The Magic of Clovelly Village North Devon

Written by Emma Hla

Back in May I embarked on a road trip to the West Country to work on a beautiful coastal styled shoot for Clovelly Village in North Devon. I’d picked this particular Devonshire cove because I felt sure I would discover Mermaids.

The village of Clovelly is quite honestly enchanting. A timeless beauty, you can feel the pace of life slowing as you make your way down the steep cobbled stones into the heart of the village.

This is a place where cats stand tall on whitewashed walls and dogs sit outside their owner’s cottages waiting to greet you. This is a place where the fisherman illustrations from your childhood books actually come to life, white beard, pipe ‘n’ all! This is a place where doors are made of shells and secret gardens are waiting to be discovered.

This is a place where magic can most certainly be found.

 

 

As well as it’s obvious quirks and beauty Clovelly is a fabulous wedding destination, you’ll find all of the classic British pastimes here; You can enjoy a yummy cream tea, a pint at The Red Lion, brisk beach walks with the promise of a fresh seafood lunch, crafting in their workshops and a spot of retail therapy in their gift shops. Of course any visit to Clovelly wouldn’t be complete without saying hello to their resident donkeys. Now happily living in the sanctuary at the top of the hill.

If you and your guests would like to stay a little longer, there’s an array of Inns and B&Bs and if you’ve done a little too much walking (or partying), they even have their own holistic therapist to soothe your aches at Calming Quay!

As a wedding venue, you’re totally spoilt for choice – but my absolute favourite location has to be The Great Terrace of Clovelly Court, the ancestral home of the owners of Clovelly. Sitting at the top of the village, it’s the perfect marquee space with breathtaking views across Bideford Bay and to the north, to Lundy Island.

You can find Clovelly just off the A39, 10 miles west of Bideford off the M5. The nearest train station is a drive to Barnstaple.

But a warning for anyone considering visiting with little ones – that cobbled street down to the sea is a challenge! Prams will struggle over the bumpy path and you might be regretting that baby sling once you reach the top. I speak from experience, I didn’t carry a baby in a sling, but I did carry 4 wedding dresses and I almost cried. There is a handy Land Rover Service available Easter to October for day trippers, for which there is a small charge. But this got a big thumbs up from me and the team!

Oh and this service is available to wedding parties too, so no need to worry there my friends!

Credits

Photography Lucy Davenport Photography | Film ROOST Film Co. | Venue Clovelly Village Weddings North Devon | Shot on location for Coco & Kat with Coco Wedding Venues and Katrina Otter Weddings.

That styled shoot I mentioned… seek us out on Instagram and be the first to see it.

Lots of love!

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