Clovelly, North Devon: A Step Back in Time

A visit to Clovelly feels like stepping straight onto the pages of a historic fairy tale. Nestled on the rugged coastline of North Devon, this famous cliffside village tumbles steeply down ancient cobblestone paths straight into the deep-blue waters of its historic harbour.

Here is everything you need to see, taste, and explore in Clovelly.

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What Makes Clovelly Unique?

What truly sets Clovelly apart is its absolute lack of modern traffic: there are no cars here. Even more fascinating, a single family privately owns the entire village—one of only three families to hold the estate over the last 950 years. To preserve its authentic character, every single cottage is restored using traditional materials, making it one of the most uniquely preserved coastal destinations in the UK.

Step Into History on the Cobbles

Dating back to the 14th century, Clovelly’s cobbled street—known locally as "Up-along" or "Down-along"—was built using rounded pebbles hauled straight up from the beach below.

Angie's Top Tip: Leave the heels at home! Wear sturdy, flat-soled walking shoes. The ancient cobbles are uneven and can become surprisingly slippery after a rain shower.

As you wander down past whitewashed cottages framed by climbing flowers, stop in at the 15th-century Fisherman’s Cottage built when this coast was steeped in tales of herring fishing, shipwrecks, and contraband smuggling.

This micro-museum now offers a glimpse into the life of a local seafarer at the turn of the 1930s. The preserved cottage features a kitchen, bedroom, and parlour, with black-and-white photos from the turn of the century and original furniture.

The Famous Donkeys and Wooden Sledges

Because the street is far too steep for vehicles, donkeys served as the primary mode of transport for centuries. While the resident donkeys no longer carry heavy loads, you can still meet them grazing in their stable yard near the top of the village.

So how do they deliver everything today? They haul everything from weekly groceries to heavy furniture and building supplies up and down the hill on custom wooden sledges. Keep an eye out—you will almost certainly see them in action during your visit!

For a cool experience, you can book a 1-hour guided donkey walking experience—such as the Clovelly Court Gardens Walk or the Hobby Drive coastal woodland path via the official Clovelly ticket website.

Literary Connections & Screen Fame

Clovelly has long captivated artists and authors. Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies and Westward Ho!, spent his childhood here, drawing endless inspiration from the dramatic coastal cliffs. More recently, film crews have flocked to the harbour to shoot scenes for The Salt Path and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.

Where to Eat: Sconing the Devon Way

No trip to North Devon is complete without a traditional Devonshire cream tea. Head to The Cottage Tea Rooms to enjoy freshly baked, warm scones served with thick clotted cream, sweet strawberry jam, and a steaming pot of tea.

The Golden Rule: You are in Devon now! Remember to spread the clotted cream first, followed by a dollop of jam on top (saving the Cornish jam-first debate for another county).

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