Monday 31st October 2022

Things to do in Clovelly

Clovelly is one of North Devon’s most charming coastal locations. The picturesque fishing village has a distinctive look and feel, almost like taking a step back in time and entering into another ancient world!

With careful preservation of each its quaint details, this a truly memorable place to visit. The iconic cobbled streets lead you down to the peaceful harbour where you can and relax take a leisurely moment to appreciate this special location, before the steep return climb back to the top. With no vehicles in sight, this is just one aspect of Clovelly that gives it such a special and timeless atmosphere.

There’s a fascinating historic background to uncover in the cottages, museum and souvenir shop which help to make Clovelly a must-see part of your North Devon experience. It takes just under an hour to get to Clovelly from our North Devon holiday cottages at Willingcott Valley.

We’ve put together this useful guide of things to do, to make sure you don’t miss a thing on your visit to Clovelly…

Clovelly Court Gardens

The beautiful and carefully manicured gardens are located near the entrance/exit to Clovelly and well worth a visit. They are some of the most well cared for gardens in North Devon and should be included either when you first arrive or before you leave. Open all year round, admission to the gardens is included with your Clovelly entrance fee.

Image credit: Spixey on Flickr

Charles Kingsley Museum

One of two museums situated close together is the museum of Charles Kingsley. The great Victorian writer has close connections with Clovelly, where he spent a great deal of his childhood. He also penned The Water Babies – one of his most famous literary works in a cottage in the Devon fishing port.

Fisherman’s Cottage Museum

Not far from the New Inn, you’ll come across the Fisherman’s Cottage Museum. If love having a nosy around well-preserved historic homes this quaint museum will definitely interest you. Within each room there are countless artifacts that tell the story of Clovelly’s fishing heritage and paints a very realistic picture of how fisherman once lived.

Clovelly Quay

The quay dates back to the 13th century and is perhaps the most recognised part of Clovelly. A wonderfull focal point to view and photograph from above as you descend towards it. Once reached its a tranquil place to sit and gaze across the gleaming coastal scene of small fishing boats.

Beach Waterfall

Further along from the quay, many people choose to take a short walk along the shingle seafront to see the beach waterfall. This feature is a natural beauty especially after heavy rain and another part of the village’s history. Legend has it that the cave behind the waterfall was the birthplace of Merlin!

Devonshire delights

Why not treat yourself to some of the local delicacies during your visit. Midway along the cobbled street there’s a charming tearoom to sit and enjoy Devon cream teas with a coastal view. The quay also has The Red Lion hotel pub where you can purchase a locally produced Clovelly Cobbler ale.

There is an admission fee to visit Clovelly, but this does includes parking, entry to two museums and Clovelly Court Gardens. The charge also contributes to the preservation of this fabulous private estate. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on on leads.

The visitor centre is modelled on a traditional barn, with café and plenty of souvenirs to purchase. For more information visit the official Clovelly website: www.clovelly.co.uk

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