The pretty UK village where cars are banned and deliveries are done by sledges

Nestled on the cliffs of North Devon is a village so unique it feels as if time has stood still. Here, cars are not merely discouraged - they're outright banned. Instead, life unfolds at a leisurely pace, with goods transported on wooden sledges and donkeys occasionally spotted trotting along the cobbled lanes.

The picturesque fishing village of Clovelly feels like it is straight out of a fairytale. This harbour village in the Torridge district of Devon is so stunning it will make you do a double take. Those who venture to Clovelly will soon realise that modern modes of transport are left at the hilltop. The only way into the village is by foot, navigating steep cobbled paths that meander between quaint whitewashed cottages before revealing a picturesque harbour. The lack of cars isn't due to contemporary environmental policies but rather centuries of practicality - the roads are simply too steep and narrow for vehicles.

Deliveries continue to be made in the traditional manner: sledges pulled by hand, slowly moving goods down the cobblestones to shops and residences.

Waste is carted back up in the same fashion, maintaining the village's operations as it has for generations.

For centuries, donkeys were the backbone of Clovelly. They transported fish from the harbour, carried building materials, and hauled luggage for visitors.

These days, they've retired from heavy labour, but you can still encounter them in the stables at the top of the village. Children can delight in rides, and the animals remain a beloved symbol of Clovelly's allure.

Meanwhile, the humble wooden sledge has taken over most of the donkey's workload. Each one is handmade by locals, often adapted to carry everything from crates of food to furniture.

For tourists, spotting a sledge leaning against a cottage wall is a reminder that this is no ordinary village.

Motoring experts at Show Plates World say Clovelly is a fascinating contrast to the UK's car-obsessed culture. A spokesperson explains: "Britain has always been a nation on the move, but Clovelly shows us what happens when the car is taken out of the picture.

"The village thrives on tradition and community, proving that life without traffic isn't just possible - it can be beautiful. While cars dominate almost every aspect of modern life, Clovelly's charm comes from rejecting them altogether."

They add: "It's also a reminder of how much cars shape our environment. Walking through Clovelly, you notice the peace, the clean air, and the sounds of people and nature instead of engines. That's an experience you don't forget."

Clovelly's history dates back to the Domesday Book. For centuries it's been privately owned and carefully maintained, ensuring its streets, cottages and harbour retain their unique character.

Visitors pay a small entrance fee of around £9.50 for adults and £5.50 for children, which helps maintain the village, its museums, and gardens - keeping the cobbles and cottages in pristine condition. Throughout the year, Clovelly hosts a variety of festivals that celebrate its maritime heritage, including herring, lobster, and crab fairs.

These events fill the car-free streets with music, food and laughter, reinforcing its strong ties to the sea and its heritage.

Clovelly, with its cobbled lanes, flower-draped cottages and sweeping sea views, is often hailed as one of Britain's most picturesque villages. What sets it apart is not just its beauty, but its unique atmosphere - a sense of stepping back in time into a slower, calmer and more magical world.

In an era dominated by cars and congestion, Clovelly serves as a reminder that sometimes, the old ways truly are the best.