Let's Shout About Our Standout Reasons to Visit
Every town needs strong, standout reasons for visitors to come in the first place. Without them, we rely on chance footfall, the weather, or passing trade. These standout reasons are what we call Anchors – the big draws that put us on the map. They make visitors say: “We must go there.”
What do we really mean by an anchor reason?
An anchor reason is more than just something nice to do. It’s the signature pull, a standout reason – a festival, landmark, experience, product, or story that can’t be easily found elsewhere. Anchors create momentum and visibility, and once visitors are here for that anchor, they spread their time and money across our wider community.
This is how tourism works best: a few strong anchors bring people in, and the collective offer keeps them here longer. That’s how we achieve Better, Not Busier – not by chasing ever-more people, but by giving those who come stronger reasons to stay, explore, and return.
Anchors are the sparks that underpin the foundations of our Critical Mass.
Plenty To Do
Anchors draw visitors in, but the real strength is when they discover a rich spread: cafés, shops, pubs, attractions, walks, and experiences.
Interesting Variety
Anchors should complement each other, not copy one another. A music festival, a historic railway, a signature food experience, and a coastal trail all combine into a bigger story than any single draw could tell alone.
Everyone Benefits
Anchors create a “halo effect.” Visitors might come for one reason, but they’ll also eat, shop, explore, and stay. The prosperity spreads across the whole town.
Anchor reasons are what turn a passing stop into a planned destination. They give visitors strong motives to come, stay longer, and return often. From dramatic landscapes and iconic landmarks to food festivals, dark skies, and signature local experiences, anchors create momentum that benefits every business in town. Without them, we rely on chance footfall; with them, we build a reputation worth travelling for.
We are fortunate to be surrounded by some excellent Anchors:
Natural Anchors
- Valley of Rocks – our dramatic coastal valley with feral goats and towering rock formations, unlike anywhere else in the UK.
- Watersmeet – where two rivers crash together in ancient woodland, a National Trust gem.
- South West Coast Path – one of the most scenic stretches, with sea cliffs, waterfalls, and moorland views.
- Exmoor National Park – dark skies, wild ponies, and expansive moorland on our doorstep.
Built & Historic Anchors
- Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway – the UK’s only water-powered cliff railway, a true engineering marvel.
- Rhenish Tower & Lynmouth Harbour – postcard-perfect symbols of the village.
- Lynton Town Hall – iconic architecture, often photographed, and a striking events venue.
Experiential Anchors
- Exmoor Dark Skies – internationally recognised stargazing, with events and festivals.
- Watersports & Coastal Adventures – kayaking, paddle-boarding, coasteering.
- Walking & Wildlife Tours – guided hikes, birdwatching, red deer rut safaris.
The anchors above contribute massively to our Critical Mass and help make the PIE bigger:
Plenty to do (coast, moor, food, drink, history).
Interesting variety (no copycats, each anchor distinct).
Everyone benefits (anchors pull people in, but the spend ripples across cafés, pubs, shops, and stays).
Think About It In Practice
Cafés & Tea Rooms
Create a signature product that people will travel for, like a unique cake, delicious homemade stew or beverage.
Pub & Inns
Host a regular music night or themed quiz that becomes part of people’s calendar.
Restaurant
Launch a seasonal dining event – lobster week, autumn game feast, mini burger platter, festive tasting menus.
Attractions
Introduce a hero feature – a must-see exhibition, a landmark view, or an annual event.
Experiences
Offer themed walks, wildlife tours, or workshops that make our area a “must-do.”
Retail Shop
Stock a local-exclusive product – something they can’t buy online, but only in Lynton & Lynmouth.
Makers/Creators
Run live demonstrations or classes, giving visitors an anchor experience as well as a keepsake.
