In a Nutshell
A unique fishing village, full of character and history and lovingly preserved by its owners who charge for entry during day time hours - this is essentially a living museum. The steep descent down the cobbled street is worth the effort to step back in time (or you can cheat and get the Land Rover shuttle down). You'll have a tired pup by the time they get back to the top! Parking and Pooping
Clovelly is on the north Devon coast, approx 12 miles west of Bideford. As the village is traffic free, you park at the dedicated car park above the village from where you pass through the ticket office and visitor centre to gain access to the village. There are some grass verges here for pup and the gift shop/entrance has toilets. Through the entrance there is a grassed area with views over the village to the left, but once you have left this, there are no other grass areas as you descend into the village. Walkies
Once through the ticket office (down a wide flight of stairs) the path down to the village and harbour quickly becomes a steep descent. The original cobbled streets are throughout the village and combined with the steepness, this can be challenging at times, especially if it has rained. Wear sensible and grippy shoes! Traffic free, you can saunter down the cobbled main street to the quay. I don't recall any benches, but you can find some places to prop yourself for a break nearer to the quayside. There is no grass once you're past the Mount Pleasant cross at the top of the hill. The locals here still have their shopping transported down the street on makeshift sledges, mainly made from plastic crates and you may see them dragging the crates up the hill. During the Summer, expect to see the donkeys giving rides to tourists up and down the hill too. |
Keeping the Humans Amused
In an attempt to preserve the character of the village, the standard tourist style gift shops are contained within the visitor centre by the car park. Along the cobbled streets you find a small selection of shops within the cottages, including the Donkey Shop, the local store and the Gallery, selling local artwork. Two craft workshops are situated close to the Donkey Stables, just down from the visitor centre. Here you will find a selection of silk and pottery wares for sale. The Fisherman's Cottage, approx.half way down the main street is an example of a true fisherman's home from the 1930s and a fascinating insight into life in the village. The Charles Kingsley Museum is just a few steps away, celebrating the author of "Westward Ho!" Chow Time
The visitor centre has a spacious cafe and we had no problem sitting with Bella and enjoying a cream tea there. There are two inns/hotels in Clovelly, the New Inn approx half way down and the Red Lion Hotel on the quayside. We haven't tested these for dog friendliness so best to ring ahead. As an alternative you can perch on the quay side and get snacks and drinks from the Quay Shop and the Seafood Shop, just few steps back up the hill. |