Location

There’s so much more to Clovelly!

1. Angels Wings

It is a charming wooden shelter built in the 19th century. It gained its name from the ornately carved wings supporting the roof. Built by Sir James Hamlyn Williams, a former owner of Clovelly. He placed it here so that he could look across Bideford Bay.

Consequently, in this way, he was able to see where his daughter, Lady Chichester, lived at Youlston.

Well worth the gentle stroll it takes to see this lovely structure and views. Once you’ve arrived you can rest on the seat amidst glorious woodland, enjoying lovely views.

The Angel’s Wings is just one of several venues on Clovelly Estate that can be used for all sorts of celebrations. It is perfect for die-hard romantics as a place to pop the question.

2. Blackchurch Rock

The impressive Blackchurch rock, which is a large arch stack found at Mouthmill, provides exposures of the Hartland Quay Shale that contains goniatite fossils.

This isolated cove has long been associated with smuggling activities. The exact site of the former mill at Mouthmill is unclear, but you can still see the remains of an old limekiln whose limestone and coal would have been brought in via boat.

3. Mouthmill Beach

Mouthmill is a beach of contrasts. A stream idly trickles through football-sized boulders down to the sea, while soothing sweeps of light-brown sand provide a backdrop to Blackchurch Rock, pointing towards the Atlantic. It’s a place for exploring rather than lounging, though flat grassy areas above the sea wall are ideal for reclining on while you listen to the babble of water below.

Our suggested walk, over several wooden footbridges and on to a headland with gorgeous coastal views, is one of the prettiest to be found anywhere. Lovely all year round, it’s particularly beautiful now as seasonall colours paint the surrounding vistas.

4. Woodland Walks

A great walk in spring, when cackling pheasants strut through a woodland carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, and nesting seabirds squabble on the cliffs. It is also good in the autumn when the trees start to turn and small birds and mammals rummage through the fallen leaves in search of winter stores.

The underlying rocks give rise to grazing pastures of marshy grassland, bog and wet heath. These support many rare plant species and a wide variety of birdlife and unusual insects. Several unusual orchids flourish here, as does the rare marsh fritillary butterfly. The woods are home to many woodland species, including oak, ash, birch and hazel, with lichen-clad willows and an understorey of holly bushes. Some of the lichens in the ancient woodland and parkland on this walk are nationally rare.

Deer can sometimes be seen in the woods, and horseshoe bats and barn owls can be spotted at dusk.

5. Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant sits on this grassy knoll and is known locally as Peace Park.

This is a popular picnic spot for visitors to Clovelly. There are benches to sit upon with spectacular views across Bideford Bay.

The memorial was erected by Christine Hamlyn, owner and benefactress of Clovelly, in memory of the village men who lost their lives during the First World War. The cross is a memorial to her nephew, The Hon. John Manners.

Mount Pleasant was then donated to the National Trust by Mrs Christine Hamlyn in 1921, for the use of the village in perpetuity. Her gift is commemorated on a plaque. With such wonderful views, Christine Hamlyn wanted people to enjoy this spot. Hence she created a small shelter, which has been restored.

Visitors and residents can stop and enjoy views from there across Bideford Bay too. There is also a wheelchair-accessible bench above.