Overlooking the picturesque coast of Devon, Lynton is a charming Victorian town near the junction of the East Lyn and West Lyn rivers. It is perched high above the fishing cottages and harbour of neighbouring Lynmouth, which is linked via a 19th-century funicular. Lynton serves as a gateway to the majestic heathlands and moors of Exmoor National Park.
Things to do in Lynton
Occupying the town’s oldest residence is the Lyn and Exmoor Museum, where you’ll find vintage agricultural equipment, railway artefacts and a Victorian-era doll’s house. See old photographs of the Lynmouth Flood and the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, then get up close to a traditional open fireplace once used for cooking. The museum also houses natural history exhibits about the local wildlife.
Don’t miss the Lynton Toy Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of toys, games and action figures dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. It’s a nostalgic destination where you can relive your childhood memories and even purchase vintage collectibles to take home. Nearby is the Lyn Valley Art & Craft Centre, which is well stocked with handmade souvenirs and gifts.
Connecting to Lynton’s sister settlement is the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which is the world’s steepest water-powered funicular railway. It was completed in 1890 and has been in continuous use since, moving not only people but also goods between the town towns. Stunning coastal views are on offer as it ascends the high cliff, which is topped by a cafe serving traditional cream tea.
Getting around Lynton
Lynton is around 35 minutes’ drive from Barnstaple and two hours from Bristol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Lynton and the town is small enough to explore on foot. England’s longest waymarked trail, the South West Coast Path, passes through Lynton.