As part of our Road Trip Around Cornwall, we stopped at the picturesque village of Clovelly. Nestled in the cliffs of the beautiful countryside, it is a major tourist attraction in the area. I have visited the village multiple times and always leave feeling charmed and a little bit jealous of the quiet life. If you find yourself in Devon and need inspiration for an adventure, then a day trip to Clovelly is just what you need. Read on to learn more.
Day Trip to Clovelly | How to Spend a Day in Devon
History of Clovelly
Before I get started on the day trip, I want to share with you a bit of history. It is a really precious and unique village and learning about it makes the visit more special.
This unique corner of Devon is car-free and boasts no individually-owned houses. It was once owned by William the Conqueror. From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. Over the years it has inspired multiple authors and artists, including the likes of Charles Dickens. In fact, it is widely assumed that Charles Kingsley’s ‘Westward Ho!’ is the reason why tourists came.
Getting to Clovelly Village
A day trip to Clovelly obviously starts with getting there. The village is clearly signposted on the A39, the nearest main road. The directions will then take you to the visitors car park. This is the furthest any vehicle can go. At this point, you will need to walk into the visitor centre and embark the rest of the journey on foot.
The entrance fee for all visitors is £8.50, which they put towards the upkeep. After you have paid, you can then begin the long path down the cobblestone hill. This is a long trek, but at least it is downhill (getting back is the issue). After a few minutes, you will soon be able to see the coastline and the village far below.
If you are unable to walk up/down the hill, then there is a shuttle that runs into the village.
What to see on your Day Trip to Clovelly
When you get to the village there is a lot to see and do. Firstly, the quay itself is very impressive and picturesque. I loved walking along this and taking as many photos as I could. Next to the quay is the Red Lion, the only pub in the village. You can have locally-sourced food cooked here for you, all whilst you enjoy the coastline.
The Clovelly Court Gardens are another must-see when you are in the village. This is a classical, working Victorian garden and is filled with colour. There are also fruits that are grown here over the summer, which you can even take home with you. Nearby is the Fisherman’s Cottage, which celebrates the fishing community. It is the only house that can be viewed by visitors as the rest are lived in. However, you can find the Kingsley Museum here too!
Perhaps most famously though, there are the Clovelly donkeys. These were once essential to the villagers to get food to and from the village. Nowadays though, the villagers use sledges and the donkeys live a peaceful life. They can be found at the top of the village. There are also plenty of shops here, along with various fishing/ crabbing trips.
Last but not least, there are a series of different coastal walks that you can take. We went on a short one to the east of the village, along the stony beach. After a bit of walking, we discovered a beautiful waterfall. This was in October, but if it was warmer I would have loved to just sit down by it and relax. There are plenty of other walks to choose from; just ask the visitor centre or a local.
Where to Eat on your Day Trip to Clovelly
Before you head on into the village, you have the Bay Tree Cafe in the visitor centre. The menu here is relatively standard. You have sandwiches, burgers and pasties.
When you get into the village, the only place you can order food is the Red Lion Hotel. During the day, they do a varied takeaway menu. This includes classic pub grub, alongside fish and chips, burgers and pizzas. If you are staying later, you have the Harbour Restaurant. This is a bit more expensive, but the restaurant focuses on high quality local ingredients. Definitely a treat if you wanted to enjoy an evening meal.
Can I Stay For One Night?
Yes! The Red Lion Hotel has 17 rooms that are available. I loved the last time we stayed by the coast at the Port William hotel near Tintagel. We are planning on staying here this Summer… Watch this space!
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Clovelly is a British rite of passage. Whether you just want to visit for the day, an afternoon or an entire weekend, there is just something magical here waiting for you to discover it.
Let me know whether you think I have missed something or how you get on on your day trip. As always, I would love to hear from you.
Other posts that may help you:
- Three Days in Devon | A Short Itinerary
- Cornwall Road Trip | Staycation Series
- Days Out in Southern England
- One Week in Wales: UK Road Trip Itinerary
Thank you for reading and I hope that my post has been useful and have helped to inspire a day trip to Clovelly!
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
