10 Reasons to Visit Lynton & Lynmouth in North Devon
Imagine standing on a clifftop, the salt air whipping through your hair, gazing down at two villages cradled by steep wooded valleys and a restless sea. Here, on the rugged edge of Exmoor National Park, Lynton and Lynmouth reveal themselves: timeless, wild, and utterly captivating. Whether you seek windswept walks, local flavours, or a step back in time, these twin villages offer a journey unlike any other.
Ride the Historic Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
The only fully water-powered funicular railway in the world, this Victorian engineering marvel connects the two villages. Glide up steep cliffs with sweeping views of Lynmouth Harbour and the Bristol Channel.
Wander the Valley of Rocks
Just west of Lynton, the Valley of Rocks offers an otherworldly landscape of jagged limestone crags, roaming wild goats, and sweeping sea views. A gentle circular walk from the village reveals this dramatic Exmoor scene where the cliffs seem to tumble into the sea.
Explore Watersmeet’s Woodland Trails
At the meeting of two fast-flowing rivers, Watersmeet is a lush oasis of ancient oak woodland, riverside paths, and waterfalls. Managed by the National Trust, this area is perfect for walkers and wildlife watchers — especially in spring, when bluebells carpet the forest floor.
Discover Local Heritage at Lyn and Exmoor Museum
Tucked into one of Lynton's oldest buildings, the Lyn and Exmoor Museum reveals centuries of life in these villages. From maritime disasters to farming traditions, every artefact tells a story of resilience and community shaped by sea and moor.
Stroll Along Lynmouth Harbour
Lynmouth’s historic harbour hums gently with fishing boats and bobbing tides. Enjoy a relaxed waterside wander, watch crabs scuttle between the rocks, or sip a coffee with views out across the bay. When the tide is out, you can even spot remnants of ancient harbour structures.
Walk the South West Coast Path
Lynton and Lynmouth are perched on one of the most dramatic stretches of the South West Coast Path. Whether you head east toward Countisbury Hill or west past the Valley of Rocks, the coastal views are raw, powerful, and unforgettable.
Taste the Flavours of North Devon
Local seafood, Exmoor beef, and traditional cream teas are central to the Lynton and Lynmouth experience. The villages boast independent cafés, welcoming pubs, and restaurants where local produce shines — from fresh-caught crab to homemade Devonshire pasties.
Step Back in Time in Lynton Old Town
Narrow, winding streets lead you through Lynton’s Old Town, where historic cottages, stone-fronted shops, and centuries-old inns create a sense of stepping into another era. It's a place for leisurely exploration, unhurried and rich in detail.
Discover Secret Beaches
Tucked between cliffs and coves, several smaller beaches near Lynton and Lynmouth invite exploration. Lee Bay, accessible at low tide, and the rocky shores near Sillery Sands offer peaceful spots to dip your toes in the Atlantic and hunt for sea glass.
Connect with Exmoor’s Wild Nature
Beyond the villages, Exmoor National Park offers endless opportunities for wild encounters: red deer in the misty hills, rare birds soaring above the cliffs, and star-filled skies that earned Exmoor status as Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Nature here feels closer, rawer, and more vivid.
Plan Your Visit to Lynton and Lynmouth
Whether you’re seeking windswept walks, heritage stories, or simply the soul-stirring beauty of the North Devon coast, Lynton and Lynmouth deliver. Visit in spring for carpets of wildflowers, summer for coastal adventures, autumn for golden moorland hikes, or winter for dramatic seas and cosy firesides.
Discover more about Lynton and Lynmouth and start planning your North Devon adventure!
