Lynton is a bright airy Victorian village the Victorians named the
area "The Little Switzerland". It has a selection of quaint shops,
tea-room and cafes. It is connected to its sister resort of Lynmouth by
a unique water operated cliff railway dating back to 1890.Nestling
beneath the cliffs, the pretty harbour of Lynmouth is a romantic escape
from modern-day living with its row of fishing cottages tumbling down
the street towards the quay.
The area around the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth Is known as the
Switzerland of England - and once you have seen it you’ll understand
why.
This part of Exmoor is not to be missed, combining a delightful superb
coastal scenery with wooded river valleys and coastal scenery with
wooded valleys and moorland.
The villages, on the A39, ore across the Devon border. At the foot of
the long and steep Countisbury Hill is Lynmouth where the East and West
rivers meet the sea.
Two events at this tiny harbour village, which has seen much activity
for many centuries, will forever have a place in history.
The first came in 1898 when a ship was seen drifting off Porlock Weir.
High seas made it impossible to launch the Lynmouth lifeboat, so it was
decided to carry it up Countisbury Hill and down Porlock Hill. Twelve
horses and scores of helpers helpers joined in the effort, many turning
back on the way as they decided it could not be done. But by 6 the next
morning they completed the journey and launched the lifeboat. On the
way, they had had to demolish walls, remove gates and cut down trees to
widen the road enough to get the boat through. The story is retold in a
special display in the Exmoor National Park’s Information Centre in
Lynmouth.
The second was the flood disaster of 1952 which remains etched In the
minds of its survivors. The evening of August15th saw a cloudburst which
had devastating effects. A month of heavy rain had already swollen water
levels, and the sudden downfall turned streams into raging torrents. It
has been estimated that enough water to supply the area for more than
100 years fell in that one night.
By daylight 34 people were found dead and damage to property was
immense.
Historically Lynmouth was a herring fishing port, and what little growth
there has been has come mainly from adapting fishermen’s cottages and
herring curing houses into hotels, guesthouses, restaurants or shops.
Lynmouth Beach
Lynmouth Beach is a five minute level walk back to the other side of
the river. This is in fact a wide expanse of rocks of various sizes.
Fast currents from the river sweep out to sea, so there is a half tide
swimming pool available.
Local towns and villages to visit
Culbone
Dunster
Exmoor
Exford
Horner
Luccombe
Malmsmead
Minehead
Oare
Parracombe
Porlock Weir
Simonsbath
Stoke Pero
Tarr Steps
Trentishoe
Watchet
Withypool
Wootton Courtney
Tel: 01598 752509
Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre, County Gate,
Countisbury, Lynton, Devon
Tel: 01598 741321
Lynton Tourist Information Centre
Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, Devon
Tel: 01598 752225
The Exmoor Brass Rubbing & Hobbycraft Centre, Woodside Craft Centre, Watersmeet Road, Devon , Tel: 01598752529
Coarse and trout fishing on the river Tone at Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe ( on the A361 about 9 miles west of Taunton). Other good waters include the Taunton-Bridgewater Canal, the West Sedgemoor Drain and Clatworthy Reservoir.
ILFRACOMBE HOLIDAY PARK, Ilfracombe, North Devon. In the popular resort of Ilfracombe, close to the sea, this holiday park has something to offer everyone. Among the facilities for you to enjoy on the park are two fabulous indoor pools, with an in-pool spa bath, a sauna, children's play areas and children's Foxy club. Static Caravans for Holiday Rent.
Stowford Farm Meadows, Devon IlfracombeEX34 8PJ, Tel: 01271882476
North Devon Static Self Catering Holidays, Ideal for family self-catering holidays all year round, some allow pets, weekends, half term or just a short break !
Dean Steep, Lynton, North Devon
South
West of England. Enjoying a truly idyllic setting in 17 peaceful
acres of Exmoor National Park, Dean Steep boasts some of the most
breathtaking panoramic views in Devon. Wonderful moorland and
riverside walking unfolds from your door with footpaths through the
lush rolling pastureland. You can also enjoy shared use of the
pretty gardens with their fishponds, walkways and quiet suntraps. A
games room, Wendy house, garden furniture, barbecue and a
launderette. Static Caravans for Holiday Rent
Camping & Caravanning,
Club Ltd
Reception Six Acre Farm, Lynton, Devon EX35 6JS
Tel: 01598752379
01598752272
Rockvale Hotel, Lynton, Devon
01598752279
Devon 01598752291
St Vincent House Hotel, Lynton, North Devon 01598
752244
The Crown Hotel, Lynton, Devon 0159852253
The Alford House Hotel, Lynton Devon 01598752359
The Woodlands Hotel, Lynway Lynton, Devon 01598752324
Mayfair Hotel, Lynton, Devon 01598753227
Valley House Hotel, Lynton, Devon 01598752285
Lee House, Lynton, Devon 0159852364
- Devon Cottages
- Cosy properties in delightful settings,
- town or country. 0845 268 1255
The Buttery, Mortehoe, Ilfracombe Tel: 01271870610
