Lynmouth Harbour
Charming twin villages of Lynton & Lynmouth, known as 'Little Switzerland', offering dramatic coastal views and a unique water-powered cliff railway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Lynmouth Harbour
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming twin villages of Lynton & Lynmouth, known as 'Little Switzerland', offering dramatic coastal views and a unique water-powered cliff railway.
"Lynmouth Harbour is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and coastal charm."
🎯 Savor Legendary Scones
Don't miss the giant scones at the Cliff Railway cafe – legendary for quality and quantity! :cake:
🚗 Parking Costs
Car parks are available but charge a fee. Plan your budget accordingly. :parking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lynmouth Harbour
Lynmouth
A picturesque heart of the village, perfect for relaxing and watching boats.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Connecting Lynton and Lynmouth
Experience the world's steepest water-powered funicular railway for stunning views.
Rhenish Tower
Lynmouth Harbour wall
A historic Grade II listed tower, a symbol of the town's resilience after the 1952 flood.
Coastal Walks
Exmoor National Park
Explore scenic routes from Watersmeet down to Lynmouth through wooded valleys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Twin Towns
Plan for Parking & Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Savor Legendary Scones
Don't miss the giant scones at the Cliff Railway cafe – legendary for quality and quantity! :cake:
🚗 Parking Costs
Car parks are available but charge a fee. Plan your budget accordingly. :parking:
🚶♀️ Steep Walks
Be prepared for steep inclines, especially the walk down from Lynton. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Hotspot
The harbour and coastline offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially at low tide. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Savor Legendary Scones
Don't miss the giant scones at the Cliff Railway cafe – legendary for quality and quantity! :cake:
🚗 Parking Costs
Car parks are available but charge a fee. Plan your budget accordingly. :parking:
🚶♀️ Steep Walks
Be prepared for steep inclines, especially the walk down from Lynton. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Hotspot
The harbour and coastline offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially at low tide. :camerawithflash:
🐟 Fish & Chips
A popular fish and chip shop is a great option for a late bite out of season. :fishandchips:
☕ Local Cafes
Enjoy delicious pasties at The Bake House Cafe in Lynmouth.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lynmouth Harbour for its breathtaking scenery, charming atmosphere, and the unique experience of the Cliff Railway. The Rhenish Tower and coastal walks are also highlights. Some find parking costly and dining options limited out of season.
"I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lynmouth Harbour, and it was a delightful experience. The scenery is breathtaking, with picturesque views of the coastline and charming village. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, creating a tranquil environment for exploration. The local amenities are excellent, with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy. Overall, Lynmouth Harbour is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and coastal charm."
Lindsey Rodrigues
"There are several choices of car parks.
All cost money. However, all are near the front with quick access.
Out of season, there aren't many late opening food options, except two main ones. One is very popular fish and chips.
A few very cute shops, with some cafes.
Generally, though, the area is simple, quiet, and beautiful.
The harbour is the heart of the area, being a pleasure to sit by.
When the tide is out, it's possible to walk on the stones and sand and watch the boats lean in peace.
It's a great area for photography, too."
R J
"It is part of Beautiful historic town Lynmouth in North Devon . It is connected to twin town Lynton by cliff railway. The Lynmouth lynton cliff railway is must visit attraction and it is world’s steepest, totally water powered railway ."
Vibha Joshi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lynmouth Harbour is accessible by car, with several car parks available, though they do charge a fee. It's also reachable via public transport, often involving a bus journey. The nearest major towns are Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.
Yes, there are several car parks near the harbour, but they all incur a charge. Arriving early or during the off-season can make finding a spot easier. :parking:
If you are staying in Lynton, you can walk down to Lynmouth, but be aware it's a steep descent. Alternatively, the Cliff Railway offers a scenic and less strenuous way to travel between the two villages.
The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the most iconic and convenient way to travel between the two towns. It's a unique experience, being the world's highest and steepest water-powered funicular.
Yes, the drive through Exmoor National Park to reach Lynmouth offers stunning countryside and coastal views. +1 Many visitors enjoy road trips through Devon and Cornwall that include Lynmouth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lynmouth Harbour itself is a public area and free to access. However, attractions like the Cliff Railway require tickets.
Ticket prices for the Cliff Railway can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
The Rhenish Tower is a landmark on the harbour wall and is generally accessible as part of the harbour area without a specific entrance fee.
Lynmouth Harbour is always open as it's a public space. However, individual shops, cafes, and attractions like the Cliff Railway will have their own operating hours.
While not always necessary, booking Cliff Railway tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save time and guarantee your ride.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can wander along the picturesque harbour, enjoy fresh seafood, explore local shops, and take in the coastal views.
Absolutely! The harbour, coastline, and the Rhenish Tower offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially when the tide is out.
Yes, Lynmouth is a gateway to Exmoor National Park, offering beautiful walks like the route from Watersmeet down to Lynmouth along the East Lyn River.
The Rhenish Tower is a historic Grade II listed building on the harbour wall, which has become a symbol of Lynmouth's resilience after the 1952 flood.
Experience both towns by riding the Cliff Railway. Explore Lynmouth's harbour and then ascend to Lynton for panoramic views and charming streets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lynmouth has several cafes and restaurants. The Bake House Cafe is known for its pasties, and there's a popular fish and chip shop.
Out of season, late-opening food options can be limited, with a couple of main choices, including a popular fish and chip restaurant.
Locals and visitors rave about the pasties from The Bake House Cafe and the legendary giant scones from the Cliff Railway cafe.
Yes, some accommodations and cafes offer stunning sea views over Lynmouth Harbour, making for a delightful dining experience.
You'll find traditional British pub fare, excellent fish and chips, and local baked goods. Seafood is also a popular choice given the coastal location.
📸 📸 Photography
Lynmouth Harbour, the Rhenish Tower, the Cliff Railway, and the surrounding coastal paths offer incredible photo opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light, while low tide allows for interesting shots of the harbour floor and boats.
Yes, you can take photos from the Cliff Railway carriages, offering unique perspectives of the steep incline and the villages.
Generally, photography is welcomed in public areas. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals.
The combination of dramatic coastal cliffs, charming harbour, historic architecture, and the unique Cliff Railway provides diverse and captivating subjects for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as exploring the coastal paths and villages can be tiring for little legs. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While the Cliff Railway has a fee, it's a worthwhile splurge for the experience. 📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. 💑 Couples
Many rooms in Lynmouth offer sea views, perfect for a relaxing retreat. Enjoy a quiet evening stroll along the harbour, perhaps with a takeaway from the local fish and chip shop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lynmouth & Lynton Cliff Railway: A Victorian Engineering Marvel
Visitors often remark on the sheer steepness of the railway, with one Reddit user describing it as a 'killer' walk down but a 'legendary' experience.
Pro-tip: Consider riding the railway at least once in each direction to fully appreciate the changing perspectives and the unique engineering.
It's an iconic part of the 'Little Switzerland' of North Devon experience. Lynmouth Harbour: Resilience and Coastal Charm
The village's history is marked by the devastating Lynmouth flood of 1952, which tragically destroyed much of the town and harbour.
For photographers, the harbour provides a wealth of opportunities, from the dramatic coastal landscapes to the intricate details of the Rhenish Tower and the working harbour.
Exploring the 'Little Switzerland' of North Devon
This comparison, made by Victorian tourists, highlights the unique and breathtaking landscape that sets these twin villages apart. The area is nestled within the stunning Exmoor National Park, offering a wealth of natural beauty to explore. Beyond the iconic Cliff Railway, the region is a haven for walkers and nature lovers. Scenic routes, such as the walk from Watersmeet down to Lynmouth along the East Lyn River, wind through lush wooded valleys and offer spectacular views.
Visitors often find themselves captivated by the sheer charm of the villages, from Lynmouth's bustling harbour to Lynton's clifftop perch.
+1 It's a destination that truly lives up to its enchanting nickname, offering a sense of discovery and awe at every turn. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit