• What's On
    • Big Devon Events
    • Festivals
    • Markets
    • Food & Drink Festivals Events
    • Sports Events
    • Art Events
    • Music Events
    • Monthly Events Calendar
    • Tell Us About Your Event
  • Explore
    • Areas to Visit
      • Dartmoor
      • The English Riviera
      • East Devon and Jurassic Coast
      • Mid Devon
      • North Devon
      • South Devon
      • Exeter
      • Plymouth
      • Exmoor
    • Cities, Towns & Villages
      • Ashburton
      • Axminster
      • Barnstaple
      • Beer
      • Bideford
      • Bovey Tracey
      • Brixham
      • Budleigh Salterton
      • Chagford
      • Combe Martin
      • Crediton
      • Croyde
      • Cullompton
      • Dartmouth
      • Dawlish
      • Exeter
      • Exmouth
      • Honiton
      • Ilfracombe
      • Kingsbridge
      • Moretonhampstead
      • Newton Abbot
      • Okehampton
      • Ottery St Mary
      • Paignton
      • Plymouth
      • Salcombe
      • Seaton
      • Sidmouth
      • South Molton
      • Tavistock
      • Teignmouth
      • Tiverton
      • Torquay
      • Totnes
      • Westward Ho!
      • Woolacombe
    • Eco Friendly Devon
    • Dog Friendly Devon
    • History and Heritage
      • D Day in Devon
      • Dartmoor’s Myths and Legends
    • Webcams in Devon
  • Accommodation
    • All Hotels
      • Boutique Hotels
      • Brend Hotels
      • Country House Hotels
      • Spa Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Houses
    • Self Catering
      • Cottages in Devon
    • Campsites
    • Campervans & Motorhomes
    • Caravan & Holiday Parks
    • Glamping & Alternative Accommodation
    • Farm Stays
    • Hostels and Budget
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Dog Friendly
    • Eco Friendly
    • Serviced Apartments
  • Things To Do
    • Attractions
      • Beaches
      • Adventure, Theme & Water Parks
      • Animals & Aquariums
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Castles, Forts & Caves
      • Cinemas in Devon
      • Breweries and Micro Breweries in Devon
      • Family Friendly
      • History & Culture
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Marinas in Devon
      • Parks & Gardens
      • Stately Homes & Manors
      • Theatres in Devon
      • National Trust in Devon
    • Activities
      • Outdoor Pursuits
      • Walking & Hiking
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Cycling & Cycle Routes in Devon
      • Climbing
      • Horse Riding
      • Shooting
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Health & Fitness
      • Horse Racing
      • Cookery Schools
      • Boat Trips in Devon
    • Watersports
      • Surfing
      • Swimming
      • Sailing
      • Kayaks, Canoes and Rowing Boats
      • Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
      • Paddle Boarding
    • Shopping
      • Shopping in Devon
    • Free Days Out
    • Rainy Days
    • Ideas and Inspiration
    • Tours & Sightseeing
  • Food & Drink
    • Places to Eat & Drink
      • Restaurants
      • Cafes & Tearooms
      • Pubs & Bars
      • Fast Food & Takeaways
    • Special Requirements
      • Vegetarian & Vegan
      • Local Produce
      • Family Friendly
      • Seafood
    • Devon Cream Teas
    • Award Winning
    • Food Tours, Breweries & Vineyards
    • Cookery Schools
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Devon Gin
    • Food and Drink Events
  • Conferences
    • Conference Venues
    • Delegate Accommodation
    • Eating Out in Devon for Conference Delegates
    • Incentive Travel
    • Make an Enquiry
    • Making the most of your time
    • Team Building
    • Travelling to Devon for Conference Delegates
    • Why Devon
  • Weddings
  • Special Offers
  • Visitor Info
    • Plan Your Visit
      • Tourist Information Centres
      • Brochures & Guides
    • Getting Here
      • Great Western Railway
      • South Western Railway
    • Getting Around Devon
      • Parking in Devon
    • Competitions
      • Win a weekend stay at The Bull Inn
    • A guide to social distancing on the beach
    • More Information
      • Contact Us
      • Enewsletter Sign Up
      • Visit Devon News
      • Advertise With Us
      • Important information on Covid-19
    • Escape the Everyday
  • COVID-19
    • Good to Go Accommodation
    • Good to Go Things to Do

Don't miss

  • Thumbnail for Mid Devon

    Mid Devon

  • Thumbnail for The English Riviera

    The English Riviera

  • Thumbnail for Plymouth

    Plymouth

  • Thumbnail for South Devon

    South Devon

Menu
  • Explore

    Explore

  • Stay

  • Experience

  • What's On

    What's On in Devon

Site Search

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Print Logo

You are here > Things To Do > Clovelly

Clovelly
  • Clovelly
  • Clovelly Harbour
  • Clovelly lanes
  • Clovelly coastline
  • Clovelly donkeys
  • Clovelly boats
  • boats at Clovelly harbour
  • Clovelly from the sea
  • canoeing in Clovelly
  • docket boats in Clovelly
  • Clovelly gardens
  • Clovelly houses
  • Clovelly marina
  • map of Clovelly
  • children in Clovelly
  • gardens in Clovelly
  • cottages in Clovelly
  • birds eye view of Clovelly
  • Clovelly at night
  • night life in Clovelly

Clovelly

Book Tickets Online

About

Clovelly, North Devon.  Welcome to a different world

The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England.  From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. 

Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and C14th quay bringing glorious views along the way. It is a descent through flower-strewn cottages broken only by little passageways and winding lanes that lead off to offer the prospect of further picturesque treasures. It combines a rich environment and an historic village, with so much to see and explore.

This famous cobbled street, known as 'Up-a-long' or 'Down-a-long', was built of stones hauled up from the beach. Man-powered sledges transport all goods to the village, from groceries to furniture. Donkeys used to be the main form of transport for centuries, but now mainly give children rides around their meadow during the summer or can be seen posing for photographs in the street.

The many literary and artist connections; Charles Kingsley, Charles Dickens, William Turner and Rex Whistler, all help to make this a unique experience.  Kingsley lived here, Dickens wrote about it, Turner painted it and Whistler featured it in much of his work.

There is much to see and do. At the Visitor Centre, watch the must-see film of the history of the village, visit the extensive souvenir shop, and have a snack, lunch or a Devon cream tea at the cafeteria where you can sit out on the terrace to savour the fresh sea air and amazing views.

After leaving the Visitor Centre, walk down to the converted stable yard to watch skilled craftsmen creating beautiful silks and pottery, and see the famous donkeys there or at Victoria Fountain. Then go down the cobbled street to explore the village where you can visit two museums, Kingsley Museum and Fisherman’s Cottage. Or you can book and take a village tour with Jana Edwards who is a mine of information about village history and traditions.

Clovelly has two hotels: the C17th New Inn, in the heart of the village and the C18th Red Lion on the quay, which provide delicious lunches, dinners and Devon cream teas.  There is the Quay Shop at the harbour for take-aways to enjoy on the quay while watching the harbour traffic come and go.  Boat trips are available to take you along the dramatic coastline.

Once a bustling fishing port, Clovelly was renowned for its herring and mackerel and, although fishing has declined, it is still very much a part of village life. Clovelly is also today famous for its lobsters (and crabs), which are sent away as far afield as France and Spain. In past centuries, the coastline was occupied with smuggling, wrecking and piracy and was notorious for shipwrecks, so since 1870, Clovelly has also had its very own lifeboat.

Visit one of our annual festivals such as the “Seaweed Festival” in June, “Maritime Festival” in July, “Lobster and Crab Feast” in September and the “Herring Festival” in November and there’s no extra admission charge.

For those who do not want to walk back up, there is a fare-paying Land Rover service (Easter to October) to return you to the top of the village.  You can also visit Clovelly Court Victorian kitchen gardens and also see its splendid herbaceous borders and magnificently restored Victorian glasshouses. It lies adjacent to the C13th parish church of All Saints.

Clovelly offers breathtaking scenery and lengthy walks along the cliff tops. Hobby Drive, built after the Napoleonic wars to give employment to Clovelly's returning soldiers, winds its way through woods and offers superb views of both Clovelly harbour and Bideford Bay. Walking the other way takes you along the dramatic North Devon stretch of cliffs towards Hartland Point, taking in the little carved shelter of Angel's Wings and the Wilderness Summerhouse with its magnificent view over Mouth Mill Cove, once the haunt of smugglers.

The modest admission charge to Clovelly includes parking, the must-see film of the village history, two museums, Clovelly Court Gardens and a contribution to the preservation of this very special private estate.  Dogs on leads are welcome. 

Visit Website

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£7.75 per ticket
Child£4.50 per ticket
Family (2 adults & 2 children)£21.00 per ticket
Season Ticket - Adult£25.00 per ticket
Season Ticket - Family£60.00 per ticket

Under 7s free
Boxing Day is Free entry

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
2496 reviews
    • Excellent
      1062
    • Very Good
      640
    • Average
      325
    • Poor
      190
    • Terrible
      279

    Recent Reviews:

    • 417keelys
      Westward Ho, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Just WOW!
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 26th December 2020
      We live close by but had never ventured out to Clovelly. We visited Boxing Day for a walk and we were absolutely wow’ed! The cobbled street down to the beach was lined with quaint houses with the... Read full review
    • R6824OGmarkc
      Bristol, England, United Kingdom
      Rude local People
      1 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 6th January 2021
      I used to be taken here by my Grandad who has since died and I wanted to maybe reminice. I had forgotten about having to pay to get in. We pulled into a depressing car park filled with people who... Read full review
    • W5685OGjamess
      Reading, United Kingdom
      Gorgeous Devon villages
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 15th January 2021
      Beautiful quaint fishing village Privately owned. The price of entry £7.25 includes the visitor center. To live there have to ask the owner first. People have said it's a ripoff having to pay to... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2021

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
    • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

    Attraction Facilities

    • Shop - Many shops from the Visitor Centre to Lower Yard and down through the village
    • Tea Rooms

    Catering

    • On-Site café/restaurant
    • Picnic Site - Take-away food from the Quay Shop to enjoy on the quay,

    Children & Infants

    • Accept Children Over 3 - And under 3. Admission charges only for children (7-16).

    COVID-19 Response

    • 1m distancing in place
    • 2m distancing in place
    • Capacity limit
    • Clear signage
    • Contactless payment possible
    • COVID-19 measures in place
    • COVID-19 refund and cancellation policy in place
    • COVID-19 risk assessment completed
    • COVID-19 staff training completed
    • Deep cleaning between visitors
    • Face masks available for visitors
    • Facilities must be booked
    • Floors clearly marked for social distancing

    Establishment Features

    • Coach drop-off point - Immediately outside the Visitor Centre with parking close by
    • Dog Friendly - On leads
    • Dogs Accepted - On leads.
    • Event Venue
    • On-site coach parking
    • On-site parking or valet parking
    • On-site Restaurant/Cafe
    • Open All Year - Except for Christmas and Boxing Day
    • Picnic Area
    • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
    • Shop
    • Tea / Coffee Shop
    • Toilets - Inc. WCs for the disabled in the car park, at the Visitor Centre and Clovelly Court Gardens
    • Wedding Venue

    Key Features

    • Approx length of visit - Allow two to three hours for a visit, including a cream tea or lunch.
    • Families
    • Groups - Big discount on the standard entrance fee for groups of 20+
    • In countryside
    • Max group size - Max. group size only for a guided tour: 20
    • Outdoor Attraction
    • Smoking Some Areas
    • Village Location
    • Weddings

    Parking & Transport

    • Coach Parking - Drop off points immediately outside Clovelly Visitor Centre with parking close by.
    • On site parking - At the Visitor Centre car park, which is included in the entry fee.
    • Parking (charge)

    Payment Methods

    • Accept Bank Transfers, Internet Payment or SWIFT/IBAN - For groups
    • All major credit cards accepted
    • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
    • Maestro accepted
    • MasterCard accepted
    • Min group size - 20
    • Solo accepted
    • Visa accepted

    Specialist Features

    • Marketed towards families
    • Marketed towards senior citizens

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Guided Tours Available for Groups - Please contact the Visitor centre, visitorcentre@clovelly.co.uk. T: 01237 431781
    • Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Please contact the Visitor centre, visitorcentre@clovelly.co.uk. T: 01237 431781

    Travel & Trade

    • Free accommodation for coach driver - Free entry for driver and group leader. £10 each for a main meal and drink at the Visitor Centre cafeteria. 10% discount for the drivers to shop at the V.C. Free family entry for coach drivers on a separate occasion.
    • Group discounts available
    • Room/unit allocations available - Red Lion at harbour: 17 rooms. Centre of village, New Inn: 8 rooms. Hamlyn's B&B: 11 rooms
    • Wi-fi available

    Venue Facilities

    • Groups Accepted - Big discount on the standard entrance fee for groups of 20+

    Video

    • Clovelly

    Map & Directions

    View Map

    Road Directions

    Clovelly is just off the A39, 10 miles west of Bideford.  Exit the M5 at Junction 27.

    Public Transport Directions

    Nearest train station is Barnstaple.  Buses run from Barnstaple and Bideford to Clovelly.

    facebook: https://facebook.com/clovellyvillage

    Access Information

    PARKING

    Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
    Designated parking within about 50 metres of main entrance
    Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance
    Flat route with no steps from parking area to entrance
    Parking is provided for visitors

    ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

    Drop-off point for guests immediately outside main entrance
    Level access, ramp or lift from entrance to reception

    ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

    Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:
    Gift shop
    Information point
    Public toilet
    Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair
    Ticket issuing point
    Level access, ramp or lift to a public toilet
    Level access, ramp or lift to dining area
    Level access, ramp or lift to the bar

    CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

    Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:
    Cafeteria
    Meals for guests with special dietary requirements can be provided

    STAFF

    Staff have had disability awareness training

    GENERAL

    Audible alarm system

    This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

    Clovelly Visitor Centre, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5TA

    Visit Website

    Email

    Close window

    Call direct on:

    Tel01237 431781

    Add Clovelly to your Itinerary

    Opening Times

    * Clovelly is open all year round, except for Christmas. Open for free on Boxing Day. During the summer months, open from 9am to 6pm. For other opening times, please call the Visitor Centre T: 01237 431781 or email: visitorcentre@clovelly.co.uk

    Awards

    • TripAdvisor AwardsTripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2018
    • Devon TourismVisit Devon Awards - Bronze Visit Devon Awards - Bronze 2018
    • Regional and MiscellaneousRHS Britain in Bloom - South West Gold - 2015 - 2019 RHS Britain in Bloom - South West Gold - 2015 - 2019 2019

    Useful links

    • Clovelly Brochures download

    What's Nearby

    1. The Milky Way Adventure Park

      The Milky Way Adventure Park

      You'll find fantastic and SAFE fun for the family at The Milky Way - the only attraction…

      1.12 miles away
    2. The BIG Sheep

      The BIG Sheep

      The BIG Sheep – world famous for the hilarious Sheep Racing !

      North Devon’s most popular…

      6.71 miles away
    3. Dartington Crystal

      Dartington Crystal

      Take in the Factory Experience & Visitor Centre where you can see and hear the…

      11.34 miles away
    1. RHS Garden Rosemoor

      RHS Garden Rosemoor

      RHS Garden Rosemoor is an enchanting garden nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley and…

      12.07 miles away
    2. watermouth castle

      Watermouth Family Theme Park And Castle

      A visit to the wonderful world of Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle is a unique and…

      20.6 miles away
    3. Wolves

      Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

      This amazing Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is not only home to some of the most endangered…

      21.65 miles away
    4. Roadford Lake

      Roadford Lake

      Create your own adventure at Roadford Lake

      Between Okehampton and Launceston, PL16…

      22.67 miles away
    5. Quince Honey Farm birds eye view

      Quince Honey Farm

      Quince Honey Farm has relocated for 2019 and the brand-new bigger all-weather…

      23.82 miles away
    6. tree surfers

      Tree Surfers

      This is a day of adventure you won’t forget. We have tree top activities suitable for all…

      33.18 miles away
    7. tamer trails, tavistock

      Tamar Trails

      The Tamar Trails is an all day attraction for families who love the outdoors. This a…

      33.19 miles away
    8. Miniature Ponies

      The Miniature Pony Centre


      We are the only true and original Miniature Pony Centre.

      35.09 miles away
    9. National Trust - Buckland Abbey

      National Trust - Buckland Abbey


      Discovery, tranquillity and history – Buckland Abbey is an ancient gem in the Tavy…

      37.55 miles away
    10. Becky Falls

      Becky Falls

      Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has been…

      39.13 miles away
    11. Fursdon Gardens and Tea Room

      Fursdon Gardens and Tea Room

      Fursdon is one of Devon’s oldest family homes where the Fursdon family has lived for more…

      39.56 miles away
    12. National Trust - Knightshayes

      National Trust - Knightshayes


      With one of the finest gardens in the South West, Knightshayes is a masterpiece of…

      40.27 miles away
    13. canonteign falls children

      Canonteign Falls


      Home to England’s highest manmade waterfalls, Canonteign Falls is a magical natural…

      41.4 miles away
    Previous Next

    Search What's Nearby

    Product Type
    Proximity
    Within miles
    Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..
    Loading..Loading..Loading..
    Contact Us

    Contact Us

    Request a Guide

    Request a Guide

    E-newsletter

    E-newsletter

    Travel Info

    Travel Info

    • Email Page
    • Print Page
    • Devon
    • North Devon
    • Sidmouth
    What's On
    Big Devon Events
    Festivals
    Markets
    Food & Drink Festivals Events
    Sports Events
    Art Events
    Music Events
    Monthly Events Calendar
    Tell Us About Your Event
    Explore
    Areas to Visit
    Cities, Towns & Villages
    Eco Friendly Devon
    Dog Friendly Devon
    History and Heritage
    Accommodation
    Glamping & Alternative Accommodation
    Romantic Breaks
    All Hotels
    Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Houses
    Self Catering
    Campsites
    Caravan & Holiday Parks
    Farm Stays
    Serviced Apartments
    Dog Friendly
    Things To Do
    Attractions
    Activities
    Watersports
    Shopping
    Free Days Out
    Rainy Days
    Ideas and Inspiration
    Tours & Sightseeing
    Food & Drink
    Places to Eat & Drink
    Special Requirements
    Devon Cream Teas
    Award Winning
    Food Tours, Breweries & Vineyards
    Cookery Schools
    Celebrity Chefs
    Food and Drink Events
    Special Offers
    Attraction & Activity Offers
    B&B and Guest House Offers
    Food and Drink Offers
    Holiday Park Offers
    Hotel Offers
    Seasonal Offers
    Conference and Wedding Offers
    Self Catering Offers
    Visitor Info
    Plan Your Visit
    Getting Here
    Getting Around Devon
    Competitions
    More Information
    Escape the Everyday
    COVID-19
    Member's Area
    Advertise With Us
    Devon Tourism Awards
    Member's News
    About Visit Devon
    Visit Devon Business Plan 2017/18
    Visit Devon Annual Report and Unaudited Financial

    © Visit Devon Community Interest Company

    • Advertise With Us
    • Enewsletter Sign Up
    • Site Map
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Tell Us About Your Event
    • Terms and Conditions
    Made by Simpleview Logo

    Ratings & Reviews

    Powered By