustrate 19th-century fishing life. The Kingsley Museum honors local author Charles Kingsley, who wrote "Westward Ho!", the novel that brought Clovelly to wider attention and inspired the naming of the nearby town.

• Maritime Character - Once a bustling fishing port famous for herring and mackerel, Clovelly is now known for lobster and crab. Although fishing has declined, it remains an integral part of village life, with sustainability as a key focus. The historic harbour continues to be the heart of the village, where visitors can watch fishing boats and experience the serene maritime atmosphere.

• Literary and Artistic Legacy - The village has inspired numerous artists and writers over centuries, including JMW Turner, Charles Dickens, and Rex Whistler. Clovelly served as a filming location for "Sense & Sensibility" (2008) and "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" (2018).

Visiting Information

As a privately owned village, Clovelly charges admission at the hilltop visitor centre. The entrance fee includes parking, a film about the village's history, access to craft workshops for silk and pottery, both museums, the donkey stables, two inns, and Clovelly Court Gardens. The village hosts annual festivals including Seaweed Festival (June), Maritime Festival (July), Lobster and Crab Feast (September), and Herring Festival (November), with no additional charges during these events. The Red Lion Hotel, an 18th-century inn on the quay, offers accommodation with sea views, providing an unforgettable experience of waking to the sights and sounds of the ancient harbour.

Just a 5 minute drive away you'll find the villages of Hartland (offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in the British Isles) and Woolsery with shops and village pubs.

Local attractions include Hartland Point and Lighthouse, RHS Rosemoor Gardens and Brownsham National Trust.