Clovelly Harbour - Clovelly Village
Step back in time at the picturesque 14th Century harbour at Clovelly.
The drystone quay was started in the 13th Century, extended in the 16th Century and lengthened again in 1826. The four cannon barrels used as bollards on the quay are said to come from Spanish ships from the Armada.
In the past centuries, this coastline was rife with smuggling, wrecking and piracy and was notorious for shipwrecks.
Since 1870, Clovelly has had its own lifeboat to help protect those in peril on the sea. The bay is sheltered from westerly winds and even today ships will wait in Clovelly Roads for storms to pass.
The first houses were built alongside the quay of which the oldest is Crazy Kate's Cottage, built in the 15th Century. Clovelly was once a bustling fishing port, famed for its winter herring and summer mackerel. When fishing was good, 9,000 herring could be landed at one time! It is reported that 400 donkey loads were carried up the hill in one day. Although fishing has declined, it is still a part of village life and fresh catches can be sampled in the village restaurants. There is usually plenty of sweet Clovelly lobsters and crabs available during the Summer months.
On the other side of the harbour, there is an old limekiln once used for turning limestone into lime to spread on the fields and reduce soil acidity.
For details of everything from fishing trips to diving with seals, please ask at the Visitor Centre or the New Inn Hotel or Red Lion Hotel.
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Notes | Open all year |
Tel: 01237 431781
www.clovelly.co.uk
Clovelly Village
Clovelly, North Devon, EX39 5TA
Map reference: SS 310251 Lat: 51.00092 Long: -4.40964
Clovelly is just off the A39, 10 miles west of Bideford. Exit the M5 at J27.
Parking : free
Accessible by Public Transport : 20 miles (32.2 kms) from Barnstaple station
Shops, two museums, A/V film showing the history of the village, craft workshops, Clovelly Court Gardens, two pretty inns offering snacks, cream teas, lunch and dinner. Partial access for wheelchair users
Self-assessed accessibility details
Parking
- Designated parking for guests with disabilities
- Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
- is solid
- Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
- Is flat (i.e. without steps)
Entrance
- Entrance is well lit
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
- From the entrance to reception / ticket area
- To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
- To the gift shop
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Baby changing facilities
Food
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
- High chairs for children
- Children's menu
General
- Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
- Clear signage
- Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
- Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
- Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
- Audible alarm system
- Visual alarm system
