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THE UNIQUE TREASURE OF CLOVELLYThe dramatic view from the coast path above Clovelly Harbour illustrates one of the reasons why this village is so unique. The whole village is wedged into a fold in the cliffs. People have lived here since the Iron Age, but the Saxons named it “Cleave Leigh”, old English for ‘cleft in the cliff’. Clovelly is part of a private estate, once owned by the wife of William the Conqueror and listed in the Domesday Book, and has been in the ownership of but three families in the last 800 years. This straggling village of irregular, gleaming white cottages with lichen-covered slate roofs, clings to each side of the cleft. The traffic-free street, paved with cobbles hauled up from the shore, descends steeply in a series of terraces to a tiny fishing port, once famous for its herring catches, and its ancient wave-worn quay. The only forms of transport you will see at Clovelly are sledges and donkeys. Clovelly remains a vibrant community, which enjoys a way of life that visitors can but envy. They say it is this atmosphere, the stunning views and the maritime setting, which live on in their memories. Despite its tranquillity, there is much to see and do: an audio-visual film of the history of the village at the award-winning Visitor’s Centre, shops, traditional craft workshops, the museum dedicated to Charles Kingsley, author of ‘Westward Ho!’ and ‘Water Babies’, who spent part of his childhood here, a cottage replicating the life of a fishing family in the C19th, a Victorian kitchen garden at Clovelly Court, the manor house, and much more. For instance, there is a series of exciting events to attend. The main ones are the Maritime Festival in July, Lifeboat Weekend in August, the Lobster and Crab (Clovellian, of course) Feast in September and the Herring Festival in November. They are great days out for all the family. You can even take a boat trip along the dramatic coastline or to Lundy Island . Alternatively, enjoy the magnificent views from a cliff top walk along ‘ Hobby Drive ’ or west towards ‘Gallantry Bower’. For those who do not want to walk back up, there is a fare-paying Land Rover service for much of the year to return you to the top of the village. Two pretty inns, both licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, offer really comfortable accommodation in charming en suite bedrooms, no two of which are quite the same, as well as delicious snacks, lunches, Devon cream teas and dinners. Ideally stay the night and be absorbed into the tranquillity of a quiet community: The C18th Red Lion Hotel , situated on the quayside: Tel: 01237 431237. Email: redlion@clovelly.co.ukThe C17th New Inn, situated in the heart of the village: Tel: 01237 431303. Email: newinn@clovelly.co.uk Clovelly lies nine miles west of Bideford on the A39 towards Bude. Turn off at Clovelly Cross and follow the signs to the Clovelly and the Visitor Centre car park. Open all year. Summer opening times: 09:00 - 6:30. Admission charges 2009: adult £5.75; child (7-16) £3.65; under 7s free; family (2A 2C) £15.50. For further information, please consult: www.clovelly.co.uk or Tel: 01237 431781 |
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GOOGLE STREET VIEW - THE APPROACH TO CLOVELLY (vehicles cannot go into the village ) |
Clovelly Events 2010Normal entry charges to Clovelly apply, except for Christmas Lights where a small parking fee is charged after 2 p.m. 2010 charges: Adult £5.95, Child £3.75, Family (2A, 2C): £15.90. Clovelly is a privately owned village. Part of the admission fee contributes to the maintenance of the village to preserve its timeless charm and magic.
Events, dates and content may be subject to change, so please visit www.clovelly.co.uk for latest details or phone the Visitor Centre on 01237 431781.
This popular event pays tribute to Clovelly's famous lobster and crabs. There's always a fun party atmosphere, so come along and enjoy a day of live folk music and theatre. And will you be able to resist the charms of the lobster hypnotist? There will be local craft and food stalls, a quay kitchen with cookery demonstrations, wine and beer tasting, and no shortage of entertainments for the children. And it's in aid of the National Lobster Hatchery at Padstow. So don't miss it!
In the 18th century, a hundred boats fished for the 'silver darlings' (herring) out of Clovelly. This Herring Festival is held in support of sustainable fishing by traditional methods and to celebrate the herring. Mike Smylie will be there with his popular 'Kipperland' exhibition, smoking delicious kippers and bloaters. Simon and Ann Cooper will be bringing along their curragh, making nets, and demonstrating flax processing and knitting. In addition, Jim MacCool, founder of National Poetry Month, will be performing his show of infectious verse and toe-tapping Celtic rhythms. Enjoy herring specialities, local cider and wine, shanty singing, a walk-about theatre and masses of stalls.
(Procession starts at about 4 p.m. from the Visitor Centre. Entry free after 2 p.m. with small parking charge) Christmas is a magical time at Clovelly, so don't miss this fund-raising event and the switching on of the village Christmas lights. A brass band leads the procession down to the harbour. There's mulled wine, a barbecue, rousing carols, and Father Christmas makes a surprise visit. At 5 p.m. the switch is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up - it's a fantastic sight. And there are fireworks to finish off what is always a perfect day New for 2011: Lentsherd Children's Carnival, Sunday 20 February |
Clovelly |
Bed and Breakfast. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and a colour television. Burscott is a quiet no through lane so only the birds singing in the garden and fields will wake you in the morning! The uninterrupted views of the countryside makes Pillowery Park the perfect setting for your stay in North Devon. The house is strictly Non Smoking and has no facilities for pets |
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near Bideford/Clovelly |
Holiday Caravans for hire
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Clovelly in Devon one autumn morning in 2003. The best place on earth!
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