Places to Stay/Accommodation in
Lynton, Lynmouth and Parracombe

Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts,
Self Catering, Camping

> Exmoor villages : Lynton, Lynmouth, Parracombe

Exmoor Village selection map   OS map of Lynton/Lynmouth   Accommodation   Transport
  

Lynton and Lynmouth

   Two villages on the coast, one above the other, Lynton and Lynmouth where known by the Victorians as Little Switzerland.  Lynton is an attractive village with a museum and good range of restaurants, cafes, tea shops and 'art/craft' shops.  There are many hotels and guest houses.  The town hall is very grand and is home to the Visitor Centre as well as films, drama and exhibitions.
600 feet below Lynton is the small harbour of Lynmouth.  The two villages are linked by a famous and ingenius cliff railway which is well worth a ride. 
   Two rivers - the East Lyn and the Hoaroak - combine just inland from the harbour at Watersmeet and sweep down a spectacular gorge and through the village to the sea.  Reminders of the disaster in 1952, when the rivers flooded and a torrent of water washed many cottages into the sea with great loss of life, can be seen in the Memorial Hall.  
   There are some lovely walks from Lynmouth, notably up the river gorge to Watersmeet where the National Trust have a shop and tea rooms, West along the coast path to the Valley of Rocks with its wonderful scenery and flock of wild goats or round Hollerday Hill overlooking Lynton (see 'History' below). 

Regular events:
Lynton Farmers Market: First Saturday each month. 10.00am Town Hall.

There is a village cinema in Lynton with an interesting program - see website

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Lynmouth Harbour. June 2004
Lynmouth Harbour

   Exmoor villages : Lynton Lynmouth
Panorama of Lynton

HISTORY

   Lynton and Lynmouth owe a great deal to one very generous benefactor - Sir George Newnes, the publisher who loved the place and lived at a great mansion called Hollerday House.  The place unfortunately burned to the ground in 1913 in mysterious circumstances. The house was built on Hollerday Hill above Lynton.  The hill is now mainly wooded and there is a nice walk up from behind the Town Hall.  The site of the house can be seen along with the remains of an Iron Age settlement on the hill top.  There are some great views east to Foreland Point and west along the Valley of Rocks.
   The steep gradient between the two villages had always been a deterrent to visitors and hard work for the locals.  In 1887 Newnes and Thomas Hewitt (later Sir Thomas Hewitt K.C.) began a project, using the recently patented invention by local engineer Bob Jones, to lay a 900 foot  twin track up the 1 in 1.75 gradient.  The railway was opened in 1890 and apart from new track in 1908 operates now as it always has.  The total cost of the project was £8,000 and there has never been an accident.  
In the early days of motoring when the road hill was too steep for cars between the two villages the railway transported cars up the gradient for between 7s. 6d. and 10s. 6d. depending on the size of the car!
   A few years later in 1895 Newnes got involved in a project to build a light railway linking Lynton to Barnstaple.  Newnes became chairman of the development company.  The project was plagued with difficulties, not least a cost-overrun of 100% !  However they persevered and the first train ran on 11 May 1898.  They ran four locomotives and sixteen coaches initially and the average speed was about 12 mph.  The route was extremely beautiful and included crossing Chelfham Viaduct - the largest narrow gauge railway viaduct ever built in Britain.  Just a couple of miles to the west of the National Park, this structure was refurbished during 2000 at a total cost in the region of one million pounds.  It is now in running order (but there is no public access to the top). The line struggled financially and it was not until 1913 that the company managed to pay a 0.5% dividend!  
In 1923 The Southern Railway bought the line and lost £60,000 in the next twelve years.  The railway was finally closed on 29 September 1935.  A major project is under way to fully restore the line - see the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway web site

     
Lynmouth harbour

This picture shows Lynmouth at low tide. 
A prominent feature in Lynmouth is the 'Rhenish' tower at the end of the Quay.  Built in the late 1850's by General Rawdon to store salt water to supply his house with sea baths, it was faithfully reconstructed after the 1952 flood disaster.  

Foreland Point from Hollerday Hill above Lynton and Lynmouth
Foreland Point from Hollerday Hill above Lynton

 

PLACES TO STAY: Hotels - Self catering - Bed and Breakfast - Camping

Riverside Cottage

click here to open the Riverside Cottage website

Come and experience the tranquility of Exmoor and the warmth of service at Riverside Cottage.
Located on the Riverside by the harbour in Lynmouth, we have 6 rooms with balconies and direct views of the sea and the harbour.
Licensed Cafe and residents evening meal with a 10% discount on main courses.

Seawood Hotel

click here to open the Seawood Hotel website

The Seawood Hotel is one of the finest and most impressive historical grade II listed buildings in Lynton. Spectacular panoramic sea views from all rooms set this unique 12 bedroomed hotel in a class of its own. Complete tranquility with attentive service from owners will make this a place you will want to return to. Ideally situated to explore Exmoor with the Cliff Railway at the top of our garden. 
Car parking on site - All rooms ensuite - Fully licensed bar - Comfortable Lounge - Full dining menu - 4-poster bedded rooms - Tea/coffee making facilities - Complimentary Toiletries.

Fernleigh Guest House

click here to open the Fernleigh website

Highly recommended by WHICH Best Bed & Breakfast Guide. Fernleigh is noted for its superb accommodation in a central location in charming Lynton, yet a few minutes walk from stunning scenery. Ray and Kate are in their 5th year of running the Fernleigh and will do all they can to make your stay relaxing, superbly comfortable and memorable. 
ETC4Diamonds. 5 en-suite bedrooms. B&B from £25.

St. Vincent Hotel
and  Restaurant

click here to open the St. Vincent Hotel and Restaurant website

Jean-Paul and Linda welcome you to their lovely Georgian home nestled in the old village of Lynton. Built by a master mariner from prize money he received after fighting with Nelson in the Battle of Cape St.Vincent, the house has an uncluttered style, with an air of tranquil ease, fresh flowers, stripped floors and beautiful artwork. All 6 en-suite bedrooms are individually designed, cosy and romantic. Pretty garden with ancient wisteria. Drawing room has comfy sofas and log fire, the dining room which is open to non residents has an intimate relaxed atmosphere with candlelight, and original art deco lighting.
Chef Jean-Paul creates mouth-watering dishes using local fish, meat and game from Exmoor, including Provencal Bouillabaisse, Moules Mariniere, Sea Bream and Sea Bass simply grilled with rock salt and herbs from the garden, pork with lavender lemon and honey, a very naughty chocolate marquise...
Wonderful range of Belgian beers.

St. Vincent Hotel

The Turret Hotel
click here to open the Turret Hotel website

Step back in time and experience old world hospitality at The Turret.  Built in 1898 for a Baronets son, the charm of our hotel will relax and welcome you.  
Non-smoking.  Short breaks available.  B&B from £25.00    Contact Nancy Wayman.

West Ilkerton Farm
Self catering
click here to open the West Ilkerton Cottage website

Warm, comfortable grade II listed farmhouse.  Central heating and double glazing.  Open all year. Sleeps 6 + cot.  King size four-poster in master bedroom.
Quiet, secluded location.  Wonderful views.
Traditional working farm with local breeds and Exmoor ponies.
Coast 4 miles.   Moorland 0.5 mile.  Landrover Tours from the farm.

West Ilkerton Farm self catering cottage

Southcliffe Hotel
click here to open the Southcliff Hotel website

Sue and Andy North look forward to welcoming you to the delightful village of Lynton and making your stay at Southcliffe enjoyable and relaxing. Southcliffe offers a pleasant atmosphere, with friendly service and value for money. Traditional/Vegetarian/Vegan breakfasts. All rooms ensuite. Private car park. Convenient location. Walkers' paradise.

Southcliffe Hotel, Lynton

Woodside Apartment
Self catering

Woodside is a spacious, well-appointed apartment for two situated in the village of Barbrook overlooking the West Lyn River. Fully equipped, centrally heated with private patio and car parking. 
All-inclusive rates.  Also short term breaks available during off-peak season. 
Ideally situated for walking/touring Exmoor and the coast.
ETC 3 stars. £150-£250pw. Dogs welcome. Non-smoking indoors.  Tel:01598-753298   email

Woodside self catering apartment in Barbrook near Lynton and Lynmouth

Voley Farm
Self Catering
(Parracombe)
click here to open the Voley Farm Cottage website

Two charming, comfortable cottages set on a secluded, peaceful Exmoor farm. Spacious, well-equipped accommodation with high-beamed ceilings and many period features. Pretty, canopied bedrooms. Central heating and wood-burning stoves. Panoramic views. Excellent walks from your door to moorland and the sea. Beaches and stables a short drive away. Games room. Laundry room. Help feed our friendly Shetland Sheep and rare breed Gloucester Old Spot pigs!

Voley Farm self catering in Parracombe

Coastal Exmoor Hideaways
Self catering
(Parracombe)
click here to open the Coastal Exmoor Hideaways website

Set in an idyllic wooded valley with private river frontage, this historic and very secluded mill is in the Heddon Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty near the wonderfully scenic North Devon Coastal Footpath. 7 cottages. Log fires, 4-posters, heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. Pets welcome.

Links to our complete Exmoor accommodation directory listings:- 
Hotels and Bed and Breakfast
 |  Self Catering |  Camping  |  Caravan Holiday Homes

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Buses:
L1 Lynton/ Barbrook/ Brendon/ Porlock/ Minehead
Tuesdays only
SOMERSET 
Bus
information and timetables available from 01823-356700  
email: transport@somerset.gov.uk

DEVON
see www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus

309/310 Barnstaple/Lynton via Bratton Fleming, Blackmoor Gate & Parracombe
300 Minehead/Barnstaple "Exmoor Coastlink" via Lynton and Ilfracombe.
Note: starts from Taunton.
Trains:  There is no train service to this area.  Nearest stations are Barnstaple (to the west) or Taunton (to the east).  The buses provide the connection but they are not linked.

click here for more general transport details and public transport links/contacts

Lynton and Lynmouth Community Website

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