Our Top 10 Best Things to do in Lynton!
Your guide to the best things to do in Lynton, from cliff-top walks to heritage attractions.
The best things to do in Lynton make full use of its cliff-top setting, coastal paths and easy access to Exmoor. This is a village built for slow exploration — sea views in one direction, deep wooded valleys in the other. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, these are the experiences that give you a real feel for Lynton and its place above the bay.
Discover some of the best things to do in Lynton
Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Take a journey on the UK's only fully water-powered funicular railway. Linking Lynton and Lynmouth since the 19th century, this engineering marvel offers sweeping views of the Bristol Channel and a unique taste of local history.
Explore the Valley of Rocks
A short walk west from Lynton leads you to this dramatic rocky gorge, where herds of wild goats roam freely. It’s a favourite for walkers, with circular routes offering coastal views and striking rock formations.
Visit the Lyn & Exmoor Museum
Step inside one of Lynton’s oldest cottages to uncover stories of the area's social, maritime, and railway history. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the 1952 flood and insights into Exmoor’s farming traditions.
Enjoy a Film at Lynton Cinema
Watch a newly released film in one of Britain’s smallest traditional cinemas. Housed in a former Methodist chapel, this single-screen venue offers a quirky and intimate cinema experience.
Browse the Lyn Valley Art & Craft Centre
Support local artists and makers by exploring a wide range of handcrafted goods. From Exmoor-inspired ceramics to landscape photography, the centre is a showcase of North Devon’s creative community.
Walk the South West Coast Path
Pick up the South West Coast Path from Lynton for cliff-top walks with panoramic views across the sea and moorland. Sections toward Heddon’s Mouth or Woody Bay are especially
Discover Glen Lyn Gorge
Wander through this steep-sided wooded valley with waterfalls and informative displays on hydroelectric power and environmental conservation. It’s both an educational and peaceful nature walk.
Ride the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Hop aboard a lovingly restored narrow-gauge steam train for a heritage journey through the rolling countryside. This short but scenic route is ideal for railway enthusiasts and families
Shop in Lynton's Independent Stores
Lynton’s Lee Road and Queen Street is full of independently owned bookshops, local delis, antique stores, and gift boutiques. Perfect for a leisurely browse or picking up something distinctively Devonian.
Climb Hollerday Hill
Follow one of the short, steady paths up Hollerday Hill for wide views over Lynton, Lynmouth and the Bristol Channel. The climb is quick but rewarding, with benches and clearings that make easy stopping points. It’s a straightforward way to get your bearings and see how the two villages sit between sea, cliffs and woodland.
