Visiting Clovelly
Clovelly is a beautiful, picturesque fishing village, steeped in maritime atmosphere and history. It was once owned by the Queen of England!
Book TicketsBook a stay in Clovelly
The Red Lion Hotel is an 18th Century 4-star Inn that stands on the quay alongside Clovelly’s ancient harbour in North Devon. Each of its 17 beautifully decorated rooms boast a sea view.
To wake up to the sights and sounds of Clovelly’s ancient fishing harbour and the sounds of the sea at the Red Lion Hotel is a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Red Lion
Clovelly Court Gardens
Clovelly Court Gardens are a must see whilst visiting the famous village. Plants thrive in this sheltered sunny corner of North Devon, which has the added benefit of the warmth the Gulf Stream brings.
You’ll find neat, carefully tended gardens and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses within its old walls. The incredible variety of fruits & vegetables grown here supply the Red Lion Hotel. You can even take some home with you!
Clovelly Court Gardens
Clovelly activities & shops
Check out our shops, galleries and museums. Try your hand at our arts & crafts workshops, charter a boat for a fishing trip or take a stroll along the beautiful cliffs, beaches and through the village. The choice is yours in Clovelly!
Things To Do
History of Clovelly
Originally the estate was owned by William the Conqueror, King of England, gifted to his wife and then had many royal associations until 1242 when first acquired by the Giffard family. Until the middle of the 19th century Clovelly was unknown to the outside world. It was partly as a result of Charles Kingsley’s ‘Westward Ho!’, set in and around the village, that visitors began to come.
History of Clovelly
Gig naming ceremony – by the oldest pilot gig club in N. Devon
Gig naming ceremony photos, Ellie Jarvis
The Gig Club celebrated the launch of its brand new fibreglass gig boat on Sunday August 5th. Television presenter, Amanda Lamb, officially named the boat, ‘Headon Home’, by spraying a bottle of fizz over its bow.
Launched from Clovelly Lifeboat slip to cheers from the crowd of gig club members and lifeboat crew, as well as friends, families and well-wishers. The naming ceremony took place on Clovelly Lifeboat Day. The day was chosen especially because the new gig is named in honour of Clovellian and former lifeboat coxswain, Richard Headon. He was awarded the RNLI Silver Medal in 1882, after saving 34 lives in his 12 years of service.
Traditionally, gig boats would carry pilots to meet incoming ships so they could guide them through the treacherous waters of the North Devon coastline. Consequently, gigs would race against each other to show their speed. And there is now a thriving gig racing scene throughout the southwest and indeed, around the world.
Gig club members will be training in the newly launched ‘Headon Home’ for the upcoming Clovelly Gig Regatta on 18th August. The new fibreglass frame is lighter than traditional wooden boats. It is therefore easier to manoeuvre the boat across the pebble stones in Clovelly harbour, as well as making it easier for training.
Amanda Lamb explained that she loves Clovelly and has been visiting the village for many years. The gig naming ceremony and gig-rowing was her first experience. Admiring the strength of the all-female crew who rowed her out of the harbour into Bideford Bay, she was struck by the peace she felt whilst on board. Amanda commented upon the wonderful sound of the oars working in symmetry. Looking back at Clovelly from the calm sea, it was even more beautiful on such a glorious summer’s day.
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