Tucked along the wild, salt‑sprayed coastline of North Devon lies one of England’s most quietly enchanting destinations, a fishing village where cars are banned, donkeys still wander the steep cobbled lanes, and life moves at the pace of the tide.
It’s the kind of place that feels almost suspended in time, yet remains effortlessly welcoming to modern travellers seeking calm, character and a touch of nostalgia.
Perched high above the Bristol Channel, the village unfolds in a cascade of whitewashed cottages, slate roofs and flower‑trimmed doorways. With no cars allowed, the only sounds are the clip of hooves, the call of gulls and the soft rumble of the sea below. Donkeys once the village’s essential transport — still make appearances, adding to the sense that you’ve stepped into a living postcard.
Wandering the narrow lanes is part of the charm. Each turn reveals something new: a tiny tearoom, a craft shop selling local pottery, a hidden viewpoint where the coastline stretches out in dramatic sweeps of cliff and water. Down at the harbour, fishing boats bob gently in the tide, and the air carries the scent of salt, seaweed and freshly baked scones.
What makes this village so compelling is its balance of heritage and escapism. Once owned by the Queen of England and set into a cliff face, the village is known for its steep, cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and most famously, its donkeys, which were once used to transport heavy goods around the car-free village, but now get to enjoy a more restful existence. Clovelly inspired many writers and artists, including Charles Dickens.
Content creator and UK Joy Seeker for holidaycottages.co.uk, Nate McFall recently visited and shared, “Clovelly feels like stepping into another era. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in the UK, and I’ve seen a fair share of our most beautiful places! There’s a real sense of charm and history around every corner, including its donkeys and cliff-side views. And despite all its beauty, it still feels like a hidden gem – I personally didn’t know it existed until now – that deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.
“The fact that the village is completely car-free makes it feel beautifully frozen in time – a real escape from the noise and pace of modern life, where you can slow down, switch off and simply soak up the charm around you.”
The village is privately owned, so it does cost around £10 for adults to visit and £6 for children between 7 and 16. This entry fee does include parking, entry to Clovelly Court Gardens, the Kingsley Museum, and the Fisherman’s Cottage, as well as access to the harbour and beach, and it’s open to the public from 9am to 5pm each day.
