Lynton: Coastal Walks and Architectural History

Lynton can be explored through several distinct themes: walks in the coastal landscape, the connection to Lynmouth via the Cliff Railway, and architectural and collection history. The following places and routes differ in their themes and in their specific details about paths and history.

Coastal Walks and Hikes

The Valley of Rocks near Lynton offers a walk of about one mile through dramatic coastal scenery; feral goats live there. The North Walk is also about one mile long. It was cut into the cliff face of Hollerday Hill in 1817 and leads to the Valley of Rocks. The two distances are similar, but their described highlights differ: the Valley of Rocks focuses on scenery and goats, while the North Walk is notable for its creation and its route to the Valley.

Another hike, Hollerday Hill Peak & Snowball, passes through an Iron Age site and the woodland of Hollerday Hill before reaching the start of Snowball. Its sequence of archaeological interest, woodland and the start of Snowball sets it apart from the walking routes around the Valley of Rocks. The North Walk is also relevant to finding your way on foot in connection with the Cliff Railway: one route follows the North Walk from the railway entrance to a clifftop section that forms part of the South West Coast Path.

The Cliff Railway and Coastal Views

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway opened in 1890. It connects Lynton and Lynmouth and offers views of the coast. In this way, it combines a historical theme with a perspective on the landscape. Its connection between the two towns is distinct from the route described for walking: that route leads from the railway entrance along the North Walk to a clifftop section of the South West Coast Path. Depending on whether you are interested in the connection between the towns, the coastal views or the route itself, different aspects of the Cliff Railway take centre stage.

Architecture and History in Lynton

The Anglican parish church of St Mary the Virgin has a 13th-century tower and was extensively reconstructed by Sedding and Wilson from 1891 to 1905. The same building thus brings together a medieval feature and a later, extensive reconstruction. Lynton Town Hall was built by Sir George Newnes in the late 19th century. It combines richly detailed exterior architecture with an intricately carved interior. Lynton Cinema, meanwhile, retains stained-glass windows and high ceilings from its original architecture. Together, the three buildings offer different architectural points of interest: the church's building history, the Town Hall's exterior and interior details, and the cinema's preserved design features.

Collections and Visit Planning

The Lyn and Exmoor Museum has collections of agricultural, domestic, maritime, railway-related and natural history objects from Lynton and Exmoor. Its subject matter ranges from everyday and working life to nature and railways. If you are planning a visit to the museum, check current access arrangements beforehand.

The Cliff Top Café is located at the upper station of the Cliff Railway in Lynton. Check current operating information before visiting. This makes it possible to include the specific goals of your stay—such as walking routes, architecture or the museum—in your travel plans without confusing the different themes of these places.

Discover more destinations: Ottery Saint Mary, Branscombe, Georgeham, Budleigh Salterton, North Molton, Liverton, Brixton, Cullompton

For the broader travel overview: Devon.