Are Lynton & Lynmouth the Same?
Beautifully hidden on Exmoor National Park, Lynton and Lynmouth often leave visitors wondering if they are one place or two, or the same place. Though deeply connected, these are distinct villages — each with its own landscape and character.
Two Villages, Two Landscapes
Lynton perches high atop the cliffs, offering sweeping views over the Bristol Channel. Its winding streets are filled with independent cafés, galleries, and access to stunning walks like the South West Coast Path. Down below, Lynmouth hugs the shoreline, a picturesque harbour village where the East Lyn River meets the sea.
The Cliff Railway: A Remarkable Link
The two are famously joined by the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, a water-powered funicular dating back to 1890. It’s more than transport; it’s a symbol of their close relationship, effortlessly bridging the 500-foot height difference between clifftop and coast.
Watersmeet: Where Rivers and Walks Converge
A short walk from Lynmouth leads to Watersmeet, one of Exmoor’s most celebrated beauty spots. Here, the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water rivers collide amid a steep, wooded valley. Managed by the National Trust, Watersmeet offers a historic tea room, ancient woodland trails, and a rich habitat for wildlife. It’s a place where visitors can experience the wild, untamed heart of the landscape that has shaped both Lynton and Lynmouth for centuries.
The Valley of Rocks: A Walk Through Exmoor’s Dramatic Past
Above Lynton lies the Valley of Rocks, an awe-inspiring landscape of jagged stone towers and sweeping coastal views. Beloved by poets and painters, the valley is also home to a herd of feral goats. Walking here feels almost prehistoric, with footpaths winding between rocky outcrops and the open sea stretching beyond. The Valley of Rocks offers a vivid reminder of the elemental forces that have defined this coastline and its communities.
A Shared History of Resilience
Lynton and Lynmouth’s bond was tested and strengthened during the 1952 flood, when devastating waters destroyed much of Lynmouth. Residents from both villages rebuilt together, forging a lasting spirit of unity that still defines them today. You can find out more at the Lynmouth Flood Memorial.
While Lynton and Lynmouth are geographically separate, their shared history, community ties, and the iconic Cliff Railway make them two halves of the same place, an unforgettable Exmoor experience.
