CLOVELLY DEVON UK - Unique Coastal village where you MUST PAY to visit - Is it worth visiting?

[@sarahharper5115]

As a resident of Clovelly I am thrilled to see this wonderful video which you have clearly spent a lot of time on. I love our village and I pleases me no end when people see all the great parts especially the gardens which I adore.

[@jetblack.7186]

It’s a privately owned village. There is a charge to enter. It’s beautiful.

[@CharlieBubbles32]

Having recently watched a vlog entitled "Devon's top 8 Turdtowns" and finding Clovelly on that list, I was intrigued to see your review and am not disappointed. In these times of Air bnb properties and second homes pushing locals out of the running to rent or buy, it is refreshing to see a well-maintained pretty seaside village like this. I personally think it is a genius move to charge a per head fee to enter the village, but so much more is available than one might think at first. Car parking could easily cost £10.00 nowadays so for not much more you get to see the lovely old cottages, immerse yourself in the history of the village, partake of decent food and drink and explore the lovely gardens. Surely this is something more places might like to try to encourage more visitors rather than giving over control of car parking to greedy private enterprises hellbent on ripping people of, all of which serves as a discouraging way to treat potential visitors!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We think it is a good balance between charging a fee for what you get. Everywhere we go in Cornwall, there seems to be another ANPR car park system! Sarah :)

[@99shoebox]

However, when you think about it, a car can hold a few people, so £10 would be for everyone, whereas the fee for the village is per person, and I think that is expensive, as well as charging to get into the gardens, and the land rover lift. I agree that some other villages have been taken over by Air B&B etc, but am not convinced that this is the answer either. It feels very artificial and slightly spooky. It doesn’t feel real. A tied village, like the lands were years ago.

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

Private villages like this do have a slightly creepy vibe. In summer it's lovely. How about winter in bad weather or when there's snow and ice ? The idea of the freeholder being a lord in a local big house with real power over villagers' lives is creepy. It's all a bit shades of Lord Summerisle in the original "Wicker Man." There's a very good E F Benson ghost story set in a village on a small side track and also down a very steep slope, called "Negotium Perambulans." That was set in Cornwall as opposed to Devon.

[@paulmagus2133]

I agree with you both, it is worth the entrance fee for entrance to a garden, museum and unique village . the parking is free and all in all a great sucess, especially for the villagers.

[@bevking6778]

Thank you for doing this blog, I’m disabled and would never be able to visit so I appreciated being able to see it through your eyes. I think it’s okay to pay to get into the village someone has to pay for the upkeep so it could be more expensive if owned by another organisation.

[@TMGold60]

Yes, we dont mind paying if a conservation village but £9 per person? No families will be penalised to visit

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

I don't particularly like the idea of private villages, on principle. However, having said that, I think the entry fee, while not cheap exactly, isn't too bad. The car park is free. There are some open houses included in the entry fee. And it goes towards village maintenance. Presumably the village owner is responsible for street lights and sewage in a private village. I don't know how that works. The council probably won't cover it. Also the fact of fee payment keeps tourist numbers down. It won't get overcrowded. The fee, IMHO isn't the problem. The very existence of a private sizeable village in 2024 might be.

[@TMGold60]

@@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw no one minds giving in the UKk to preserve/ conserve its what Brits do well! But too many are greedy! Its elitism especially to families and those who cannot afford such a high price...£9 per person is high! Especially when you add on refreshments/ stop use bathroom facilities or booked a boat trip etc - prices must be fair for all, they would receive more visitors also out of season maybe...

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

@TMGold60 "prices must be fair for all" That's what you wrote. Why MUST they be ? Do you object to the entry fee for a castle or royal palace or stately home ? It's been a while since I lived in the UK, but I understand some entry fees are astronomical now. Something like £ 20 or more per adult person. The point is that the whole village of Clovelly is PRIVATE PROPERTY. The owner can charge what he likes. £9.50 per adult is low enough to bring in enough paying visitors and high enough to keep out the masses. That sounds brutal, I know. In the end, it's a business. If you ask me, do I think that private villages should exist at all ? No, I do not. A large village/ small town like Clovelly should be run as a town with a democratically elected mayor, etc. On the other hand, many such Cornish and Devon villages have astronomical house prices and are full of seasonal second homes. Non-resident homeowners should perhaps be banned. That's as much as I can say. I no longer live there. It's up to you guys. Nothing is absolutely perfect. Clovelly has a lot of character and history. If it becomes more democratic it will undoubtedly lose some Olde Worlde charm. That depends on whether you think that living in an olde worlde English style Disneyland is the most important thing to you.

[@TMGold60]

@@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw Obviously havent a family - long convo there - prices MUST be afforadable to all - end of! When families go out - immediately a family of 4 pay £50 to £60 entry fees, thats before petrol/ transport/ food & drinks/ buying from shops and in this economic climate - dont tell me what fair, its called elitism!

[@chrish3472]

Have to agree with you both, we visited about 10 years ago and it was like stepping back in time to old England by the sea, a thoroughly charming place detached from the chaos of modern life, the cobbles can be difficult but the whole experience stuck with me for a long time, so glad to have visited such a lovely place, it reminded me of Portmeirion in Wales which had that same kind of feeling.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

It is a beautiful place and will become more interesting as time passes, and the divergence is more obvious, Sarah :)

[@steveray8056]

My wife and I researched Clovelly before travelling to England for our tenth anniversary in September 2023. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a village that had not changed in years. There is no other place Ike it in England. We knew it was going to be steep and wore appropriate footwear. The walk back up, with a stop for Devon Cream Tea 😊😊😊 on the way, was a fabulous experience. We would gladly return. Also, it was refreshing to have free parking. We did not mindset admission fee at all and thought it well worth it. Definitely a 10 out of 10.

[@elaineshepherd4757]

I love how there are no holiday let's, air b&bsetc. I remember going there in the 70"s but afraid my poor knees would not cope with that steep hill now. Loved you vlog

[@cynthiastogden7000]

Yes knees are real pain, literally. Curse of senior years. Clovelly is lovely I remember.

[@esthermorrissey1454]

How delightful- a well run village which has stopped all the things we hate here in Cornwall - No 2nd homes of which most are empty in the Winter. No Air B&B’s, & No run down scruffy properties. It was lovely to go down memory lane with you both and it was great to hear your views which I agree with. We enjoyed it when we visited (but it is now just for arm chair viewing at our ages). The garden is beautiful & it was nice to visit the Church - well done.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Yes, it is steep and slippery if damp! Sarah :)

[@gordonsimpson3235]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Yes. Choose your foot ware with great care....no flip flops or leather soled shoes for a start.

[@giuliofish]

It's almost like a unique living history museum.

[@david_v2.1]

We visited Clovelly in 2017...got there around 8 in the evening so didn't pay the entrance fee. Wandered around for an hour or so on the rain-soaked cobbles followed by a black cat (maybe the one you met??). Beautiful historic village, truly stepping back in time...and those narrow streets are exceptionally steep

[@carolwhite2818]

Oh my goodness! Thank you for that trip down memory lane! My Gran was born in Plymouth in1890 and loved her trips back to Devon whenever she could get there (she moved to Wiltshire when she married my granddad). Clovelly was a favourite place of hers and she took me there a few times when I was little.

[@Zenajs]

We stayed one night in the Red Lion a few years' ago. It's a lovely hotel. The range rover took us up to the visitor centre and we walked back down. Loved it.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

How wonderful! Would love to stay there! Sarah :)

[@pilesofparagraphs]

Wow, this video was delightful. Thank you so much for helping us "experience" Clovelly. I can see where the path into town might be a big challenge for some. I love the idea that they have preserved this cute village. I would pay to visit. Thanks so much for all that you do.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it! We had a great day! Sarah :)

[@Somersetmanwalking]

Great Video again both! went to Clovelly when i was a young boy. this brought it all back. A beautiful place to step back in time.👌👍👍

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Couldn't agree more! Sarah :)

[@barleyarrish]

I knew it in the mid 70's, and fished on the beach (walking down and up that hill in waders!), drank in the pub (in waders), slept in the car at the top of the hill (at night). loved it and it was all free. And just as unspoilt. Then again, a very different time. I live in the far west (to go any further would be scilly), and we find it more and more prohibitive (pension wise) to visit many places that we knew.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Pennies definitely don't go as far these days! Sarah :)

[@tracycharalambous5223]

Great video. I visited Clovelly a few years ago & enjoyed it. It's a genius idea to charge an entrance fee. That ensures the upkeep & maintenance of the village, the properties are well maintained & the village isn't blighted by holiday homes . The community is there all year so it isn't a ghost village in the winter. Great way to preserve the village. ❤

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Totally agree! Sarah :)

[@AbelTravel]

The stone wall in the harbor looks like the set for a scene in Persuasion. A very beautiful village and worth going to see.

[@robertnightingale4101]

Very clever to charge entrance fee. I'm sure this will help towards supporting the community. So good to see a small village so full of life.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

A refreshing change from wondering through a Cornish seaside village! Sarah :)

[@robertnightingale4101]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Mousehole 🙄

[@caru547]

Very interesting! I would love to visit Clovelly one day but I don’t think I could cope with the steep roads and cobbles. May have to bite the bullet to enjoy this fascinating living museum. Thank you for taking us along!

[@HonarySpock]

Great video, and think the entrance fee is fair, given the upkeep of the village. My aunt lives near Hartland Point, and has taken me many a time to Clovelly, including walking down the Hobby Drive, which have stunning views of the village. One thing to note. The film shown in the visitor centre is narrated by Josh Ackland (actor), who stared in the film Leatham Weapon 2, lived in Clovelly till his death last year. He did not live directly in the village, but had a house on the road down to the visitor centre. My aunt was a good friend of his

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Ahhh! That's who it was! I sort of recognised the actor but couldn't put a name to the face! Sarah :)

[@kernowmaid5970]

Looks beautiful and yes great idea to preserve the village with NO second homes, but a tax on tourists 😊

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I didn't realise such places existed anymore without second homes! Ha! Ha! Sarah :)

[@bernicebest]

Great trip back in time,I have visited Clovelly many times in 1980-90s. when my children were young and my husband and I were fit enough to tackle the decent to and from the beach, it evokes beautiful memories of a carefree time, my Son and his family have visited several times now, I think the entrance fee is reasonable considering it’s a day out with no traffic and lots of interest, and everything beautifully kept as you have pointed out, pleased Andrew has been converted, it’s one of the prettiest communities I have visited, thank you both for giving me the opportunity to re-live a most memorable time of my life, it’s a unique village and I agree it’s 5out of 5 for me:) 🙏🥰🤗👋

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hello Bernice! A beautifully kept and unspoilt village that is unique! Sarah :)

[@bernicebest]

Hi Sarah, my Son visited Clovelly last summer with his family, he was more than pleased with the price of a family ticket, good value for money, the grandkids loved the donkeys 🫏 Phil enjoyed your video when he watched it with me on Sunday, we did lots of reminiscing about holidays gone by in Devon & Cornwall, like the time he went horse riding 🏇 and came back with just two slits where his eyes were and a tiny hole where his mouth was the rest of his head was swollen like a football, he wasn’t destined to become a jockey I’m afraid 🫣see you next week 🤗

[@steve94971]

My wife and I were there a few years ago. We enjoyed every minute of it and didn't mind paying.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We didn't mind either! Being a small party of two, the entrance fee was reasonable.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

A great day out! Sarah :)

[@heatherdepasquale9803]

I would definitely rather pay an entrance fee than for parking…much easier and the fee probably goes back into the village upkeep. From the beautiful and quaint village you showed us, I would definitely give it a 5. The gardens, houses, harbor and cobblestone were well preserved. I will definitely watch this video again…and soon! Thanks so much for meandering into Devon.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

A refreshing change to take a trip across the border into Devon! Sarah :)

[@Erika-Uwe]

Hello Sarah and Andrew ,we went to clovelly a few years ago on a hot Summers day and it was the most amazing day out , just wonderful !We went down to the seafront right hand side had a fantastic day at the beach , went for a swim (there's actually a waterfall ,we had a shower there😂)and went back up late afternoon for a nice meal at the new inn pub, it was delicious .It was a unique experience and the most dreamy day.Thank you for sharing it brought back our memories.😍

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Andrew wandered over to the waterfall, but we decided to leave something for visitors to discover... Sarah :)

[@suzannamatthews1619]

Great video. I loved visiting Clovelly many years ago and will be going again as soon as I can. Its great that it is a lived in village and that its not full of second homes and cars

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

A very different vibe! Sarah :)

[@suzannamatthews1619]

@@CornishWalkingTrails yes, totally different vibe

[@christopherdakin7094]

Thank you for another lovely video, even though it was over the border! It's about 30 years since I went there. I have no issues with the charge, it is reasonable and prevents the second homes etc. Now look for the trees on the hill as you go home to where they know how to serve a scone!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We used the coast road passing Bude! Sarah :)

[@ishabrown]

Need to visit! Not ruined by tourism, unique and well preserved! 👌

[@grahampilkington252]

Great video. Years since I was there. I would certainly be happy to pay the price stated.

[@AliWade1971]

Looks fantastic. Definitely on our list, for a quieter time of year - and I will take my walking poles to help with the steep cobbles.

[@norahcutts6989]

Loved the gardens and tidiness. Wouldn’t be able to push my chair up or down so enjoyed someone filming it all. And seaside….plenty of interest on a sunny day. Thanks…love from Wales. Good to charge…worth it just for the gardens and green houses up keep etc…not forgetting water bills etc…

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Exactly! Costs have gone up for everyone! Sarah :)

[@slowpawstevet3676]

Clovelly is privately owned and the fee is less than most places owned by the National Trust or wildlife parks, you could easily spend a whole day there, many shops, cafes and pubs to see but the streets are very steep!

[@stevehardwick5903]

Totally agree national trust would be a lot dearer only thing as other half could not get down it’s a shame there’s no disabled access but due to its nature that’s understandable and not feasible

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Great comparison, and in Cornwall, most Trust car parks are about £5 on top of the entry fee. Sarah :)

[@kenl7057]

I was reprimanded some time ago for having been negative about one of your videos, but I have continued to watch them regularly with great delight. It is like going on holiday and experiencing the visit oneself. It must be nearly 60 years since I visited Clovelly, but you brought the experience alive - not just the physical visit, but delving into issues of governance and financial morality. Your analysis was lucid and the summing up provided a very fair assessment from two foreigners who had come over the border. When you went into the Charles Kingsley museum, there were two birds on the menu above your head - "duck or grouse". Keep the videos coming!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You're welcome! We enjoyed our day, Sarah :)

[@allanfettah4686]

Love Clovelly. We always made a point of visiting whist on the way to St Ives, even though it takes a while longer than going via the M5/A30. We find it relaxing and well worth the price. We’ve visited outside business hours too, just to take a rest break. It's so peaceful. Another fantastic video from you. Brings back memories of our last visit in June 2019, pre-covid. Thanks both. Entertaining, interesting, and a great watch, as always

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You're welcome! Sarah :)

[@Alison-LoveAndUnity]

Great video. Your channel is my happy place ❤😁

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Ahhh! Thank you! Sarah :)

[@Hedgehogsinthemist123]

In the 1980s you could go places and there was no hype or tourism. For some reason we ended up in Clovelly one bank holiday weekend. We found a lovely B&B near the sea even though we hadn’t booked. You’d struggle to do that today. We had a lovely meal in the pub opposite, which was also not booked up. Remember getting a lift back up the very steep road to the top car park in a Land Rover the following morning. Never had to pay to enter either back then which I’m thinking must be a recent thing to maybe curtail tourists because it’s one of these places which is now a tourist trap which just gets swamped.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Times have indeed changed, accelerated by COVID and restricting numbers, Sarah :)

[@nickwebb9290]

Another excellent video 👍 We visited about thirty years ago with our three boys and were left seriously underwhelmed. Due to that experience my wife and I haven’t ever wanted to go back…..but this episode has transformed my view. It’s obvious a lot of work has gone into this village since we last visited. May have to do it while we’re still able to cope with that steep walk 😁

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Ha! Ha! Yes, while the knees can still cope! Sarah :)

[@SaraH-od8sd]

I’ve not been there for years, always put me in mind of Portmerion x

[@judybee]

I've visited many times over the years & each time it's rained! The only other place I can think of that's similar is Portmeirion in North Wales which was used for The Prisoner TV show in the 60s. Here's a bit of useless info for you....One of the years I visited Clovelly, the loo halfway down the hill had won Loo of the Year Award & a huge slow worm 🪱wriggled across the street! There are lots of videos on Clovelly, but yours tops the lot as always👍...so interesting with the history. Love your take on things. I'm glad you enjoyed it Sarah & Andrew x J x

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We loved it! Had a great day! Sarah :)

[@carolann963]

Sarah and Andrew,. Loved today's video Thank you. Very quaint nostalgic and beautiful. 💕

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thank you! Sarah :)

[@juliebuckner2212]

From your visit I agree with the idea behind the charge. It’s a private estate and National Trust houses charge a fee and it’s expected. Lovely visit you 2 x

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thank you! Sarah :)

[@lynnestait8011]

thoroughly enjoyed this video - me & Russ tried to work out when we visited with our boys must have been around 2000/2001 - we cant remember if the gardens were open then as we didnt visit, or probably didnt visit with 11 & 8 yr old boys, possibly not there thing ;-) - I seem to remember as we walked along the beach they found a small waterfall - the weather was similar that day, as the original plan to take a coastal boat ride didnt pan out as there was a mist, so wouldnt have seen much from the boat - its inspired us to visit again, especially for the gardens next time we are in the area - thanks both

[@marieryan2541]

Hi Sarah and Andrew. I enjoyed your stroll around Coverly today. I think paying to get in the village is worth the price by the looks of it. Visiting the village t, the museum, the gardens and the fisherman's cottage all included in the price is brilliant special if you think other places charge you for each one. Also free parking instead of paying too.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Perfectly summed up! Sarah :)

[@archiediggins641]

Looks lovely.

[@bonniewoodard2771]

Really enjoyed your tour and lovely comments ... thank you!!

[@andrewonmyway8184]

What a cracking video summery of a beautiful village. We have been there a few times before, many years ago. I think charging only £9.50 for letting caring custodian wardens keep a place looking so fine and keeping away the evil property developers deserves a medal! Not to mention the garden included in the price! Eden take note! Polperro was a rip off with their parking fees! £12,50 for 3 hours. There will come a time when people won't be able to afford a holiday! I will certainly pay another visit to beautiful Clovelly one day even if they do put jam on the wrong side. Keep up the great work you two!😊

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Upsidedown cream teas?!?! Bewildering! Ha! Ha! Sarah :)

[@gloriadoidge8422]

I absolutely loved it.I take my hat off to the owner,.What a stunning place.I would love to visit.Thanks so very much,for such a lovely day out.Cheers from NZ

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Our pleasure! Hello to you! NZ - Wow! Sarah :)

[@MrTimellis10]

Great video ,inspiring that the owner has taken steps to secure the nature and looks of the village, it reminds me bit of Portmerion . Don't think the price is wrong and hear too much of village's losing properly to outsiders ,and second homers

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Second home and holiday rentals are the death nail to a village! Sarah :)

[@paulinefoster1126]

Went to clovelly many years ago my friends grandparents lived in appledore .we went on a day trip think I was thirteen I am now 78 it has been well kept was great to see it again I couldn’t do the walk down and get back up without oxygen lol

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

The street is definitely steep! Sarah :)

[@acerone10]

It's a living museum. Did I hear you right? The renters have to stay there? Maybe they work there as part of their rent? I would love it. We have a museum of sorts in our town. It's called Burton Village here in Ohio. They have moved buildings from all over the county. Stores, a barber shop, a working blacksmith, a train car, a school just to name a few. You have to pay to walk around and they give tours. Love it.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

How interesting! Sounds like a way of preserving the past that would otherwise be lost, Sarah :)

[@sarahharper5115]

Tenants go off to work as normal although many work in the village. It is a special place to live

[@marthaj5466]

Oh my gosh I'm from Burton! Idyllic little village when I lived there as a little kid; just one block of stores but they had everything you'd need. They used to tap all the trees in town for the maple syrup that's still made in the sugar house in the park. Sadly we moved away when I was just 10 years old. Thanks for the memories!

[@acerone10]

@@marthaj5466 Yes, still maple syrup made every Feb. Pancake breakfasts every Sunday in March. Great little Village.

[@peterfishley3951]

Well done u 2 again. Loved this one - as usual. It amazes me the research you do and the books you refer too. Love if would give a bit of an overview of how you source these books. Am from Australia but have visited Clovelly.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hi there, we have filmed a book haul video for our Patreon and KZbin Membership and it will be going out next Sunday! Sarah :)

[@paulhardingharding3192]

I would visit every day.

[@annbuckle5880]

I remember going down that slope heavily pregnant in 1986 the climb back up well I took a few rests 🤣 the donkeys were still in the top field and I don't recall having to pay, it reminds me of robin hood,s bay in Yorkshire which is just as steep both beautiful places to visit

[@jj9845]

i bet its great when it snows there with all them sledges... great work guys would visit anyday

[@louiseisobelevans]

I thought ... there's only one village I know of that charges... Clovelly!!! ... and rightly so.... if I lived there... I may feel more secure in the knowledge that people really wanted to be here, respectfully. Many thanks fort his video xoxox

[@joyhursey1480]

Looks lovely , not sure I’m fit enough to visit though 😀

[@sunnysideup33]

What a smart guy and I hope, there is another person doing it, when he left.

[@lissamk3990]

The cost might help keep it from becoming overly crowded with tourists too much of the time, which is a good thing.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Definitely! Sarah :)

[@Bearcub599]

Thank you for the beautiful video. Such a pretty village! Shame it’s not wheelchair friendly though…

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

It really is! Sarah :)

[@garypeacock5919]

Great video, looks lovely, we're hoping to visit next year. On the subject of paying to enter, we recently travelled from Glasgow to stay in Mousehole for a week, the car park was £12.40 per day, so not much difference. Lastly, the person who left the review on TripAdvisor saying they were "traumatised " is just ridiculous on their behalf, most people nowadays can look online to see what the place they are visiting is like.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We had to read that out - she was so 'rattled'. Ironically, there us a cobbled street in Gorran Haven called Rattle Street, which tickled us! Sarah :)

[@cherylbaker8878]

In wales, we have Portmerrian when I first visited it was free. Not anymore.😮

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Alas, the way of the world! Sarah :)

[@dottydot8058]

Yes agree im not good with cobbles enjoyed yr video it's like being there

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thank you! Sarah :)

[@christineching1891]

Great video as always. I thought it was a fair review and I was encouraged to visit Clovelly in the future. I think it’s not a lot different to paying an entrance fee to visiting Portmerion in North Wales. I agree that a lot of places have horrendous charges for car parking! 😊

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Parking fees are bonkers these days! Sarah :)

[@juliaogara8794]

I went in 1991 or 92. A friend took me and another and said wear sensible footwear. I wore my trusty cowboy boots. Oh dear. It was a frightening toddle for me too much amusement for my girlfriends. I got my own back by dangling half a dead crab in their faces as they sat on the harbour wall. They both nearly fell off it. It has stayed with me as one of my favourite days, and we're still in touch. There's more to do there now, and despite the slope, it's worth it if you do as you're doing and make the most of a full day there. Nowhere like it. Wonderful English coastline😍😍

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Wonderful story! Sarah :)

[@stephnewman1357]

My mother in law went last year with some family whilst holidaying near by. I don't think they went in via the visitors centre. They enjoyed it, although my mother in law found it hard going back up. They said it was like stepping back in time. 😀 My landlords family owns half of the village, one side of the street, all listed buildings. We all rent, most were for farm workers families but now you have to work in the area. We often get ramblers taking photos or coming in the garden which is a right pain! So know how they feel.😂

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I think that is the bit that I would struggle with! But its a small price to pay to live in such a great place! Sarah :)

[@johnholkham2420]

Well free parking that’s save £7-10 pounds you have to pay to visit any tourist honey pot in Cornwall

[@kudapooda9993]

Hi both ,you would normally pay for carparking .we payed £5 , for 2hr in st ives. We had forgotten how steep st ives was . But my friend wanted some fudge . We stayed in sennen cove Cornwall. Take care and all the best. 😊😊👍👍

[@mattylf1]

Looks nice. I'd have no problem paying the price as it goes to maintaining the village. I'd still wait until I got back to Cornwall to have a proper cream tea though !.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Ha! Ha! Jam first! Sarah :)

[@TravellingTorunn]

Thank you for again a lovely video and showing so much of Clovelly ❤ We stayed overnight once in July 2017 at the New Inn hotel, which was lovely. And as we were walking the South West Coast Path, we didn't have to pay to get into the village. This was our first ever walk on the SWCP and we had walked from Westward Ho! 19 km and climbed 1000 metres of total ascent and we were so tired and had no more energy to go and explore much. Just a walk half way down to the harbour and back up to the hotel 😂 But what we saw was absolutely beautiful and very charming. It looks like it is a good idea to pay per person to enter. It is a privately owned area/village, and I am sure there is extensive wear and tear by the visitors. Would love to visit again, but that goes for most places we have passed during our walks on this path ❤ Thank you. Torunn 🥰

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hello Torunn! Your list of places to visit again seems to get longer! Sarah :)

[@NeilsView]

We went some years ago and you can't underestimate the steepness. On the charging I think sometimes you have to almost "parcel" off the cost, so if you went and the parking was say 4.50, and the admission was £4.50 you wouldn't be complaining and yes I know that is each but everyone has their expectations of what is good value,so if you separate the parking which you would pay anywhere from the admission cost then I think it's a good deal. Whether you think the Land Rover cost just adds it up,boy will you be greatful it's there when you get to the bottom, much the same as Tintagel. Trust me!! So flip the experience on its head and look at Lands End where you pay to park but no admission fees. The opposite deal almost. So which way do you want to play it in your mind? Both I personally think are great value and I have no time for people turning up at an attraction and being surprised you have to pay for something. Really??? It's 2024 not 1924. Well done guys,another great video!

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Thank you for this vlog. I grew up at Instow (along the road from Clovelly). Instow village and beach was also private and part of the Tapley Park Estate. They sold off most of the village houses and only own the beach and land around the mansion now. So a similar situation. As you said Clovelly village is PRIVATE property, it belongs to the Clovelly Estate. The money from tourism goes in the upkeep of the 500+ year old houses, the harbour and the cobble street. The Clovelly state owner is not doing anything different than other estate owners that charge for you to visit their house and/or gardens. Also National Trust and English Heritage charge to visit their estates! There is no difference. Just at Clovelly, he lives in his Clovelly Mansion so only allows access to the village and harbour, court yard garden and not his house and the rest of his beautiful gardens, which include a unique collection of different species of ancient English apple trees. You use to be able to drive down "Hobby Drive" but it is very steep (worse than the Lynton-Lynmouth road) and needed to much high maintenance due to the forest. So with increasing cars/tourists it was closed off. If you have issues with the cobbles you can pay £1 to go up and down in a Landrover (eg. like they offer at King Arthur's Castle in Tintagel), although the village it what you are going for, so its not worth visiting if you can't walk through it. Lots of my school friends lived in Clovelly and my dad did school bus pick-ups there. When i was growing up, they used donkeys, but the tourists starting saying it was animal cruelty, although that wasn't true. The donkeys were well looked after. Using sledges (and in the past, also donkeys) is used in many places around the world eg Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy. So this isn't a strange way to transport things in steep cliffside villages. In the 1980s, before access to the village was closed off, as people started to have more disposable income for holidays, the village became overrun with thousands of tourists, even stupid Americans in high-heels!. It was horrendous there in summer! So closing it off reduced tourists and they could "official" warn tourists of the steep cobbles and that they "walk at their own risk". This was a way to deal with those silly (high heel) tourist issues! Yes it is tough living there. Off season when there is bad weather, ice and occasional snow, the village is hard to get out of. Many of my school friends that lived there often "got stuck" and missed school. It has a very vigerous application to live there, which keeps it for local residents only. We go there sometimes for New Year celebrations and mainly off season. I think it is great how the Clovelly estate has managed to preserve the village and keep it for locals to live there! Ps. If visitors actually took the time to watch the film in the visitors centre or read about it, then they would know why they are being charged to visit ie. Because it is PRIVATE PROPERTY which needs maintaining. You have to pay to enter the private village "Portmeirion" in NW Wales to!!!. Although in this economic climate the price to visit, as with ALL estates, fun parks, zoos, National Trust and English Heritage properies etc is to high, especially for families. I have to say the worse "value for money" properties to visit are the Royal ones! Tower of London, Windsor Castle are a total rip off! If you visit other non private cities, towns, villages, you can pay more for parking!

[@RuseyYouTube]

Hey both of you, Its Graham (B&Q) I hope you are doing really well, your looking well. I've only recently been told about your channel, and I have to say you're naturals 😀 well done! ps why did you edit out Andrews fall? 😂

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hi Graham, Andrew here. Thanks for the comment, some people have alternative hobbies! This is ours! We have some great days out exploring and learning more about Cornwall. Hope your keeping well cheers Andrew

[@RuseyYouTube]

@CornishWalkingTrails Hi Andrew, what a great hobby to have. I, too, dabble in a little youtube hobby but not nearly as successful as you both. Nice work. I am doing great of course, thanks 😀

[@jessicastrideart]

This was really interesting to watch. Thanks Sarah and Andrew! I was wondering if the residents of Clovelly own cars at all and if they do, where would they keep them?

[@simonchilli2088]

As with the price of St Michael's mount and the Eden Project, I think the prices could be a bit less per adult. Especially when you take into account that when you are at these venues you pay extra for food and drinx. These things and the gift shops all bring in revenue too of course.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Everything seems to be rising in price recently, not kind to a tight budget! Sarah :)

[@KevinNewton-z9m]

Having been going to Clovelly since I was four years old (I am 63 now) gulp lol I have mixed feelings about paying to get in years ago there were some corrigated buildings at the top selling gifts and yes you did have to pay to park but i suppose this is progress i expect the estate earns well from rents from homes and the pubs but it i am remembering how it was as kid and life always seemed better as a kid so yes i still go when i can so yes it is a good day out still i have fond memories of our family days out there

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

A great day out! Sarah :)

[@juliejackson6638]

Great idea to charge the entrance fee which protects the village and the inhabitants. £9.50, you’d pay that and more for parking in Cornwall x

[@tractorgirl8124]

Another fantastic video so informative and put together beautifully I love clovelly people must appreciate it’s history ❤nothing as pretty as this in Essex 😂5 stars from me

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it! Sarah :)

[@hamsterhuey9495]

Thanks!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed watching 😊💕Sarah & Andrew

[@hamsterhuey9495]

Another fascinating film, thank you both. I see nothing wrong with paying a entrance fee especially when the money is put back into maintaining the village. I have been to Port Merion a few times and it's concept is similair, it is not like you don't know you are going to pay, they don't just ramp up the prices for tourists becauase they need to like some places. I think you just need to view it as a destination/attraction and then it is no different to any other pay to view location. I love that the entrance fees get put back into keeping the village, I love that local people live there all year round and even though it is in Devon It looks a wonderful place to visit. Perhaps if some other places, I am thinking St Ives for example, had adopted this kind of attitude it wouldn't be the awful place it is in in summer and the deserted one it is in winter... Just a thought ...

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

It is a different concept and one that has preserved the community, unlike St Ives! Cornish people can't touch St Ives now, it's beyond reach! Sarah :)

[@JackSmith-hx8zh]

You've been hypnotised by Joss Ackland😊.

[@Jiayne1335]

If its your cuppa tea to visit quaint little villages the fee is questionable until you consider the car parking costs. Me and my late partner loved going to Brixham, but would go elsewhere over the two week stay and parking costs were quite high no matter were you parked. so all in all i cant see an issue with the costs to enter the village especially as it includes free parking.And the village does look like youve gone back in time. I know my late partner Jayne would of loved walking around that little village. In fact im sad that we never visited it, as weve been devon loads of times over the years. Thank you for your invaluable content.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You're welcome! Clovelly is a little gem, sorry you missed it! Sarah :)

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Excellent review Guys. I think people make too much fuss about the entry fee (which if you are walking the coastal path, you don't pay anyway). There is no parking charge....if you spend a day in a Cornish car park, you would probably pay £10 anyway! Andrew's point of controlling numbers is a good one too. You don't HAVE to pay for a Land Rover ride back up the village (depends how lazy you are). And if you cant manage the cobbles, of course you could go both ways by Land Rover.....this would of course be pointless as you would miss all the beautiful cottages and views. As a privately owned village (not so many of these nowadays), it is a totally different concept to most villages - Clough Williams Portmeirion in Wales being a similar concept. But Portmeirion doesn't have the community feel of Clovelly as the houses are B+B and also charges twice the fees at Clovelly, It is totally unique, and in my view worth the entry fee....easily.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Totally agree! It is well worth the entrance fee! So many Cornish villages are dead in winter! Sarah :)

[@CliveMear]

Hi - I think you can walk in from the coastal path without paying still... it is only if you turn up in a car, or enter that way... that you pay... worth checking if you revisit. Just needs a local to put a sign up saying this... (rebel with a cause!)

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Probably not in the interest of the locals to spoil a system that works! Every tourist in the car park makes for good sense, Sarah :)

[@CliveMear]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Fair point, well made... keep the videos coming. We move to Cornwall next year, so your touring round is helping us look at areas we haven't investigated... off to Stithians in 2 weeks time...

[@mrozthemotorheadallotmentm9632]

I live in Bude and would love to go but I am no good in my feet 😕 so thanks for the look around

[@mustang64mama]

My ancestors moved from Cornwall to Devon. I always wonder how many arguments they had about the cream teas. I always do jam first then cream.

[@fkb9490]

If there is no parking fee, on top of the entrance fee (per person), it's actually not so expensive. 🙂

[@traceymayo1583]

I must admit when I first heard they were charging to visit I was shocked seeing as the last time I came here was a child and it was free. But I would certainly pay £9.50/ They have to pay for the uptake of the cottages and what about the wear and tear of the cobbles aswell? Good on him i say. If you lived there you would certainly get fit walking up and down that street eh? lol Have a good week both of you xx

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

When a charge for something in introduced, it is always a bit shocking - we think the same of the Minack that charges during the day to wander around a theatre with no production! Sarah :)

[@WolfmanWoody]

I was a kid when I visited Clovelly with mum and dad, it was no charge then, of course. It was also a working harbour, as I remember. My dad bought a model yacht, a big one, from one of the old fishermen off the harbour. I remember his thumb was missing and he said a lobster had nipped it off him. The only other thing I remember other than the hike up and down was I had a very tasty ice cream cone, one of the best I've ever had. Although I wouldn't disagree with the £9.50 charge, parking is free as is everything else so it seems and that isn't bad these days, especially when it's kept clean and well maintained. The only sad thing for me is, I didn't see it as a working village any longer. Am I wrong?

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

The harbour looked like it had some fishing boats and there were tours advertised too, Sarah :)

[@fredginger1969]

Clovelly is a privately owned working fishing village that's why you pay. You are paying to see a unique little village locked in time as it would have been a hundred and fifty years ago. Christine Hamlyn was a formidable woman who spent most of her money doing up every house in the village with windows new roofs doors etc etc. You can walk down the back tarmacked road if you cant walk down the steep cliff side roads. There are Land Rovers that take the infirm to the bottom ; this comes out behind the Red Lion Pub at the bottom of the hill near to the back of the harbour. All information mentioned in the complaints were addressed before you get charged the admittance fees. Actor Joss Ackland was one of the famous British celebs that lived there! I believe The WaterBabys were written in Clovelly too. There is a side gate to get in is near the visitor centre which I believe is left open after hours. as tourists are still drinking in the pubs in the town.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Great info! Sarah :)

[@obiwankenobi6952]

I don’t know why people are so outraged about the fee…how much do they pay for parking fees usually…? The Visitor Center looks great and if it helps preserve the beautiful old buildings, a piece of British history…😮 The place might not be suitable for unfit Tourist’s or walking disabled people but I would certainly visit this place on the next UK Visit…❤

[@fkb9490]

Nice video (again!). Looking at Google streetview, you can actually drive your car to the Red Lion Hotel, which is quite close to the center of Clovelly. However the car park there is only for visitors. And I assume they have a strikt wheel-clamping policy. But could you just walk down that road without paying the entrance fee?

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Yes, the car park is restricted and yes, you can walk down the road but you would miss the walk through the village, Sarah :)

[@RhysDavies-n9f]

The roads are highways. The local landowners direct visitors to their carpark and rip them off accordingly. The parking is free walk out through the entrance and just walk down the road

[@philw7580]

Im more disturbed by the cider in plastic cups!

[@4seasonbackpacking]

As you said you do not need pay just walk to coast path from the carpark and you can enter for free

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Exactly! Sarah :)

[@lindathomas5500]

Did you notice the bird in the greenhouse, taking advantage of the free tomatoes lol… 25:01

[@debbiefairy62]

There aren't any holiday cottages as it is privately owned by the Rous family and all properties are tenancies

[@clivemacken552]

I bet once you move in you don’t leave as you don’t want to drag all your stuff back up the hill lol. Lemons take two years from developing to being ready to pick I bought my mum two for her conservatory

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Two years and we just squeeze the juice! Wow! Sarah :)

[@clivemacken552]

Not a place for disabled then which is a bit poor. Keep up this and other films they are great at giving people heads up regarding places to visit

[@sarahharper5115]

Sadly due to the way the village was built and how it is preserved it is not possible to have disabled access. Hopefully you were able to enjoy it from this wonderful video

[@louisep5178]

I agree with the entrance fee with free parking but I hope the rent is subsidised - at £9.50 per ticket that would be @£1, 425,000.00 pa and people pay for the land rover extras and money spent on gift shops and refreshments and food and the pub so big business for the owner.