Nestled On England's Western Coast Is A Quaint Village With Walkable Streets And Fairytale Charm

Hidden away in a narrow valley on Devon's rugged northwestern coast, Clovelly is a timeless harbor village known for its picturesque setting and historic character. Widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in England, Clovelly is a popular stop for visitors who enjoy strolling around fairytale settlements shaped by maritime tradition. Cars are banned on the steep streets of Clovelly, so it can only be explored on foot, which helps retain the charming atmosphere.

Dating to the 13th century, Clovelly was once a prosperous fishing settlement, with up to 70 herring boats in operation by 1840. Today, the industry continues on a smaller scale, and you'll still see a few boats down at Clovelly Quay, which was built to protect the fishing fleet and village from stormy seas. In season, you can feast on fresh seafood at The Harbour Restaurant at the Red Lion Hotel down on the quayside. Or, if you're here in November, you might catch the annual Herring Festival, which celebrates local heritage with fish-themed food stalls and live music.

Alongside the quay, Clovelly's pebble beach is small but sheltered by the harbor wall. At low tide, the rock pools are exposed along the shore. It's a great place to go crabbing and spot marine life in its natural habitat. Plants also thrive here in the warm Devon climate, and green-fingered visitors will enjoy exploring Clovelly Court Gardens during their time in the village. This Victorian walled garden grows produce for local eateries and is known for its exotic plants, which are at their best during summer.

Devon is known for its scenic coastline and quaint villages, yet Clovelly takes things a step further. With its historic houses and walkable, car-free roads, this pretty fishing village feels like something out of a fairytale. As one Tripadvisor reviewer reports, Clovelly has "a really unique atmosphere that makes it feel like stepping back in time." Flanked by miniature gardens, whitewashed cottages line the route down to the harbor — an enchanting scene that delivers "quintessential English charm," according to another Tripadvisor user.

As you stroll down toward the harbor, you'll come across several gift shops, many with fairytale names like The Mermaid's Purse and She Sells Seashells. You'll find everything from ceramics to silk, perfect if you're hunting for unique souvenirs. The buildings along this street have changed little over time, and although most properties are private residences, you can visit the Fisherman's Cottage & Kingsley Museum, where you'll discover how local families lived during the early 20th century.

Adding to the charm are the Clovelly donkeys, which can be spotted in the fields above the village. Once used to transport goods up and down the steep street, today the donkeys enjoy a quieter life as village icons. These days, humans do the hard work using hand-pulled sledges instead. You'll probably see sledges in some of the gardens as you walk through the village. This is how locals receive deliveries, which include everything from groceries to furniture. 

The easiest way to visit Clovelly is by car. However, since vehicles aren't permitted in the village, you'll have to use the Visitor Centre Car Park and then explore on foot. If you've visited the under-the-radar fishing village of Polperro over the border in Cornwall, you'll know how car-free villages work. There is a charge to enter Clovelly, and tickets can be booked online ahead of your visit. The fee also includes parking, entry to Clovelly Court Gardens, the Fisherman's Cottage & Kingsley Museum, and a free return visit within seven days.

The cobbled street down to the harbor is very steep and can be slippery when wet, so wear sensible shoes and leave the heels at home. If you're visiting with a baby or toddler, it's best to use a baby sling or carrier as the street is too steep for strollers. For visitors with mobility needs who will find the steep hill challenging, a Land Rover shuttle service runs between the Visitor Centre and the harbor. 

Spending around three hours in Clovelly will give you time to explore the village, browse the shops, and stop for lunch at one of the cafés or restaurants. Although the village has mostly retained its authentic charm, it can get busy in summer, so you may prefer to come during spring or fall to avoid the crowds. Still want more? For another fairytale destination in Devon, visit the quaint village of Dunster, which is less than a two-hour drive along the coast.