A weekend in Clovelly

A cobbled, car-free village stepping down the cliff to the sea

Independent UK guide
Free to use
Affiliate links clearly labelled
Updated October 2026

Clovelly is a private estate village on the north Devon coast, built on a steep cliff above a small harbour. Its single cobbled street, called the High Street, drops steeply to the sea between whitewashed cottages, and no cars are allowed.

Visitors pay an entry fee at the visitor centre, and then walk down, or ride the Land Rover shuttle back up in season.

Best forHistory lovers, Couples, Dog owners, Walkers

Best time to goSpring to autumn, with early or late visits in summer. Weather can be wild, and some facilities close in winter.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereExeter: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Clovelly

Plan your weekend in Clovelly

Top attractions in Clovelly

The High Street

A very steep, cobbled lane lined with cottages and gardens, running down to the harbour.

Clovelly Harbour

A small stone harbour with a pub and a short pier.

Hobby Drive

A scenic wooded walk above the village, with sea views.

The Kingsley connection

The writer Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies, spent part of his childhood here.

Nearby coast

Cliffs and beaches within a short drive along the Hartland coast.

Best things to do in Clovelly

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Camel Trail cycling

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Tintagel Castle visit

Tintagel Castle is a ruined fortress on a dramatic Cornish headland, linked by legend with King Arthur. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Seafood in Padstow

Padstow is one of Cornwall's best-known food towns, centred on a working fishing harbour. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Clovelly

The village

Atmospheric rooms and cottages right on the street, though everything must be carried in.

Above the village

Easier parking and access.

Bideford or Hartland

Nearby towns with more choice.

Best hotels in Clovelly

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The New Inn

Red Lion Hotel

Compare places to stay in Clovelly

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Clovelly

Spring to autumn, with early or late visits in summer. Weather can be wild, and some facilities close in winter.

Seasons that suit Clovelly well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Clovelly

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Clovelly

From Exeter: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From Bristol: About 2 hours 15 minutes by car.
From London: About 4 hours 30 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Clovelly

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The village.
Saturday: Start with The High Street, then Clovelly Harbour. In the afternoon, head to Hobby Drive.
Sunday: Visit The Kingsley connection or Nearby coast, then head home.

Packing list for Clovelly

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

The village street is very steep, and the climb back up is hard work.
There is an entry fee for visitors, so check what is included.
Wear good footwear, as the cobbles are slippery when wet.

Clovelly weekend FAQs

Is Clovelly worth the entry fee?

Many visitors think so, because the village is unique and well preserved, but check current prices.

Is Clovelly suitable for wheelchair users?

The cobbled street is very steep, which makes it very difficult. Check with the visitor centre for the latest advice.

More weekend ideas

IlfracombeDevon

A hilly harbour town with Victorian tidal pools and a giant statue

LynmouthDevon

A harbour village with a water-powered cliff railway on the edge of Exmoor

BudeCornwall

Surf beaches, a tidal sea pool and a canal on the north Cornwall coast

ExmoorSomerset and Devon

Moorland, dramatic sea cliffs and a famous dark sky

Explore more: Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK · Best family weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.