This cute village could quite easily convince you that you’ve stepped through a time loop.
Once owned by England's royal family and known across the world, Clovelly is a true gem of North Devon, offering staggering views across Bideford Bay and a more relaxed way of life, it is now part of a privately owned family estate, and as such, no vehicles are allowed down the steep cobbled street, instead, goods are transported by sledge, often pulled by donkeys.
Clovelly's best loved residents
As famous as the Exmoor ponies, the Clovelly donkeys are a huge draw, visitors are welcome to pose with them for selfies and they are available for children’s rides. The donkeys are all rescues and when they aren't delivering goods up and down the steep streets, can be found in the village stables, which have housed donkeys and horses for over 100 years. It isn't just about the donkeys, the other favourite among visitors is the sea food - which comes in every day fresh from the harbour.
Come and stay
You don't have to leave so quickly, why not stay in Clovelly's 18th Century Inn, the Red Lion, and enjoy a few nights living in the historical harbour? Most of the food and drink you can find around the village and on the inn's menus are sourced straight from the village and the harbour itself - so escape your every day life and immerse yourself in history here.
Why do you have to pay to enter Clovelly?
There has always been a charge to visit Clovelly.
Like most historical landmarks (e.g. National Trust sites), we heavily rely on entrance fees for the essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with an ancient village perched on a 400ft cliff, with no vehicular access. Your entrance fee grants you so much more than just a visit to the village, you'll also get:
Entry to the village
Parking
Entry to Clovelly Court Gardens
Entry to the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum
Audio-visual experience
General Facilities
Great access to the walks and picnic spots surrounding the area
Plus, your entry fee also goes towards tree planting and conservation initiatives that you can see around the village, which helps to preserve it for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to pay to visit Clovelly?
Yes, there is a charge to visit Clovelly, see the most up to date prices here.
No vehicles are permitted in Clovelly, there is parking available at the visitor centre. The Centre and Clovelly Court Gardens are both accessible by wheelchair, but the high street is not, there is a landrover that offers trips down to the harbour for a small charge.
Yes, the donkeys were once integral to village life as there is no vehicle access. Today the donkeys are some of the village's best loved residents and are mostly rescue donkeys.
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