The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway connects Lynton and Lynmouth. Opened in 1890, it is a historic railway that is still in operation. For Lynmouth, this offers a tangible connection to the town’s history; flood memorials, gorge walks and a beach option also cater to different visitor interests. If you are planning a stay, you can first consider whether cultural and historical sights or time outdoors should be the main focus.
A historic railway between Lynton and Lynmouth
The connection between the two towns makes the Cliff Railway a prominent part of their history. Its opening in 1890 gives it a long history; it is also a historic railway that remains in operation. The Exmoor National Park Information Centre is located in the Pavilion on the Esplanade, next to the Cliff Railway.
Flood memorials and harbour history
The Flood Memorial Hall stands opposite Lynmouth harbour. Its Lifeboat Exhibition tells the story of the overland transport of the lifeboat Louisa and its launch in 1899. The exhibition also includes a detailed scale model of Lynmouth as it looked before the disaster. The Hall thus brings together the story of the rescue and a picture of the town as it once was.
The Rhenish Tower stands right on the quay. It is a Grade II listed building. General Rawdon had the tower built to store salt water for indoor baths. The 1952 flood badly damaged it; it was rebuilt in 1954. Its original function and its reconstruction after the flood tell two distinct chapters in the town’s history.
Middleham Gardens is also dedicated to the memory of the 1952 flood: the site commemorates the hamlet of Middleham and the people whose lives were devastated by the flood. Middleham Gardens is a relatively short walk from Lynmouth, along the East Lyn River.
Gorge and riverside walks along the East Lyn
Glen Lyn Gorge brings together a hydroelectricity museum, a natural gorge and a water-powered curiosity in Lynmouth. The small museum shows how water powered Lynmouth’s early hydroelectric system. Behind the museum, a path leads through a narrow, wooded gorge, past rushing water, rock formations and small waterfalls. The Gorge’s described landscape features sit alongside its history of technology.
Two routes offer different points of reference when choosing a walk. The Lynmouth and Watersmeet route starts in Lynmouth, follows the East Lyn and crosses the river. Its features include a steady climb and sections that can be slippery after rain. The Watersmeet Circular Walk also starts in Lynmouth and follows the East Lyn to its confluence with Hoar Oak Water. When comparing the routes, you can consider whether features such as a climb and a river crossing, or the route to the confluence, are of greater interest.
The beach and further discoveries
Lynmouth’s Eastern Beach, also known as Blacklands Beach, offers a different way to enjoy the outdoors. One access route passes Manor Green after crossing the river near Rock House. Visitors can stroll on the beach, play with children or walk their dog.
A large LNER (London & North Eastern Railway) layout depicts the period from 1935 to 1940. It adds a representation of the model railway world to the stories of the flood and the town.
When looking for hotels in Lynmouth, you can base your choice on the kind of visit you want: should the history of the railway and the flood be the main focus, or would you rather plan around walks along the East Lyn, the gorge and the beach? The places described offer specific points of reference to help you decide.
Discover more destinations: Northam, Bampton, Littleham, Bigbury-on-Sea, Broadhempston, Sampford Spiney, Horrabridge, Swimbridge
For the main travel overview: Devon.
