As we near the end of the season, I’ve finally found time to write about what we’ve discovered just by stepping out of our front door. I’ve had to temper my enthusiasm and narrow it down to just ten. Finally, with huge difficulty, I’ve ranked the activities. I must admit to some Lynton bias here; I love this little town and revel in the idea that there is so much to do within walking distance of Ingleside. Obviously, there is a whole expanse of Exmoor out there to explore, so I have put a few links that might take you further.
1. A Sunset Walk Up Hollerday Hill
This is full of our favourite things: walk up a hill, through woodland at the back of our house, along a path that reveals a truly breathtaking view. Even in the height of summer, we are often alone at the top of the hill, on a bench marvelling at the expanse of hills and sea with a cuppa as the sun sets. The sense of anticipation builds as you wander along the tree-lined path, listening to the call of a kestrel and spotting glimmers of the burnt-orange sun. Then, once through the gate, the true majesty of the scene comes into view.
2. Lee Bay
Travelling from Lynton through the Valley of Rocks, Lee Bay first appears as you stop to make a toll road donation. Depending on the time, you may be lucky enough to glimpse a hint of the golden sand and shimmering sea.
This photo was taken at the start of July on an early evening walk.
Pack a picnic—although the Lee Abbey Tea Garden Café is open in August—a net, a bucket, and a handy guide to rock pool life, and immerse yourself in shoreline exploration. Out of season, this secluded cove is often deserted, though there are plenty of places to tuck yourself away with a book and a flask of tea even in the height of summer.
3. Fish and Chips on the Beach or Harbour in Lynmouth
Is there more to life than sitting on a wall eating delicious deep-fried food while watching the sea roll in? There are now two incredibly good fish and chip shops to choose from in Lynmouth. Both offer an indoor eating option, although spaces are limited, but for us, the joy is tucking into a fish supper with the added mild peril of being watched by a seagull.
4. The Watersmeet Walk
Whether you choose the riverside or the slightly more challenging woodland walk, the path through the Lyn Valley is a verdant refuge. Even on the hottest heatwave days, the temperate rainforest’s unique, biodiverse climate, multi-layered tree canopy, and steep, narrow ravine create an environment perfectly shielded from the direct sun. There are delightful places to dip a toe, or more if you dare, in the cool water of the River Lyn.
5. A Night at the Movies in Lynton
A rare find indeed, Lynton Cinema is an award-winning cultural gem that offers a charmingly entertaining experience. Named by Time Out as one of the best independent cinemas in the UK, our little picture palace proudly makes Lynton the smallest town in Britain to have its own full-time, year-round cinema. It must also be the very best value big screen anywhere in the UK: daily screenings, a bargain £5 ticket, comfy seats, and, despite its historic setting, modern tech—which includes full Dolby sound and air conditioning. I know!
6. A Relaxed Buzz
Much mooching can be done in Lynton and Lynmouth. Indulge yourself in restaurants, pubs, and cafes; browse the boutiques and crafty, curious independent shops; enjoy the outdoor spaces and tune into the rhythm of our little town. There is a surprising array of live music to be found, from Jazz at the Valley of Rocks every Friday to regular sing-a-longs and our obligatory seaside Shanty Crew.
7. The Zig-Zag Path Connecting Lynton to Lynmouth
I know this won’t be everyone’s idea of fabulous, but I love the knee-bracing, steep walk down to the sea, and I especially love the calf-burning walk back up. If you don’t share my obsession with hills, the Cliff Railway offers the same visual experience for a small fee. The views across the harbour to Foreland Point are spectacular. Stop and take a breath on the bench with a view.
8. The Coastal Walk
If sheer drops are not your thing, look away now! We still have to pinch ourselves that we live just a few metres away from the South West Coast Path. I will eventually persuade Martin that we need to spend a couple of months walking all 630 miles to Poole Harbour—how hard can it be? For now, I’ll make do with a regular trip up Hollerday Hill to see the sunrise and a delightful afternoon walk to Woody Bay. Whether you’re channelling your inner Steve Pattemore or looking for a walk with a view, the coastal path does not disappoint.
9. The Cliff Railway
The railway is a must for all visitors to Lynton and Lynmouth. It is still the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway anywhere in the world. Sir George Newnes acted as the primary financial backer in the late 1800s, with the structural design by engineer George Croydon Marks and a special braking system designed by local contractor Robert Jones. I think its appeal is rooted in a deep sense of history and heritage; stepping onto the water-powered, Victorian carriage is like stepping back in time. The sensational panoramic views of the rugged North Devon coastline and sweeping bay below are simply stunning.
10. Tap Into the Planned Activities
Exmoor rangers offer a superb variety of activities throughout the summer holidays, many of which are completely free. In addition, there is a wealth of events throughout the year, from e-biking over Exmoor to yoga at the stunning Tors Park. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there is a wide variety of festivals, outdoor adventures and eccentric community events that might appeal. Almost all the planned activities can be found using the links below.
- https://visitlyntonandlynmouth.com/plan-your-trip/whats-on-lynton-lynmouth/
- National Park Ranger Activities: To sign up for official park-led excursions, check out the Exmoor National Park Events Calendar. This includes scheduled environmental workshops, dark sky telescope stargazing hires, and family-oriented beach activities like rock pooling with the Exmoor Rangers right on the Lynmouth
- Volunteer-Led Guided Walks: If you prefer structured foot-travel, look at the Exmoor National Park Guided Walks Platform.
- Outdoor Adventure Sports: For bookable, adrenaline-based group activities, explore the Exmoor Adventures Activities Portal.