Clovelly in North Devon has been named the third most beautiful chocolate box village in England – but there is a downside for those wanting to visit the area
A charming fishing village in North Devon, complete with Victorian gardens, coastal walks and donkeys, has been lauded for its “beauty” and “uniqueness”, though it comes with a catch.
Clovelly, which once belonged to the Queen of England, boasts a rich history dating back to William the Conqueror, who bequeathed it to his wife.
Tourists can wander through the Clovelly Court Gardens with its rejuvenated Victorian greenhouses and get acquainted with the resident donkeys, Rex, Bert, Ernie, and Alfred, who reside at the village summit.
For those keen on history, the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum offer a glimpse into the life of a 1930s village fisherman.
The museum showcases an array of period artefacts, including furniture, paintings, straw mattresses, and a traditional kitchen. Independent Cottages has ranked Clovelly as the third most picturesque chocolate box village in England, reports the Express.
Perched at the top one of the cobbled lanes is Mount Pleasant, an idyllic picnic area featuring a memorial dedicated to the local men who perished in the First World War. Here, visitors can unwind on benches while taking in the sweeping views of Bideford Bay.
However, the village’s one drawback is the entry fee required for exploration. Adults are charged £9.50 for a day visit, children aged 7-16 pay £5.50, and those under 7 enter free of charge.
The village’s official website states the entrance fees are vital for the conservation and care of this “ancient village perched on a 400ft cliff”.
Your admission charge covers car parking, garden and museum access, an audio-visual presentation, plus entry to walking routes and picnic areas. According to Clovelly’s website: “Your entry fee also goes towards our tree planting and conservation initiatives that you can see around the village.”
The village also hosts craft workshops, whilst Clovelly boasts that its numerous shops offer “pure retail therapy” for guests, featuring pottery, silk, and soap collections. The parish church, situated within the grounds of Clovelly Court, is the Norman church of All Saints.
Those who’ve explored the village have commended its heritage, personality, and appeal, with one TripAdvisor reviewer saying: “Clovelly is a beautiful village to visit and I have been visiting with my family for the last 30 years. Yes, you pay to enter (like most historical landmarks) and yes, it’s steep! both of which are well advertised on the website prior to visiting. There really is no other village quite like it in the UK. The beauty of Clovelly is how it remains unchanged and hopefully will remain this way for many years to come.”
Another visitor added: “This place is good value for money and is full of history and character. There is also a shop, tea room and pub within the village and all the staff were friendly and happy to help.”
A third commenter pointed out a potential drawback, noting the village’s steep hill might make it “not be suitable to visit for everyone”, while another visitor shared their positive experience: “Loved it here. Absolutely loads to do. Found it easily. Massive car park, got the camper van in easily. Huge reception area with shop and cafe. Started off with coffee and toasted tea cake. Very friendly staff. Excellent coffee and food.”