Clovelly
Clovelly Visitor Centre, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5TA
Clovelly is one of North Devon’s most distinctive coastal villages, where steep cobbled streets lead you down through a peaceful, car-free community and straight to the sea. Set against a 400-foot cliff, the village has been privately owned for centuries and is known for keeping its history and character intact.
Walking through Clovelly is like stepping into the past. Instead of cars, goods are still moved by sledge, and you’ll often spot donkeys resting in the shade. The main street winds through whitewashed cottages with colourful doors, tiny alleyways, and gardens full of flowers. The route ends at a small working harbour that still sees local boats coming in with fresh catch.
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Clovelly is dog friendly, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the village, including the coastal paths and woodland walks nearby. It’s a great spot for a full day out with your dog, with plenty of places to stop, rest, and take in the views.
There’s a lot to explore as you make your way down the hill. You can visit two small museums – one tells the story of writer Charles Kingsley, who once lived here, and the other recreates a traditional fisherman’s home. At the top of the village, the visitor centre includes a short film that gives some background on Clovelly’s history and how the village operates today.
Clovelly has a long link with art and literature, having inspired writers like Dickens and painters such as J.M.W. Turner. The converted stables now house craft studios where you can see local makers at work, including potters and silk artists.
The New Inn, partway down the street, and the Red Lion Hotel by the quay both offer food and drink, including cream teas and local seafood. You’ll also find a gift shop, takeaway options, and places to sit and watch the boats or take in the sea air.
If you’re visiting in the summer or autumn, Clovelly runs regular events, from the Seaweed Festival to the popular Lobster and Crab Feast.
These festivals are included in the ticket price and are a good chance to try the village’s famous seafood and enjoy live music or local crafts.
There are also walking routes that start from Clovelly. Hobby Drive is a wooded track with coastal views and benches along the way, while Hartland Point has more challenging clifftop walks with wide views across the bay. Dogs are welcome on all these trails.
Admission to Clovelly includes access to the gardens at Clovelly Court, just above the village. These include Victorian greenhouses and flower borders that change with the seasons. There’s also a paid Land Rover service available to take you back up the hill if you’d rather not walk.
Fishing remains an important part of life here, and the local lifeboat station continues to operate. Clovelly’s ties to the sea are still visible everywhere you look, from the boats in the harbour to the old gear hanging by the walls.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying nearby, Clovelly is a peaceful and memorable place to explore. With dog-friendly paths, fresh sea air, and a warm welcome, it’s one of North Devon’s best-loved spots for visitors of all ages.