Clovelly: Coastal Paths, Village History and Harbour

Clovelly combines walks through woodland and coastal scenery with places that tell the story of the village, gardens and a working harbour that is still in use. If you are looking for a hotel in Clovelly, you can plan your visit around the experiences you want to enjoy: walks, glimpses into life in the past or seasonal activities. Each attraction has its own focus.

Walks between the village, woodland and coast

The South West Coast Path runs directly through Clovelly. The Woodland Walk, also known locally as the Long Walk, connects the village with Clovelly Court Gardens. Hobby Drive passes through woodland and offers views of Clovelly Harbour and Bideford Bay. The routes therefore offer different scenery: the Woodland Walk takes in the gardens, while Hobby Drive combines woodland with views.

The Clovelly & Mouth Mill walking route also connects several named points along the coast. There is a coastal waterfall behind the lifeboat station, and a lime kiln stands on Mouth Mill Beach. A cave behind the coastal waterfall is linked to Merlin in local legend. This story is part of local folklore. If you are interested in landscapes and traditional stories, you can experience both around the same stretch of coast.

When planning your routes through the village, bear in mind that the High Street is steep and can be slippery. This is a practical consideration to factor in alongside the different scenery offered by the walks.

Village life and history

Clovelly’s donkeys were once an essential part of village life. Visitors can see them in the stables at the top of the village; visiting arrangements may change. Fisherman’s Cottage shows how a Clovelly fisherman and his family lived in the 1930s. The Kingsley Museum tells visitors about Charles Kingsley and his time in Clovelly. Together, these places offer different perspectives on the village’s history: from family life in the 1930s to an earlier local tradition and the connection with Kingsley.

Clovelly Harbour is a working harbour where fishing boats are still active. The harbour is therefore not only among the views you can see from Hobby Drive, but also part of the village’s working life today. If you are interested in how village history connects with present-day use, the harbour offers a different perspective from the museums and cottage.

Gardens, nature and seasonal experiences

Clovelly Court Gardens include restored Victorian greenhouses. Admission to the gardens is included in a Clovelly Village ticket; check the current ticket details before your visit. Clovelly’s coastal woodlands are home to gnarled oaks as well as a variety of birds, butterflies and small mammals. The gardens and woodland offer different aspects of nature: the restored greenhouses in one setting, and the diverse habitats of the coastal woodlands in the other.

At the Craft Yard, you may be able to watch craftspeople making printed silk fabrics and ceramics, depending on the season; availability may vary. The Clovelly Herring Festival is also worth factoring into your seasonal plans: it takes place in November, but the exact date and programme may change. Check the details for your travel year if you want to plan your visit around it.

Crabs can be caught at any time from the rock pools and harbour wall. Safety and access guidance may change, so check the latest information about this activity beforehand. With coastal paths, a harbour, gardens and village history, Clovelly offers several distinct highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bradninch, Woolfardisworthy, Dunsford, Throwleigh, Ashprington, Westward Ho, Blackawton, Outer Hope.

For the wider travel guide: Devon.