Clovelly, Bideford, Devon
The historic fishing village of Clovelly is well worth a visit when you’re on your holiday in Devon because you just don’t see this kind of thing very often and it’s so utterly charming. The whole village is privately owned and there’s no access by car – you park at the top of the hill and walk from there. The steep cobbled streets wind down the hill to the picturesque harbour and 14th century quay past flower hung cottages where little passages and winding lanes lead off in all directions. Stop for lunch in one of the cosy inns or restaurants, browse the galleries and boutiques, find out all about the history of Clovelly in the museum, join in a workshop at the craft centre where you can have a go at making candles, soaps and pottery.
Take a boat trip along the beautiful coastline of North Devon, an area with a rich history of pirates, smuggling and shipwrecks, try your hand at fishing for mackerel or herring to take home for tea. See the famous donkeys, once used to bring goods up the hill from the harbour, stop and say hello to them, in the summer the little ones can have a donkey ride. You can even book your own guided tour of the village and included in your admission ticket is entrance to Clovelly Court Gardens – not enormous by any means but an absolute gem with restored Victorian glass houses and the scent of flowers on the air.
T: 01237 431781
All information correct at the time of writing