A living museum

People have lived for at least 2500 years in this very steep narrow valley that leads down to a small sheltered harbour on the north Devon coast. The village of Clovelly is privately owned. Yes, the entire village has belonged to just three different families since the 13th century.

 

No vehicles can access the very steep main street which leads 120m down to the sea. Small sledges pulled along by hand are used for deliveries.

 Donkeys were used in the past but now they just amuse the tourists.

After parking at the top of the hill and paying an entrance fee, we walked down the cobble stoned street, patting cats and inspecting the two small chapels and the museum house set up as a fisherman's cottage.

 We had lunch out on the terrace of a tea room with a pretty good view.

 We walked all the way down to the harbour and out along the high harbour wall.

 The low tide gives walking on the beach a new meaning.

A delightful and fascinating day.