Picturesque fishing village with modern life banned takes tourists ‘back in time’ | UK | Travel

Nestled in North Devon lies a renowned fishing  village where time appears to stand still, inviting visitors to stroll along cobbled streets once traversed by donkeys carrying goods down to the harbour.

To preserve the village’s timeless character, it remains completely car-free, with winding lanes that tumble down a 400-foot cliff.

The charming coastal village of Clovelly, adorned with whitewashed cottages and delightful independent shops, offers visitors a genuine sense of peace and calm. Its meandering cobbled street makes the location instantly familiar to many, commonly known as ‘Up-a-long’ or ‘Down-a-long’.

Dotted along the route are several Clovelly-based shops showcasing locally crafted goods. Among these is She Sells Seashells, a treasure trove of unique preloved and vintage items perfect for your home and garden.

The village is equally proud to host Clovelly Pottery, alongside the Clovelly Soap Company and Clovelly Woodturning, which specialises in hand-turned wood crafted from locally sourced timber.

At the foot of the dramatic cliffside sits the quay, where visitors can while away the hours watching boats drift in and out of the bay. This 13th-century landmark holds a profound connection to the village’s origins, once bustling with hundreds of vessels returning with their daily catches, including herring and freshly caught fish.

Visiting

As Clovelly is privately owned, having passed through the hands of various families for centuries, it is currently in the care of John Rous, who inherited the 2,000-acre estate in 1983. With this in mind, an entry fee is charged to contribute towards the general maintenance of the area.

The standard admission price includes a free return visit within seven days, upon presentation of the ticket at the Visitor Centre. The adult rate currently stands at £10.90, while children aged seven to 16 are charged £6.25 and younger children enter free of charge.

A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £27, or those planning multiple visits can opt for annual passes.

The admission fee grants guests access to parking, entry to Clovelly Court Gardens, the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum, magnificent picnic spots and scenic walks throughout the surrounding area offering breathtaking coastal views.

An audio-visual experience is also on offer, along with access to the village’s general facilities. All of this can be enjoyed with your four-legged companion, as dogs are warmly welcomed provided they remain on a lead throughout the visit.

One visitor who had experienced the North Devon gem shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, writing: “We visited today, and we loved Clovelly. We paid £10.90 each to go in, well worth every penny to maintain the upkeep of this village.

“Beautiful and so interesting. Very steep cobbled streets, so you need to wear a sensible pair of shoes. We had a really lovely day.”

Another visitor offered their perspective on what genuinely sets Clovelly apart from other coastal villages. They shared: “Those who are wanting bijou, upmarket, touristy village won’t find it here…it’s one of the few remaining places in the UK which has been preserved like a step back in time. A place where good hard-working people live, and we are treated to a sneaky peek of Clovelly’s magic and depths.”

They went on to describe how extending your visit to an overnight stay or weekend break allows you to properly experience the “stillness of the sunrise” and the “peaceful presence of the village.”