Tucked away on the rugged Exmoor coastline, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth offer the perfect escape for walkers, foodies, and nature lovers alike. With a timeless charm and dramatic landscapes, these North Devon gems are full of unique things to see and do.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or staying a little longer, here are our recommendations on the 10 best things to do in Lynton and Lynmouth.
1) Ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
First and foremost, no trip to Lynton and Lynmouth is complete without hopping aboard the famous Cliff Railway! This is the world’s highest and steepest water-powered railway, linking the two villages and providing breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel.
Built in 1888, the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway was originally used for freight, but became more and more popular with tourists over time. Eventually, its flat platforms were replaced with the now-famous green carriages to make room for visitors, and they’re still in use to this day. This historic funicular offers a fun experience for the whole family and should be experienced at least once.
There’s often a big queue, but with the railway operating continuously and trips only taking 5 minutes, travellers rarely have to wait long. Tickets are bought immediately before travel and are very affordable, making this a great option for a cheap day in Lynton and Lynmouth. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Cliff Railway for a very small fee.
Visit the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway website for ticket prices and more information.
2) Walk through the Valley of Rocks
Located along the South West Coast Path, just a short walk from Lynton, the famous Valley of Rocks is a must when visiting Lynton and Lynmouth. This dramatic dry valley is home to craggy rock formations, shaped over thousands of years by coastal erosion to create one of the South West’s most unique landscapes. It’s a firm favourite among visitors and locals alike and offers plenty of walking and photography opportunities.
Those who feel adventurous can hike up to Castle Rock, an ideal viewpoint to observe breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. Beware though — you may come across a grazing wild goat on your way!
Once you’re done exploring, make sure to drop into Mother Meldrum’s Tea Gardens for a Devon Cream Tea. If the timing’s right, you can even sit out and watch a game at Lynton and Lynmouth Cricket Club, potentially the UK’s most scenic cricket ground!
3) Discover Watersmeet and its woodland trails
Lace up your walking boots and follow the scenic trail from Lynmouth to Watersmeet. Probably the most popular Lynmouth walk, the route follows the babbling East Lyn river from the edge of Lynmouth, into the peaceful wooded Lyn Valley. There’s an array of nature to spot along the way, including dippers and herons, if you’re lucky!
Eventually you’ll reach Watersmeet House, a 19th century fishing lodge perched where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water. Now, the house is home to the Watersmeet Tea Room, managed by the National Trust and part of 2,000 acres of estate waiting to be explored.
This particular walk is a favourite for hikers and nature lovers alike, ideal for riverside picnics or a slice of cake in the tea room. It’s a rewarding walk that captures the essence of Exmoor’s lush landscape and gives you just a taste of what else is out there.
4) Explore Exmoor National Park
Lynton and Lynmouth are often known as the gateway to Exmoor National Park, making them the perfect base for exploring this wild and wonderful landscape. From towering sea cliffs and deep wooded valleys to open moorland dotted with ponies, Exmoor is a haven for walkers, wildlife lovers, and anyone craving a breath of fresh air.
Why not start your Exmoor adventure at the National Park Centre, perched conveniently on Lynmouth’s sea front? Here you can learn about the moor’s wildlife and history, chat to the local team, or pop upstairs for a bite to eat with a view.
If you fancy getting out and exploring, we recommend Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, or the nearby Horner Wood, with sweeping views of rolling hills and sea. Just minutes from Lynton and Lynmouth is the quaint Lorna Doone Valley, perfect for a scenic stroll and a cream tea in the Buttery Cafe.
Check out our blog for more things to do in Exmoor.
5) Watch a film at Lynton Cinema
When you’re looking for things to do in Lynton and Lynmouth, make sure to add Lynton Cinema to your list.
This little gem has just one screen, but don’t let its size fool you. It shows all the latest releases in a comfy and intimate setting, complete with old-school charm and friendly service. Tickets are also remarkably affordable, making it the perfect rainy day activity in Lynton.
Go to the Visit Lynton and Lynmouth website to see what’s on, ticket prices and more.
6) Dine out in Lynton or Lynmouth
From afternoon tea at cosy cafes to fine dining restaurants and pub lunches, Lynton and Lynmouth both offer some excellent places to eat.
In Lynton, The Oak Room is a top choice for tapas and wine, while The Vanilla Pod serves up seasonal British dishes in a relaxed setting. For a laid-back lunch or sweet treat, head to Charlie Friday’s, a friendly, award-winning café known for its cakes and coffee.
In Lynmouth, you’ll find plenty of harbourside favourites like The Pavilion Dining Room and The Esplanade Fish Bar for classic seaside fare. You also can’t miss having a drink or bite to eat at The Rising Sun, a characterful 14th-century pub that oozes history and welcoming coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a memorable meal, there’s something to suit every taste.
For more great places to eat nearby, read our guide to the best restaurants in North Devon.
7) Take a ride on a narrow-gauge railway
Train enthusiasts will love a ride on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. This lovingly restored narrow-gauge steam railway is the only steam railway in the UK where passengers travel in Victorian carriages designed in the 1890s.
Take yourself and your family on a journey back in time across some of North Devon’s most scenic countryside. The short but nostalgic journey from Woody Bay Station, just a few miles from Lynton, will bring the golden age of rail travel to life.
8) Explore Lee Bay and Lee Abbey
A trip to North Devon would never be complete without a visit to the beach, and there are plenty of them near Lynton and Lynmouth! A short, scenic drive (or longer coastal walk) from Lynton takes you to Lee Bay, a peaceful North Devon beach that’s great for rock pooling and scenic photos. But the fun doesn’t stop there, it’s also worth checking out Lee Abbey, a striking Gothic-style building that overlooks the bay.
The Abbey was built in 1850 and originally run as a hotel, then an evacuated boys school during the war. It was dedicated to God in 1946 and taken on by a Christian community who still run it today, hosting Christian breaks, conferences and more.
Check out the Lee Abbey website for more details on its history and how you can have a look around.
9) Shop for local crafts and souvenirs
Retail therapy is another firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Both Lynton and Lynmouth offer plenty of independent shops to browse through. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts, some local artwork, or a coastal souvenir, you’re bound to find it here.
If you’re visiting Lynton or Lynmouth for a spot of retail therapy, be sure to visit the independent shops below.
Shops in Lynton
Shops in Lynmouth
10) Walk parts of the South West Coast Path
With Lynton and Lynmouth sitting right on the coast, it would be a shame to miss out on exploring parts of the South West Coast Path. Whichever direction you head in, you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of towering cliffs, hidden bays, and sweeping sea views.
If you fancy a full day’s trek, the walk to Combe Martin takes you through true North Devon wilderness via Great Hangman Hill, the highest cliff in England at 1,043 feet (318 m).
Or, to the east, you can walk to Porlock, passing through a wide variety of landscapes including the ancient Culbone woods. Here you’ll find another record – Culbone Church, argued to be the smallest parish church in England.
For shorter walks nearby, we recommend the hidden valley at Heddon’s Mouth, the unique landscape of Porlock Marshes, or as mentioned, the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay.
Accommodation in Lynton and Lynmouth
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a family holiday, Helpful Holidays offers a fantastic choice of holiday cottages in North Devon. From coastal boltholes with sea views to dog-friendly stays with direct access to walking trails, you’ll find something to suit every kind of traveller.
Click the button below to browse our range of holiday cottages and find the perfect stay for you.
For more activities and days out near Lynton and Lynmouth, read our list of the best things to do in North Devon.
