Once a hidden gem on the Devon coast, this ancient fishing village remained largely undiscovered until the mid-1800s – today, it attracts visitors with its charming cottages and lively seafood festivals
If you’re looking to escape the sounds of heavy city traffic, a trip to Devon may be the answer. This small, privately owned village on the north Devon shore has been left largely untouched thanks to its ban on vehicles entering the cobblestoned streets.
The car-free haven has been hailed as the “dreamiest” spot in the country on social media thanks to its unique calmness and famous annual lobster and crab festival. The population stands in the hundreds, with a £9.90 entrance fee for those wanting to visit to help fund essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with the ancient village perched on a 400ft cliff.
The tickets include parking, entry to the village, an audio-visual experience, entry to the Clovelly Court Gardens, entry to the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum and general facilities. But be warned, there is a steep climb to reach the village. It comes after women claim ‘Our Jet2 holiday was ruined because we flew to the wrong Spanish island by mistake’.
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If you stay at the village’s historic hotel The Red Lion, entrance to Clovelly is included. The ancient village was once owned by the Queen of England and has been privately held since Elizabethan times. Originally the estate was owned by William the Conqueror who gifted it to his wife before it was eventually acquired by the Giffard family in 1242.
Until the mid 19th century Clovelly was unknown to the outside world but today it is a well-preserved gem for travellers – with plenty of fishing and architectural points of interest.
The village’s fishing quay is one of its most popular attractions. Strolling through the village on foot also gives travellers the opportunity to explore hidden passageways and see the cottages up close.
Travellers will see donkeys and sledges being used to transport goods. The village even has a donkey adoption program to help keep their beloved mules happy and healthy.
Fishing is still a key part of life in Clovelly and the port remains well-known for its lobsters, crabs and mackerel. Seafood lovers will be happy to know that Clovelly’s restaurants offer locally sourced food, serving the freshest in-season catch daily.
The village is also part of a sustainable fishing partnership to ensure lobsters thrive in the nearby waters for years to come. Consider planning a trip for May to enjoy the Seaweed Festival which celebrates the coast’s natural bounty.
Another big festival for food-focused travellers to keep an eye out for its the Lobster and Crab Feast that takes place in August. The annual event showcases the village’s famous seafood. There’s also the Herring Festival in November to honour the village’s fishing heritage.
Clovelly Court Gardens are a must see whilst visiting the famous village. Plants thrive in this sheltered sunny corner of North Devon, which has the added benefit of the warmth the Gulf Stream brings.
You’ll find neat, carefully tended gardens and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses within its old walls. The famous 630 miles long South west Coast Path also passes right through Clovelly, making it the ideal stopping point.
The Quay and its bay are sheltered from all the strong westerly winds. The settlement has been here since the 13th century. Landing a boat on the treacherous North Devon coast with its cliffs and rocky foreshores has never been easy.
As long ago as the 13th century a rudimentary quay was constructed. Small fleets of fishing boats from Clovelly sailed Bideford Bay in search of herring and mackerel.
Shopping in Clovelly is pure retail therapy. Clovelly Pottery, Clovelly Silk and Clovelly Soap all have unique and exclusive handmade products. Walking down the village, taking in the shops and the living history of this unique place is a wonderful way to spend a day out.
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