Situated in the Torridge region of Devon, the mesmerising little village of Clovelly has more to offer than just its famous cobbled streets and donkeys. The lack of wheeled traffic on the narrow, steep roads, the white cottages on either side decorated with flowers, the salty air, the hues of the setting sun, the view of the harbour from the top made our 'Clovelly Experience' more compelling.
We reached the Visitor Centre at around 4 PM. Since most of the museums and shops had already closed by that time, the lady at the counter offered us half priced tickets and we ended up paying for only one at £7.75.
First we came across some workshops and donkey stables. From there, the road diverged into three, the right one being the 'Hobby Drive Walk' towards the Harbour Viewpoint and the left one the 'Mouthmill Cove Walk'. The middle one took us to the village and further down to the harbour.
At the start of the cobbled street, on the left, lies Mount Pleasant, a memorial for the village men who lost their lives in World War I.
A few more steps on the road towards the village and we met one of the famous donkeys of Clovelly.
Apart from the donkeys, the other animal we saw in plenty owning the streets of Clovelly....
We soon reached the Queen Victoria Fountain. It was founded in 1901 as a memorial to Queen Victoria. During the busy hours, you can see the donkeys at this spot, posing for photographs or giving rides to children.
We took a left turn from the fountain and the pretty village unveiled itself with the Clovelly Bay peeking behind the cottages.
The museums and the shops were closed by the time we reached the village, but it hardly mattered as we were overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the place.
The decorated doors and windows of the Oberammergau Cottage
There were a few cafes, shops, a post office, two chapels and some beautiful cottages along this road, which eventually took a steep descent to the harbour.
Down at the quay, it was a different view altogether. We saw some fishermen waiting for a big catch with their fishing rods over the harbour wall. A few people were enjoying beer outside 'The Red Lion Hotel' and some went for a swim at the Clovelly Beach. The air smelled of fish and salt. There was a waterfall nearby which could be visited by boat but we did not take the ride.
The Clovelly Harbour
By the time we returned, the Visitor Centre was closed and we followed the other exit through the garden, adjacent to the centre, where the Diamond Jubilee Fountain was situated. A Land Rover Service is available for easy transport from the Harbour to the Visitor Centre (charges applicable) if you are not willing to climb the steep roads, but we preferred to walk back.
Two more coastal walks start from Clovelly - The Mouthmill Cove Walk and the Hobby Drive Walk.
If you have time, it is worth going for the Hobby Drive Walk through the lush green woods towards the Harbour Viewpoint, which gives 'magnificent glimpses' of the harbour and the Bideford Bay (approx 3 miles to the viewpoint and back as per the map).
Where to Stay: New Inn, The Red Lion Hotel Where to Eat: Cafe at the Visitor Centre, New Inn, Cottage Tea Rooms & Garden, The Red Lion Hotel
Gift Shops: The Donkey Shop, Clovelly Post Office
Entry Fees (2019): £7.75 (adult)
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