Lynmouth North Devon
Discover 'Little Switzerland' in the UK! Ride a historic cliff railway, explore dramatic valleys, and enjoy stunning North Devon coastlines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for coastal views
Lynmouth North Devon
Best Time
Best light for coastal views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 'Little Switzerland' in the UK! Ride a historic cliff railway, explore dramatic valleys, and enjoy stunning North Devon coastlines.
"Lynton & Lynmouth: Little Switzerland of the UK, a must-visit for breathtaking views and unique experiences!"
Ride the Cliff Railway
Don't miss this iconic water-powered funicular connecting Lynton and Lynmouth! :train2:
Explore Valley of the Rocks
See dramatic rock formations and wild goats. Great for walks! :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Connecting Lynton and Lynmouth
Ride the world's highest and steepest water-powered funicular for breathtaking coastal and valley views.
Valley of the Rocks
Near Lynton
Dramatic rock formations, coastal paths, and free-roaming goats make this a unique natural wonder.
Watersmeet
Confluence of East Lyn and West Lyn Rivers
A serene National Trust woodland with beautiful river walks and a charming tea room.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Twin Towns
Book Ahead for the Railway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ride the Cliff Railway
Don't miss this iconic water-powered funicular connecting Lynton and Lynmouth! :train2:
Explore Valley of the Rocks
See dramatic rock formations and wild goats. Great for walks! :hiking_boot:
Visit Watersmeet
Enjoy peaceful river walks and a National Trust tea room. :tea:
Pack for All Weather
Devon weather can change quickly, so layers are key! :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ride the Cliff Railway
Don't miss this iconic water-powered funicular connecting Lynton and Lynmouth! :train2:
Explore Valley of the Rocks
See dramatic rock formations and wild goats. Great for walks! :hiking_boot:
Visit Watersmeet
Enjoy peaceful river walks and a National Trust tea room. :tea:
Pack for All Weather
Devon weather can change quickly, so layers are key! :cloud:
Dog-Friendly Options
Many spots, including the cliff railway, welcome dogs! :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique charm of Lynton and Lynmouth, often calling them 'Little Switzerland' for their stunning scenery. The iconic cliff railway is a major highlight, offering breathtaking views. While some find parking challenging, the natural beauty and the distinct character of the twin towns make it a highly recommended destination.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lynton and Lynmouth are accessible by car, with parking available in both towns. The nearest major train station is Barnstaple, from which you can take a bus or taxi. It's about 4 hours from London and 2 hours from Bristol by car.
Driving between Lynton and Lynmouth can be steep and winding. Many visitors prefer to park and use the cliff railway or walk.
The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the most scenic and convenient way to travel between the two towns.
Yes, bus services connect Lynmouth to nearby towns and Barnstaple. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules.
Absolutely! Lynmouth and Lynton make for a fantastic day trip, especially if you're exploring North Devon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the cliff railway are typically around £3 per person for a single journey, with potential discounts for return tickets or family passes. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always essential, booking in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, can save you time waiting in line.
The Valley of the Rocks is a natural area and generally free to access. Parking may incur a fee.
Yes, Watersmeet is managed by the National Trust, offering beautiful woodland walks and a tea room.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway website for the most up-to-date operating times before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Must-dos include riding the cliff railway, exploring the Valley of the Rocks, walking along the rivers at Watersmeet, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Yes, you can walk between Lynton and Lynmouth, but it's a steep climb. The cliff railway is a much easier and more scenic option.
Absolutely! The coastal paths around the Valley of the Rocks and the river walks at Watersmeet are highly recommended.
Yes, Lynmouth and Lynton are generally dog-friendly. The cliff railway allows dogs, and many walking trails are suitable for canine companions.
Lynton and Lynmouth were nicknamed 'Little Switzerland' in the 19th century due to their resemblance to the Swiss Alps, promoting tourism.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lynmouth offers charming cafes and restaurants. The Rising Sun Hotel is noted for its food, and seafood options are popular.
Yes, Lynmouth is a coastal town, so seafood is a specialty. Places like @mad4seafood have been recommended for delicious fish sandwiches and lobster rolls.
Watersmeet has a tea room where you can enjoy refreshments, making it a pleasant stop during your walks.
Many pubs and cafes in Lynmouth offer family-friendly menus. The general atmosphere is welcoming for all ages.
Fresh seafood, traditional pub fare, and local produce are popular. Cream teas are also a must-try in Devon!
📸 📸 Photography
The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Valley of the Rocks, and the picturesque harbour in Lynmouth are all highly photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for coastal and landscape photography. Summer mornings provide excellent clarity.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
Yes, the journey on the cliff railway offers unique perspectives of the coastline and the steep incline, making for great photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dramatic landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife like the goats in the Valley of the Rocks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the rivers at Watersmeet or on one of the many scenic spots. The generally dog-friendly nature of the area also means you can bring your furry family members along for the adventure. Remember to check for family ticket options on the cliff railway to make your visit more economical.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Many trails are dog-friendly, allowing your canine companions to join in the exploration. Be prepared for varied terrain, from steep inclines to rocky paths, and always carry water and appropriate gear. The South West Coast Path also passes nearby, offering longer-distance hiking options.
📸 Photographers
For landscape photographers, the coastal views are spectacular, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The charming harbour and riverside scenes in Lynmouth also offer picturesque opportunities. Consider a drone for aerial shots, but always be mindful of local regulations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Cliff Railway
Travelers often describe the ride as both thrilling and beautiful. The engineering behind its water-powered system is fascinating, using gravity and water from the East Lyn River to ascend and descend. It's also noted as being dog-friendly, making it accessible for most visitors.
Consider riding it during different times of the day to capture varied light conditions for photography. The views are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, though daytime offers clear vistas of the dramatic landscape.
Exploring the Valley of the Rocks
Many visitors enjoy circular walks that start and finish near the Lynton Cliff Railway, making it easy to combine with a visit to the towns. The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The dramatic scenery has even been used as a filming location for various productions, adding to its allure.
Autumn brings a special beauty to the valley with changing leaf colours, while summer offers the best chance for clear, expansive views. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, not just the goats, but also seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
The Charm of Lynmouth and Lynton
These twin towns offer a delightful mix of natural beauty and historical character. Lynmouth was famously devastated by a flood in 1952, and its reconstruction is a testament to the resilience of the community. Exploring the independent shops, cafes, and the harbour area in Lynmouth provides a glimpse into its maritime heritage.
Visitors often find the contrast between the two towns fascinating. Lynton's higher elevation offers grander vistas, while Lynmouth's riverside and harbour setting provides a more intimate, coastal experience. The connection via the cliff railway makes exploring both effortless and enjoyable.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit