Lynton – Coastal Paths, Cliff Railway and Local History

Lynton is a versatile destination for anyone wishing to combine coastal scenery, walks and local history. Particularly impressive is the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway: it opened in 1890, connects Lynton and Lynmouth, and offers views of the coast. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Lynton will find a place where active days and cultural discoveries can be easily combined in their own travel plans.

Walking routes between cliffs, woodland and coastal scenery

The Valley of Rocks near Lynton offers an approximately one-mile walk through dramatic coastal scenery. Along the way, you may encounter free-roaming goats, which give the landscape a distinctive character. The approximate distance is helpful for planning the day without committing the walk to a specific duration.

Another striking connection between the town and its landscape is the North Walk. The approximately one-mile footpath was carved out of the cliff face of Hollerday Hill in 1817 and leads to the Valley of Rocks. From the entrance to the Cliff Railway, one route follows the North Walk to a section along the cliff top that forms part of the South West Coast Path. This allows you to choose between a shorter walk, a route through the cliff landscape and a longer hiking option, depending on the kind of holiday day you want.

The Hollerday Hill Peak & Snowball walk also has its own particular focus. It leads through an Iron Age site and the woodland of Hollerday Hill to the start of Snowball.

History and culture in the town

The Lyn and Exmoor Museum adds local history to the focus on nature and walking. Its collections include agricultural, domestic, maritime, railway-related and natural history objects from Lynton and Exmoor. This makes it possible to combine an outing into the landscape with insights into the life and development of the surrounding area.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is also part of Lynton’s historic character. The Anglican parish church has a 13th-century tower and was extensively reconstructed by Sedding and Wilson from 1891 to 1905. Lynton Cinema preserves stained-glass windows and high ceilings from its original architecture. At Lynton Town Hall, detailed exterior architecture meets an intricately carved interior; the building was constructed in the late 19th century by Sir George Newnes.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

If walks and coastal scenery are your main priorities, you can use the routes described as a guide for your personal daily planning when searching for a holiday apartment. Those who also appreciate museums, historic buildings and distinctive architecture will experience Lynton as a destination offering several different interests. The Cliff Railway and the Cliff Top Café at the railway’s upper station are among the specific stops that can be included in a travel plan.

Families and other travel groups can put together a variety of day ideas without limiting their holiday to just one activity: a walk in the Valley of Rocks, a hike on Hollerday Hill, a museum visit or exploring the history of the Church of St Mary the Virgin and Lynton Town Hall. A holiday apartment or holiday house in Lynton is therefore particularly suitable as a search option if you would like to combine nature experiences and discoveries of the town on the same trip.

More destinations for orientation

For further travel planning, you can also explore Instow, Bere Alston, Ashprington, Wick, Georgeham, Lympstone, Bridgerule and Chittlehampton.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.