The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth (also known as little Switzerland) have enjoyed popularity as a holiday destination since 1890 when the funicular railway was built.
Lynton is the perfect destination for walking, touring or simply relaxing and enjoying the spectacular scenery. There are so many walks that start more or less from our front door. We have many maps and printed information about walks of differing lengths to suit all abilities, so please ask if you would like any recommendations or details.
THE CLIFF RAILWAY
Funded by Sir George Newnes and built by George Marks, the water-powered Cliff Railway has been taking people between Lynton and Lynmouth since 1890. It is said to be one of the world’s most spectacular railway rides. Opening times vary. 10am to 9pm in the high season.
THE VALLEY OF ROCKS
Formed in the Ice Age, the Valley of Rocks is just a ten minute walk from our front door. Spectacular rock formations, wonderful views, and our resident herd of wild goats! Try one of our recommended walks to get there. After dinner on a clear evening just sit and watch the sunset.
LYNTON CINEMA
Lynton’s 68-seat cinema is housed in a converted Methodist hall, but once inside, has the feel of a small screen in a multiplex. Run by local volunteers, the cinema shows the latest films at reasonable admission prices - £5.00 adult, £4.50 senior citizens, £3.00 children. We recommend a visit.
LYNTON’S TOY MUSEUM
Transport yourself back in time and recapture golden memories of play time from years gone by, directly opposite Southcliffe.
LYNTON MUSEUM
The Lynton Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the old town of Lynton, it’s petite, but absolutely charming with more daisies in the garden than you have ever seen. The museum shows collections of agricultural and domestic tools from Lynton and Exmoor’s; including maritime, railway, and natural history.
LYNMOUTH FLOOD MEMORIAL
Opposite Lynmouth Harbour is the Flood Memorial Hall. This permanent exhibition includes a scale model of the village pre-flood, along with images of the buildings which were destroyed and how to identify their sites.
WATERSMEET NATIONAL TRUST
Set in one of England’s deepest river gorges surrounded by ancient woodland and beautiful waterfalls. Watersmeet House is a 19th Century fishing lodge and England’s oldest Edwardian tea room.
EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK
Lynton is ideally placed to explore Exmoor National Park. Take a day or two just driving and walking around the moors. Wild moorland, spectacular cliffs and the picturesque villages of Exford, Winsford, Withypool and Dulverton are all within easy reach.
DUNSTER CASTLE
Dunster is a spectacular 40-minute drive from Lynton along the Exmoor coast into Somerset. Well worth a visit for the ancient castle with fine interiors and sub-tropical gardens. We recommend a circular drive, back through the middle of Exmoor, and the picturesque village of Dulverton.
Houses & Gardens
North Devon has a large number of gardens which are open to the public, here are just a few:
Clovelly Court Garden - a classic example of the Victorian kitchen garden.
Docton Mill - 8 acres of outstanding gardens.
Hartland Abbey - A spectacular house and gardens, especially in the spring which the bluebells and primroses make a glorious walk to the nearby beach.
Tapeley Park - a 35 acre themed garden, home to an incredible variety of flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables.
RHS Rosemoor - A garden for all seasons situated in the beautiful setting of the Torridge Valley.
BROOMHILL SCULPTURE GARDENS
The Broomhill Sculpture Gardens are just a 25-minute drive from Lynton, towards Barnstaple. There are 300 contemporary sculptures set in a woods and gardens around the Victorian house. Inside is a gallery and restaurant where lunches, bar meals and cream teas are available.
HEDDON HALL GARDENS
Heddon Hall, set in the Heddon Valley (10 minutes drive from Lynton) these beautiful gardens are open from the 1st May to 31st July, and every Sunday in February to show Hellebores and Snowdrops. Home made cream teas are also served.
CLOVELLY
The ancient fishing village of Clovelly is just over an hour’s drive away. Park at the Visitor’s Centre and stroll down the cobbled streets to the working harbour. Also worth a visit is the rugged Hartland Point, just a few minutes away.
LUNDY ISLAND
A great day out for walkers, photographers and birdwatchers, the trip to Lundy Island makes a memorable day out.
Beaches
North Devon has some of the finest beaches in the British Isles and we are fortunate to have some of the best beaches close at hand. Woolacombe is one of the world’s top ten beaches which stretches for over three miles, and is about half an hour away by car. Saunton Sands, five miles of golden sands backed by the unique dunes of Braunton Burrows. Croyde a picturesque Devon village fronted by another Blue Flag beach favoured by surfers. Off the beaten track you will find some beautiful bays and coves just waiting to be discovered.
Walks
Exmoor is famous for its stunning walks. From 20-mile hikes to casual strolls, you are guaranteed to find an interesting walk here. The coastal path runs through Lynton and Lynmouth, making it possible to plan an interesting walk of any distance from your doorstep! There are many famous short walks locally, either from Lynton or just a short drive away.
NORTH WALK
About an hour’s walk takes you through the town, then out along the path pictured (where you may see our local wild goats) with views across to Wales, then back through the famous Valley of Rocks. An interesting variation takes you slightly higher to Hollerday Hill, where after seeing the site of George Newnes mansion you pass through the Iron Age Fort to the summit with great views of the Valley of Rocks.
WATERSMEET
Another ‘must do’ walk, along the river and back from Lynmouth to the National Trust lodge where the Lyn meets Hoar Oak Water. Excellent food (including cream teas!) Longer circular walks can be planned over Countisbury Hill or Myrtle Berry Cleeve, which gives the best views back towards Lynton and Lynmouth.
WOODY BAY
Through the Valley of Rocks and along the series of bays Coastal Path to Lee Bay and Woody Bay. It is possible to plan a circular walk cutting inland back to Lynton.
HUNTERS INN TO HEDDONS MOUTH
Walk or drive to the National Trust property at Hunter’s Inn, then the very popular walk along the river to the sea at Heddon’s Mouth. Although it is possible to walk to Hunter’s Inn and back in a day from Lynton, many people like to get the bus to Parracombe and walk back via Heddon’s Mouth.
THE DOONE VALLEY
A short drive or catch the bus through Lynmouth to County Gate, then plan a route around the beautiful Doone Valley footpaths. Also possible to walk back from County Gate along the Coastal Path.
SELWORTHY
Drive to the network of paths that lead from the National Trust property at Selworthy . . . woodland walks, the coastal path, and magnificent views from Selworthy Beacon, incorporating the highly recommended Periwinkle Cottage tea rooms! It is also possible to walk to Selworthy from Bossington, which has an interesting beach and a nice circular walk to Porlock Weir.
TARR STEPS
A 30-minute drive to Withypool, where the circular walk begins. Along the river to the famous beauty spot of Tarr Steps, then back across moorland to Withypool. About 8 miles.
COOMBE MARTIN TO LYNTON
A popular section of the Coastal Path. Take a bus or taxi to Combe Martin and back through Hunters Inn (an ideal lunch stop, just past half-way), Woody Bay and the Valley of Rocks. This is a 14-mile walk, taking all day – between 6-8 hours, but is well worth it.
Eating Out - Lynton
The Old Bank
Contemporary restaurant in the heart of Lynton’s old town, serving lunch & dinner
01598 751487
Restaurant Kensington
A contemporary dining experience for lunch and dinner in the heart of Lynton
01598 751021
The Oak Room
Tapas bar and restaurant with outdoor seating
01598 753838
The Vanilla Pod
Award winning restaurant serving amazing food with a Mediterranean beat
01598 753706
North Coast Cafe
An award-winning coffee shop, enjoy bagels, sandwiches, pasties, jackets, scones & treats
01598 486045
Number Ten
Italian restaurant and bar with terrace
01598 751028
Charlie Fridays Coffee Shop
A unique, friendly coffee shop, a wide range of drinks, meals, snack and cakes
01598 752032
The Crown Hotel
A lovely 17th Century coaching inn serving home-cooked meals
01598 752253
The Greenhouse
Cafe and restaurant
01598 751646
Nartnapa Thai Kitchen at the Cottage Inn - Lynbridge
Independant Exmoor Pub & Thai Inspired Restaurant
01598 753496
No. 1
Licensed Café and tearoom, with excellent Sunday lunch menu
01598 751639
Eating Out - Lynmouth
The Rising Sun
A 14th Century Inn with stunning sea location excellent menu
01598 753223
Rock House
Fabulous location, great menu
01598 752251
The Ancient Mariner
Great food and atmosphere
01598 752230
Mad 4 Seafood
Seafood Restaurant, simple seafood done well
07944 211501
Bay View Restaurant at the Bonnicott Hotel
Dine in style and enjoy classic food exceptionally prepared
01598 753346
The Esplanade Fish Bar
Excellent fish and chip restaurant with indoor seating
01598753798
Eating Out - Further Afield
The Fox and Goose - Parracombe
Local Ales, good food and a warm welcome await you at this proper Exmoor Inn
01598 763 239
The Rockford Inn - Brendon
A traditional country pub, serving excellent lunches, evening meals & Sunday roasts
01598 741 214
The Blue Ball Inn - Countisbury
Traditional pub food, locally sourced, good selection of fine ales, stunning views
01598 741 263
The Hunters Inn - Heddon Valley
Traditional country inn boasting top quality and traditional home cooked dining
01598 763230
The Pyne Arms - East Down
A proper Country Pub with well kept Ales and excellent menu
01271 850055
Lyn Valley Taxi:
0790 7161 666
Riverside Taxi:
01598 753442
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