A guide to Clovelly and Hartland Quay, just over the Devon border, as a day trip from our campsite near Boscastle.
Just over the border in North Devon, Clovelly and Hartland make a memorable day out from North Cornwall. Clovelly is a famous car-free village, with a steep cobbled street tumbling down to a tiny harbour. A few miles west, Hartland Quay sits beneath some of the most dramatic cliffs on the whole South West Coast Path. From our campsite near Boscastle, it's an easy drive up the Atlantic Highway.
Where are Clovelly and Hartland?
Both lie on the Hartland peninsula in the far north-west of Devon, north of Bude. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, Clovelly is roughly 30 miles by road, via the A39 through Bude. Hartland Quay is a similar distance, down a narrow lane from the village of Stoke.
Clovelly
Clovelly is a privately owned village. Visitors enter through the visitor centre at the top, where there's a car park and an admission charge, which helps to maintain the village. Check prices and opening times before you go.
The cobbled street
From the visitor centre, a steep cobbled street, known locally as "Up-a-long" and "Down-a-long", winds down past whitewashed cottages and flower-filled doorways to the harbour. There are no cars on the street. Goods are traditionally moved on sledges, and donkeys have long been part of the village's story.
The harbour
At the bottom of the street is a small harbour, sheltered by an old stone quay. There's a pub and a lifeboat station nearby. On a calm day, the views back up to the village are beautiful.
Getting back up
The street is steep and the cobbles can be slippery. Wear good shoes and take your time. A Land Rover service has often run from near the harbour back to the top in season; check on the day.
What else to see
Clovelly has small museums, gardens, shops and cafés. Opening times vary with the season.
Hartland Quay
Hartland Quay is a remote spot at the end of a narrow lane, facing the Atlantic. The cliffs here are famous for their dramatic, folded rock layers, sculpted by the sea. A harbour once stood here, but it was destroyed by storms long ago. Today, there's a hotel with a bar, a small museum and a car park. Check opening times before you go.
Walks from Hartland Quay
The coast path here is tough and spectacular. Walk south to Speke's Mill Mouth, where a waterfall drops over the cliffs onto the shore. Or walk north towards Hartland Point and its lighthouse. Stay away from the cliff edges and the base of the cliffs, as rocks can fall.
Hartland Point
Hartland Point is a rugged headland with a lighthouse, marking the corner where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic. The views on a clear day are wide. Access to the lighthouse itself is limited, so check before you go.
Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey is a historic house with gardens, set in a valley between Hartland and the coast. It has seasonal opening times and an entry charge. Check before you go.
With kids
Children usually love Clovelly's car-free street and harbour, and the rock pools at Hartland Quay at low tide. Keep a close eye on them near the cliffs and on the slippery cobbles.
With dogs
Dogs are welcome in Clovelly on a lead, and on the coast path at Hartland. Keep them on a lead near cliffs and livestock. Read our camping with dogs guide.
A day plan
- Drive north from the campsite via Bude in the morning.
- Visit Clovelly first, before it gets busy.
- Have lunch in Clovelly or Hartland.
- Drive to Hartland Quay in the afternoon and walk to Speke's Mill Mouth.
- Return to the campsite via Bude.
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes for the cobbles and coast path.
- A waterproof jacket.
- Water and snacks.
- Cash or card for the Clovelly admission charge and parking.
Getting there
From our campsite, head to Bude and follow the A39 north into Devon. The A39 is a main road, but the lanes to Hartland Quay are narrow and steep. Read our Cornish lanes guide. Large motorhomes should take extra care.
Combine with Bude
Bude is on the way, with beaches, a sea pool and a canal. See our Bude day trip guide and our Sandymouth and Northcott Mouth guide.
Why visit from Boscastle?
Clovelly and Hartland are a wonderful contrast to the Cornish coast, with a car-free village frozen in time and some of the wildest cliffs in the South West. It's a full and memorable day out.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite near Boscastle is a quiet base for days out on both sides of the Cornwall and Devon border. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. See our North Cornwall day trips guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Clovelly from Boscastle?
Roughly 30 miles from our campsite, via Bude and the A39.
Do you have to pay to enter Clovelly?
Yes. There's an admission charge at the visitor centre, which includes parking. Check prices before you go.
Is Clovelly suitable for people with limited mobility?
The cobbled street is very steep. Check the village's accessibility information before you go.
What is there to see at Hartland Quay?
Dramatic cliffs and rock formations, coast path walks and the waterfall at Speke's Mill Mouth.
Choosing between day trips? Read Padstow, Polzeath or Clovelly?.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
