iKnow Devon
Lynton & Lynmouth Accommodation
The idyllic Lynton coast, North Devon Coast
Holiday cottage retreats in Lynton on the North Devon Coast
North Devon Cottages in and around Lynton & Lynmouth
Relax and enjoy a Devon Cream tea on the North Devon coast at Lynton
Beautiful Lynton Harbour, North Devon Coastal magic!
A Lynton Scene, on the edge of Exmoor & the North Devon Coast
Moving into Exmoor National Park from Lynton & the North Devon CoastLynton and Lynmouth North Devon Coast Glen Lyn Gorge, Exmoor National Park UK
There is a particular reason why Lynmouth, the harbour village, and Lynton, it's sister village high up on a steep accessible by the Victorian Cliff Railway, are so popular. Named by the Victorians as 'the Switzerland of England', this North Devon holiday hotspot not only has a dramatic, sublime cliff coastline, but is also backed by beautiful wooded gorges, part of the Exmoor National Park. Lynton and Lynmouth are framed by two enormous gorges, and with the East and West Lyn Rivers nearby you have a setting of pure holiday magic, with a choice of activities from walking, fishing, local golf, surfing, cycling and swimming. Walking especially is magic in this area, with three main Devon walkways, the Two Moors Way, the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail all touching this area. Shorter or longer walks can be chosen dependent on taste.
R.D.Blackmore stayed in the Rising Sun Inn in Lynmouth whilst writing Lorna Doon in the 1860s, he began writing it in 1865. A later 19th century tourist boom in the area was largely due to the popularity of the novel, and boosted by the Lynton Barnstaple Railway. There's lots to do and see including a choice of boat trips from Lynmouth harbour, a trip on the cliff railway upto Lynton and search for hidden coves along the coast. Check out both the Lyn & Exmoor Museum and the Power of Water Exhibition as well!
Lynton & Lynmouth - The Power of Water
During it's popular Victorian property and hotel boom, one George Newnes decided to build himself a holiday home up from Lynmouth on Hollerday Hill. In conjunction with the house he also installed the latest facilities in hydroelectric power, supplying the house with electricity through turbines. In 1983 this private hdyroelectric system was restored, and now Lynton and Lynmouth have their own private electricity. They even sell surplus electricity to the national grid. This makes Lynton and Lynmouth pretty unique!
Pick up a leaflet on the Power of Water Visitor attraction at Glen Lyn Gorge at the village shop, or telephone 01598 723207. It's well worth a visit to find out more on hydro-electricity, and how it is produced for the village. There's lots of interactive stuff for children too, and the views up here at the gorge are amazing. The waters surged through this gorge during the renowned 1952 Lynmouth Flood Disarster (there is a memorial in Lynmouth and lives were lost during this horrendous flood, as well as many buildings with numerous cars washed out to sea).
Glen Lyn Gorge Power Of Water exhibition, then, is an exhibition of real scientific interest, and of course environmentally rather position. The gorge is spectacular and there are beautiful woodland walks by the waterfalls. The kids get the chance to operate the giant water wheel and watch out for the big water cannons as well! 'The Power of Water is open from Easter to Oct, and the Gorge and Hydro-electric centre is also open most winter days. Find the entrance 200yards upstream from Lynmouth harbour.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Its was Sir George Newnes, Victorian magazine magnate, again who built the water-powered Cliff Railway from harbourside Lynmouth up to hilltop Lynton. Before this exquisite Victorian Cliff Railway was built villages were relying totally on sea power, and ships bringing in supplies like coal and food to Lynmouth. Nobody is quite sure who came up with the idea, but George Marks, a prodigy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the cliff railway. There were other similar cliff railways operating in British seaside resorts such as Scarborough, also a popular Victorian holiday hotspot. Work actually began on the lift construction in 1887 and it only took less than three years to complete, an incredible feat indeed!
The Lynmouth and Lynton Railway is still operating today, and very popular with visitors. How it works is rather interesting, it's the simple balancing principle you see. It's water powered and 5 pipes feed water from the River Lyn to tanks underneath the carts. As the bottom cart ejects water, so it becomes lighter and the heavier top car pulls it up. It's a bit more complicated with the brakes and the loading of passengers, but essentially it's all in the balance. Each car takes 40 passenger - Magic. An essential activity for the visitor to Lynmouth & Lynton. Check out their website as well for more details on this beautiful cliff railway's history and on how it works!
Lynmouth & Lynton Lift Co, Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EP. Tel: 01598 753908
Lynton Barnstaple Railway
The Lynton Barnstaple Railway, first opened in 1896, and a godsend to the Victorian tourist trade was indeed one of the most beautiful stretch of narrow-gauge railways in Britain. Good news chums, it's being restored. It was unfortunately closed in 1935, but a short section has already been restored and is open to visitors, with more plans afoot to open more of the line.
Beginnings of restoration have started at charming Woody Bay Station, now open to visitors in all it's 1935 glory. Woody Bay Station is located just off the A39 between Lynton and Blackmoor Gate, and visitors should head there for the current Lynton Barnstaple Railway centre.
The line was originally 19 miles long and linked both Lynton and Lynmouth to Barnstaple. This railway journey would take passengers through the beautiful scenery of Exmoor through the Yeo Valley to Barnstaple. One section transverses the spectacular Chelfham Viaduct which stands at 70 feet. The viaduct has already been resotred and is ready for rail traffic. It's all very exciting if you like the nostalgia of old railways - fantastic. Open now for train journies is a small section within the Exmoor National Park above the Heddon Valley near Parracombe. Next on the list for opening is a stretch down to Killington Lane. The trains running now are very similar to those that ran originally when the Lynton Barnstaple Railway was first opened. Check their website to the right for more details and news of further restoration!
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay Station, Tel: 01598 763487.
Lynmouth & Lynton Attractions
Fun for all the family. Over 150 brasses and Special Rubbing Plates. Instruction, supervision and materials provided. Exciting Hobbycraft and gift section. Fun for all ages. Spacious Lynmouth premises. School, Youth Group and Disabled Parties welcome."" Open Feb Half term-Nov. every day. 10.30am-4.30pm Closed occasional Mons. early and late season. Most Sundays 12am-4.30(plse check) Open all year for booked parties. Admission Free. Visitors only pay for their rubbings (Prices from £1.50) Location Woodcraft Craft Centre, Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth, N Devon. EX35 6EP. Tel (01598) 752529.
Horse Drawn Tours, Travel across farmland and open moorland in a purpose built wagon pulled by friendly Shire horses. Beautiful scenery. Ideal for all ages and abilities (including wheelchair users). Picnic, cream tea and Birthday rides a speciality. Discount for large groups. Please book in advance. Open: All year, Location: West Ilkerton Farm, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6QA. Tel: (01598) 752310.
Lynton & Lynmouth Arts & Music Association (LLAMA) is the not for profit group responsible for organising an arts and music festival in Lynton and Lynmouth annually. It's beginning to put the area on the map on the music festival scene. Keep checking the LLAMA weblink to the right for details as acts are booked for 2006! Tel: 01598 752736
Click Search
