Voted Britain’s Most Instagrammable Village in 2020, it is the perfect UK holiday destination to explore. Clovelly is a picturesque fishing village located in North Devon. The Estate was once owned by William the Conqueror and gifted to his wife, and maintained royal associations until 1242. The village remained relatively unknown to the outside world until the nineteenth century.
Clovelly has been a settlement since the 13th century. Home to a small fleet of fishermen and fishing boats searching for herring and mackerel in local waters. It is a unique village steeped in history for you to come, explore and learn about on Your Devon Escape.
Clovelly Court Gardens is a must-see whilst visiting the village. As you wander, you will discover carefully tended gardens and beautifully restored greenhouses. There is a wide variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables grown here of which you have the options to take some home and supply The Red Lion Harbour Restaurant. Take a trip to the Gardens or enjoy as part of the Woodland Walk.
The Woodland Walk, or the ‘Long Walk’ to locals, takes you from the village to the Clovelly Court Gardens. You will find many ancient trees along the way including the Ginkgo Tree, one of the oldest living species of trees in the world. It is a delightful walk-through of nature’s history which guides you to explore the Court Gardens. Or if woodlands are not for you, why not check out a section of the South West Coast Path. The 630 miles which make up England’s longest national trail passes right through the village of Clovelly. Why not visit Clovelly on foot, enjoying the delights of the coast path.
If you are looking for a good feed whilst in Clovelly, head to The Red Lion Harbour Restaurant. Serving fresh lobster, crab, seabass, herring, and other fish from the bay that are in season, there is a delicious selection of local food to try. Produce is provided from the Clovelly Court Gardens and game from the Estate. Eating in this establishment gives you a sample of the excellent seasonal food and dishes Devon has to offer. Or if you fancy something a bit more relaxed, check out the Bay Tree Café for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Sit out on the terrace and enjoy the sea breeze. The Red Lion Harbour Restaurant also offers a Snug Bar, which is perfect for evenings of mixing with the locals. Enjoy listening to the Devonians share their stories of the town. The Snug also offers a Sunday Lunch.
Clovelly holds various events and festivals throughout the year. Its three most famous events include the Gig Regatta, Lobster and Crab Feast, and the Apple Day Festival. The Gig Regatta celebrates the best gig teams in Devon, ensuring an exhilarating day of racing. The Lobster and Crab Festival celebrates the village’s famous link to seafood with live folk music, quay kitchens, cookery demonstrations, a magnum of champagne prize draw, delicious lobster and crab dishes, craft stalls and beer tasting. The Apple Day Festival involved apple crafts and activities to celebrate apple season. With live music, apple bobbing, apple stamping and making corn dollies, a farmers’ market, and harvest hunt, there is so much to participate in during the festivities. Make sure to bring some apples to press! To find out this year’s festival and event dates, head to the Clovelly village website and buy your tickets today!
There is a small entrance fee to access Clovelly. Like most historical landmarks, Clovelly relies on its entrance fees for essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with the ancient village being perched on a four-hundred-foot cliff with little vehicular access. The admission charge includes entrance to the village, the Clovelly Court Gardens, Clovelly Film Show, the Fisherman’s Cottage, Kingsley Museum, general facilities, and parking. The admission charge also includes a free return visit within seven days of purchase. Just show your ticket at the Visitor Centre reception.
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