Clovelly Village can be found in the North of the historic county within the Torridge district.
The picturesque fishing village is home to just 300 residents and is steeped in maritime history.
Now owned privately by John Rous, who inherited it from his mother in 1983, the remote settlement belongs to the Hamlyn family who have managed the village since 1738.
Prior to this, Clovelly was owned by William the Conqueror, King of England, and until the 19th century, was largely “unknown to the outside world” according to the village’s official website.
While the unique setting is reason enough to visit the coastal settlement, visitors can also experience the completely car-free atmosphere and authentic way of life – including deliveries pulled in by sledges.
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Posting a video of the quaint village on her TikTok profile, avid traveller Sarah Hagan (@sarahkhagan) showed off the summery spot.
Its steep cobbled streets head straight for the coast and are lined by medieval-style properties.
On her visit to Clovelly, Sarah said: “It’s an incredibly beautiful village and so well preserved.”
With no cars in sight, the remote spot is one of few places in Europe to enforce a blanket ban on road vehicles.
Instead, locals pull their supplies in on sledge-like carts to fuel the few local businesses that thrive there.
The cobbled streets can be explored for hours though there is also a pebbled beach and the Lifeboat House that can be found on the shore. Boasting stunning sea views and the sight of a picturesque waterfall pouring over the cliff face, Clovelly has been likened to a “fairytale” setting by visitors.
Sharing their experiences on TikTok, one person wrote: “Remember visiting there when I was a kid with mum and dad. Magical, beautiful place.”
Another added: “Most beautiful place on earth. Happy memories.”
Among Clovelly’s other famous sights include a cave which, as legend has it, was where Merlin, the Arthurian magician was born.
The waterfall that can be seen today stems from a stream that flowed down the village street but was then diverted when mains water arrived in the village.
From the quay, visitors can take a boat trip around the bay, a chartered fishing trip or a voyage to the nearby Lundy Island.
The charming village is only accessible on foot and costs a small fee to enter.
On the official website, it states: “There has always been a charge to visit Clovelly. Like most historical landmarks (e.g. National Trust sites), we heavily rely on entrance fees for the essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with an ancient village perched on a 400ft cliff, with no vehicular access.”
Visitors have access to the village itself and the unique visitors centre which was built in 1988 and has a number of modern-day facilities to keep the village unchanged.
Part of the funds raised from each ticket also goes towards local tree planting and conservation initiatives that can be found around Clovelly.
And while the village itself can’t be driven in, those arriving by car benefit from free parking nearby as part of the admission fee.
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