Real, curated ideas for Lynton and Lynmouth — the cliff railway, the Valley of Rocks, Watersmeet and where to eat, filtered by who's actually with you.
Lynton and Lynmouth are one destination stacked vertically: Lynmouth down at the harbour where two rivers meet the sea, Lynton five hundred feet above it on the clifftop, joined by a Victorian water-powered cliff railway that is the single best-loved attraction in this part of Devon.
Take the railway at least one way. It costs a few pounds, takes about two minutes, and the views are the point. The zigzag path between the two is walkable but properly steep, so most people ride up and walk down.
The walking here is the finest on the north Devon coast. The Valley of Rocks west of Lynton is a dry valley of extraordinary rock formations with wild goats and sea views, easy enough for a gentle stroll. Watersmeet, east up the river, is a wooded gorge with a National Trust tea room at the confluence. Between the two you have two full days.
Listings last checked: September 2026
A water-powered funicular running since 1890, climbing five hundred feet between the two villages in about two minutes. Each direction is a separate ticket, dogs travel, and the sea-facing end of the car has the views. The most popular thing to do on this coast.
A dry valley of dramatic rock formations west of Lynton, with wild goats, sweeping sea views and the highest rating of anywhere in this guide. There is an easy level path for a gentle walk and longer hikes off it. Two car parks, one with toilets and one with a café.
A wooded gorge where two rivers meet, with a National Trust tea room at the confluence and small waterfalls along the river path. The riverside walk from Lynmouth is beautiful but has inclines and is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The tea room queues.
A privately run gorge walk in Lynmouth with waterfalls, a hydro-power exhibition and enormous water jets children can operate. Steep in places. Cash only, and the nearest cash machine is up in Lynton — worth knowing before you arrive.
Lynmouth's main pub, with a good local beer selection that is rarer up here than it should be, generous portions, live music some nights and a well-regarded Sunday roast. Dog friendly. Open from 9.30.
Small sharing-plate restaurant in Lynton and the highest-rated food in either village — mussels with nduja, crab ravioli, octopus toast, good cocktails and fair prices. Intimate and small, so book. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
Relaxed all-day café and wine bar in Lynton, open nine till nine, doing scones baked on site, good coffee, veggie and vegan mains and local beer and cider on draught. Dog friendly with a few outdoor tables. The dependable one.
An old coaching inn up on Countisbury Hill with low beams, thick walls, darts and pool, and moorland views from the outdoor tables. Plenty of parking, which is scarce down in the villages. A favourite with walkers on the coast path.