10 Best Things to do in Lynmouth north devon exmoor south west lynmouth harbour

Our Top 10 Best Things to do in Lynmouth!

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Our Top 10 Best Things to do in Lynmouth!

Lynmouth is as fascinating as it is quaint and steeped in history and charm.

The best things to do in Lynmouth highlight the village’s mix of coastal scenery, river valleys and easy places to explore at your own pace. This picturesque spot on the Exmoor Coast is a favourite for visitors to North Devon, whether you’re here for walks, heritage attractions, or simple seaside wandering.

You can dip into the Esplanade in Lynmouth, follow the East Lyn River towards Watersmeet, browse the independent shops, or pause for a cream tea or classic fish and chips. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours discovering corners of the village that suit your day.

Discover some of the best things to do in Lynmouth

1

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

It's probably the most popular thing to do when visiting Lynton & Lynmouth. The Cliff Railway is an incredible feat of Victorian engineering built in 1888 and joins the two towns of Lynton & Lynmouth. It rises over 500 ft (152 m) along 862 ft (262 m) of track making the Cliff Railway the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway in the world.

2

Watersmeet

Probably one of Lynmouth's most famous walks and made even more popular by TV's Julia Bradbury. The walk from Lynmouth through the Watersmeet Gorge along the exuberant East Lyn River is an absolute walker's delight. This shady valley is home to a variety of wildlife and looks stunning at all times of year. Enjoy tea and cake at the National Trust's Watersmeet House before heading back to Lynmouth or onwards for a longer exciting walk.

3

Lynmouth Flood Memorial

Opposite Lynmouth Harbour is the Flood Memorial Hall. This permanent exhibition includes a pre-flood scale model of the village, along with images of the buildings which were destroyed and how to identify their sites. There are many personal accounts, photos, as well as material on the recent theory that it may have been the result of cloud-seeding experiments by the military.

4

Exmoor National Park Centre

The best place to find out more about the ecology, history and diversity of the Exmoor National Park. The friendly, informed National Park Centre Team will be able to give you bespoke advice to ensure that you get the most out of your stay.

5

Rhenish Tower

The iconic Rhenish Tower is a must-see for your selfie photo collection. The tower was originally built to store salt water for indoor bathing but was later given additional purpose as a beacon. It is said to have taken its name from 'similar' a tower on the Rhine river in Germany. The original tower was destroyed in the flood of 1952 and rebuilt in 1954.

6

Lynmouth Street

Enjoy strolling along Lynmouth Street browsing through the fabulous array of shops selling arts and crafts, leather goods and clothing, interior decorations and other objects of desire. If you're feeling peckish then there's a great selection of cafés and tearooms where you can enjoy excellent home-made cakes, tea and coffee. You can also satisfy the sweetest tooth with some delicious ice-cream, candy or waffles.

7

Hole-in-1 Putting Green

Located in Lynmouth, Manor Green offers two putting greens and it's the perfect way to spend time with family and friends. Play 18-hole games, or there is the option to play for longer up to 36-holes. There are also tennis courts for hire and a children's play area nearby on Manor Green.

The Hole-in-1 kiosk provides chilled drinks, sweets and ice cream which is great if you get peckish whilst you're playing a round or two!

8

Eastern Beach

Lynmouth is not well known for its beaches as they're mostly large boulders and coarse sand but if you're looking for a short stroll along a wild and rugged beach then the Eastern Beach is for you. Mostly hidden from sight, cross the bridge at Lynmouth Harbour and walk past the Manor Green. Take care on this beach, stay away from the cliff walls and be aware of the fast-moving high tides.

9

Glen Lyn Gorge

Where the once destructive waters of the East Lyn River now provide hydroelectric power for the village. Make electricity! Fire water cannons, spin water wheels! Fun in any Weather for children of all ages! Want to see some beautiful waterfalls - but can't walk very far? Try the step-free access! And you don't have to be registered disabled to use our Tramper mobility scooter. The entrance to The Glen Lyn Gorge is at the road junction in Lynmouth - where the West Lyn and the East Lyn rivers meet.

10

Lyn Model Railway

Love train sets? Then you're going to love the Lyn Model Railway. It's not a huge venue, but the detail and work that has been poured into this 1935-1940 model of the LNER (London & North Eastern Railway) is quite extraordinary. It's like stepping back in time the minute you walk through the door.

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Discover More about Lynton & Lynmouth

Places to Stay

Find the best B&Bs, Hotels, Inns & Campsites

Eat & Drink

Find great cafés, pubs and restaurants. ​

Shopping

Lots of independent shops and artisans

How To Get Here

Find useful information to help you find your way to Lynton & Lynmouth.