Beautiful UK seaside village is like 'stepping into another era' with no cars or crowds
A charming coastal town is a hit with visitors who want a tranquil break thanks to its lack of cars and crowds
Summer may be over but autumn's mild and sunny days still provide ample opportunity to enjoy the best of the British coastline. For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, there's one particular town that's worth having on the radar thanks to its peaceful setting, lack of crowds and lack of cars.
In fact, the picturesque spot has been described as "stepping into another era" thanks to its cobbled streets and spectacular coastal views that wouldn't be out of place in a storybook.
Tucked away in the North of Devon, the charming fishing village of Clovelly is one of the nation's last traffic-free spots, which often leaves it feeling like it's been frozen in time. Think steep narrow streets lined by whitewashed cottages, cosy pubs and a number of museums and galleries. Add in attractions such as the Court Gardens or the eye-catching Quay, and it's not difficult to see why this is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The village is so pretty that in 2020 it was named Britain's Most Instagrammable Village, not to mention it's said to have inspired a host of artists and writers, most notoriously Charles Dickens. That's not the town's only famous link - it was originally owned by William the Conqueror, King of England, who then gifted it to his wife.
Just be warned that the streets are famously steep - it's definitely a fair bit of a workout, but well worth it for the views (not to mention the snacks and cream teas that await at the end!).
If you want to make a staycation of it, there are plenty of beautiful holiday homes in the area. You can find seven-night stays from £295 with holidaycottages.co.uk while Sykes Holiday Cottages offers breaks from £683. Alternatively, the village itself has the Red Lion Hotel, an 18th century inn with 17 rooms, all of which offer a sea view, while Booking.com has a useful guide to the best cheap hotels near Clovelly.
Nate McFall, UK Joy Seeker for holidaycottages.co.uk previously visited and said the village "feels like stepping into another era". The content creator added: "It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in the UK, and I’ve seen a fair share of our most beautiful places! There’s a real sense of charm and history around every corner, including its donkeys and cliff-side views. And despite all its beauty, it still feels like a hidden gem - I personally didn’t know it existed until now - that deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.
"The fact that the village is completely car-free makes it feel beautifully frozen in time - a real escape from the noise and pace of modern life, where you can slow down, switch off and simply soak up the charm around you."
The village is privately owned so if you want to visit, you'll need to pay an entry fee. Adult tickets are £10.90 and child tickets are £6.25, although children under seven go free. You can find out more on clovelly.co.uk.
