A mini guide to
Exmoor & Lynmouth: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Ride the cliff railway
The water-powered funicular between Lynmouth and Lynton opened in 1890; the Cliff Top Café is at the upper station.
Walk to the Valley of Rocks
The dry valley about 1 km west of Lynton is known for its herd of feral goats.
Start at Watersmeet
Watersmeet House is the start of some 40 miles of woodland, riverside and moorland paths.
Climb Great Hangman
Near Combe Martin, Great Hangman is the highest sea cliff in England and the high point of the South West Coast Path.
Parking in Lynton
Free roadside parking is limited to two hours between Good Friday and 31 October, according to Visit Lynton & Lynmouth.
Seasonal events
Winter in Torbay
Dates come from the organiser's own page.
Bay of Lights
28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Illuminated events across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, centred on a 1.5-mile Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Exmoor & Lynmouth?
Exmoor & Lynmouth is in Devon and Somerset, England. A cliff railway, wooded gorges and high moorland where Exmoor meets the sea. Nearby stops and stations include Barnstaple station, 309/310 bus, Exmoor Coaster.
How long do I need in Exmoor & Lynmouth?
2 to 3 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Valley of Rocks, Watersmeet. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Barnstaple station (GWR (Tarka Line)); 309/310 bus (Stagecoach); Exmoor Coaster (Summer open-top bus); Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway (Water-powered funicular). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 16 places to eat and drink in and around Exmoor & Lynmouth, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 12 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Exmoor & Lynmouth accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Exmoor & Lynmouth
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Lynmouth
Village in a gorge where the East and West Lyn rivers meet, directly below Lynton.
Foreland Point
The most northerly point of the Devon and Exmoor coast, owned by the National Trust, with a Trinity House lighthouse.
Heddon's Mouth
Rocky cove about a mile down the River Heddon from the Hunter's Inn, cared for by the National Trust.
Devon
More areas to explore
Exeter
Cathedral city on the Exe with Roman walls, medieval passages and a historic quayside
Open the mini guide →
Plymouth
Waterfront city of the Hoe, the Barbican and the Mayflower Steps
Open the mini guide →
Torquay, Paignton & Brixham
Torbay's three resorts: Torquay's cave and abbey, Paignton's pier and zoo, Brixham's fishing harbour
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Selworthy: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Lynmouth: Velvet, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Foreland Point: Soloist at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Heddon's Mouth: David Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Exeter: Rüdiger Wölk, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Plymouth: Herbythyme, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Torquay, Paignton & Brixham: Kolforn, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dartmouth, Totnes & the Dart: Andrew Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dartmoor: Addshore, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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