Our Top 10 Best Things to do in Lynmouth!
Lynmouth is as fascinating as it is quaint and steeped in history and charm.
This picturesque coastal village on the Exmoor Coast, is a must see when visiting Devon or Cornwall. A day out in North Devon isn’t complete without visiting these must-see family attractions. Here’s our suggestion for the top ten things to do in Lynmouth.
Our list starts at the Esplanade in Lynmouth and allows you to wander eastwards towards the East Lyn River valley and Watersmeet. Stop off for some shopping, a delicious cream tea or even some traditional fish and chips along the way, as you check out some of Lynmouth’s top hot-spots…
1. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 childrens pay 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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