The winter rhythm of Little Switzerland
When the weather turns wild, Lynton & Lynmouth becomes exactly the kind of place you dream about in colder months. The sea thunders at the harbour wall, wind combs the heather on high cliffs, and then—door opens—warmth. Hands out to the blaze, a bowl of something hearty on the way, and the sort of welcome that makes you exhale. That’s the winter rhythm on the North Devon coast: come for the storm, stay for the fire.
Two villages, one escape beside Exmoor National Park
High on the cliffs, Lynton brings views, galleries and cafés; down by the water, Lynmouth offers wave-watching, pubs and independent shops. Minutes apart by road or footpath, they make an easy, walkable winter weekend break: weather outside, firelight within—right on the edge of Exmoor National Park.
Planning note: the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway usually pauses for winter maintenance. In colder months, travel between the two by road or on footpaths rather than relying on the railway.
Storm-watching & winter walks on the North Devon coast
Storm-watching & harbour drama
On a lively day the Atlantic puts on a show. Enjoy prime storm-watching from safe viewpoints along the harbour and promenade and let the soundtrack of winter roll through you.
Cliff-top loops with big views
Favourite short routes include the Valley of Rocks circuits and viewpoints towards Foreland Point. Even a one-hour loop delivers sea, sky and that delicious sense of space.
Woodland & river shelter
When it’s gusty up top, slide into the Lyn valley for mossy paths, riversong and a calmer pace.
Dark skies
Exmoor’s night skies often dazzle on clear winter nights. Pick a moon-friendly evening, step away from bright lights, and give your eyes time to adjust—Orion, Cassiopeia and the Pleiades frequently show on crisp nights.
Firesides, cosy pubs and hearty Exmoor food
Fireside lounges
Log glow, board games, a good book, and the slow drift of unhurried conversation—winter’s finest indoor sport.
Hearty local food
Think slow-cooked stews, Exmoor beef and game, fish pies, doorstep sandwiches and the cream teas North Devon is known for. Add a rich hot chocolate or a hot toddy and you’ve winter-proofed the afternoon.
Cosy Exmoor pubs & proper drinks
Settle into cosy pubs for Exmoor ales, Devon ciders and comforting warmers. Designated driver sorted? Try an after-dinner liqueur or a boozy hot chocolate as a nightcap.
A simple 2-night winter plan
Friday
Arrive before dusk if you can. Drop your bags, take a short harbour stroll to feel the weather on your face, then warm up over a fireside supper. Early night, deep sleep.
Saturday
Morning — Healthy or Hearty Breakfast:
Start slow with something nourishing (granola, yoghurt, fruit, poached eggs) or go full comfort (proper cooked breakfast, mushrooms on toast, pancakes). Either way, fuel up for the coast.
Then walk a Valley of Rocks loop: goats on the slopes, gulls carving the wind, sea rolling away to Wales.
Afternoon — Coffee & Cake or Cream Tea:
Take a table, thaw out and linger. A slice and a flat white hits the spot; or lean into tradition with warm scones, jam and clotted cream.
Browse a couple of independents, then catch a short viewpoint walk if there’s light left.
Evening:
Unhurried dinner. If the sky clears, grab a flask and step out for a brief stargaze. Or maybe take in a movie at the Lynton Cinema
Sunday
A lazy breakfast. A woodland or riverside leg-stretch along the East Lyn River. A comforting roast or a big bowl of something hearty before the road home—lifted by weather, soothed by fire.
What’s on this winter
Expect festive markets, late-night shopping, seasonal menus and cosy music nights. Dates vary through the season.
