Clovelly

Set into a steep hillside, on the coast of North West Devon, the small secluded fishing village of Clovelly is famous worldwide for its unique charm and beauty. Clovelly has a fascinating history, stretching back over 900 years and is privately owned. The top of the village is set some 400ft above the ancient stone breakwater, allowing fabulous views over Clovelly Bay. Step back in time onto the traffic free, cobbled street, known locally as 'up-a-long' and 'down-a-long', which winds its way down the hillside, between flower-adorned cottages, to the tiny harbour and lifeboat station below.

In days gone by any goods that needed to be carried up the street were carried by donkeys. However, when the donkeys fell out of use for other jobs, and the fishing industry had declined, the New Inn, in the centre of the village, still had all its goods carried up this way. Until the 1990s the donkeys were still carrying up visitors' luggage, the empty bottles and beer barrels, laundry, cardboard and rubbish bags, for which they use special pack saddles.

For a while donkeys carried tourists up from the harbour to the fountain but this was stopped in the 1960s as (heavy) adults were being allowed to ride the donkeys. After the New Inn had changed hands several times the donkeys were left with just the luggage to carry, which they still do, occasionally. Today, in summer, the donkeys give children rides around their meadow and can be seen posing for photos in the street. There is, however, the option of a Land Rover ride for those unable to negotiate the steep hill.

Access
There is an entrance fee, which covers admission to the audio-visual programme and two museums plus parking; much of this finances the preservation of the village. Admission charges for 2009 from 1st April until 31st March 2010:

Adult: £5.95
Child: £3.75 (7 - 16 yrs)
Family: £15.90 (2A + 2C)
Under 7's go free

For party discounts phone the Visitor Centre: (01237) 431 781
NB. As the High Street in Clovelly is steep, it can be slippery - so do wear sensible shoes. Although the street is not suitable for wheelchairs, the Visitor Centre, donkey stables, craft workshops and Mount Pleasant are all wheelchair accessible and are well worth a visit. Dogs are allowed on leads.

Activities

There are lovely signposted walks along the coast in both directions including the South West Coast Path.

The village has many historic attractions to see, including the Queen Victoria Fountain designed by a cousin of the Queen, and erected in 1901, The tiny Chapel of St Peter built in 1846 for local residents who were unable to walk up the hill to the parish church, Fisherman's Cottage showing how a fisherman's family would have lived in the 1930s and the Kingsley Museum and shop which are dedicated to Victorian author Charles Kingsley, who lived in Clovelly. A few hundred yards walk east from Clovelly Harbour you will find a beautiful waterfall cascading down the cliff face.

You can also visit the Clovelly Court gardens, a classic example of a Victorian walled kitchen garden including magnificent glasshouses sheltering peaches, apricots, melons and grapes. Discover how the unique maritime micro-climate allows the growth of tender and exotic plants!

Food & Drink

In the village you may chose between the Cottage Tearooms and the Red Lion Hotel.

Accommodation

In Clovelly itself, there is the New Inn and The Red Lion Hotel. Within a few miles of the village there are many self catering cottages and holiday parks.

Travel

Clovelly is less than five minutes drive from the A39 (Atlantic Highway), the main road from Bideford to Bude, 12 miles west of Bideford. Exit the M5 at Junction 27. The nearest train station is Barnstaple, and buses run from Barnstaple and Bideford to Clovelly.

Holiday anytime of year!

Spring
In spring you can take advantage of warm, sunny days and lots of fresh air. You’ll also benefit from clear roads and very attractive accommodation prices.

Autumn and Winter
Get away from bustle and busyness of everyday life and enjoy a peaceful break. Christmas and New Year breaks are available in this idyllic location; visit www.clovelly.co.uk for details and to discover what is open, when. A perfect time for exploring the stunning South West Coast Path and the many other attractions that North Devon has to offer.

Click here for more information about Clovelly and a map of North Devon.