When I first rolled into North Devon, I couldn’t help but feel curious about Lynton and Lynmouth, these two villages everyone calls “Little Switzerland.” They’re perched at different heights on a steep hillside, and each one has its own vibe—yet they’re totally intertwined, both by the wild landscape and their layered history.
The Victorian-era cliff railway links Lynton and Lynmouth, so you can glide from harbor to hilltop with jaw-dropping coastal views along the way. Since 1890, water power has kept this railway running. It’s not just a way to get around—it’s a living museum, a ride that lets you soak up the quirky charm and clever engineering of a bygone era.
When I wandered around Lynton and Lynmouth, I quickly understood why these seaside spots draw people in. Their beauty feels almost old-fashioned, and that cliff railway just adds a dash of magic. The trip between them isn’t just practical—it’s a little adventure, a real taste of “Little Switzerland” right here in England.
Discovering Lynton & Lynmouth: Devon’s Twin Villages
Lynton and Lynmouth are small, but wow, are they fascinating. You’ll find them clinging to the North Devon coast, with steep hills and a setting that feels almost storybook. That “Little Switzerland” nickname? It’s honestly spot on.
History and Development
Lynton perches up top, while Lynmouth nestles down by the bay. Back in the day, both villages started out as humble fishing and farming communities.
Things really picked up in the 19th century. Victorian travelers poured in, chasing sea air and those wild North Devon views. When the Cliff Railway opened in 1890, it finally made the steep journey between the villages a breeze.
The railway quickly became a big draw. Hotels and guesthouses popped up, and suddenly, these villages had a reputation as the perfect escape on the Devon coast.
Why ‘Little Switzerland’?
People started calling it “Little Switzerland” in the 1800s. I get it—the steep, wooded hills and deep valleys really do give off Alpine vibes.
Writers and poets caught on and helped spread the name. Sure, many buildings have that classic Victorian look, but it’s the dramatic hillsides and winding paths that steal the show. Even now, those cliffs and all that greenery feel a little out of place in England—in the best way.
Visitors don’t just come for a clever nickname; they come because the scenery genuinely delivers that mountain-meets-sea magic.
Geographical Setting
You’ll find Lynton and Lynmouth right on the edge of Exmoor National Park. The famous Cliff Railway climbs more than 150 meters up a seriously steep hillside.
Lynton sits high, looking out over the coast and Lynmouth Bay. Down below, Lynmouth hugs the spot where the River Lyn meets the sea.
Rugged beaches, secret coves, and thick forests are all close by. The land rises fast and sharp, which makes these villages stand out from the rest of Devon.
Their spot on the coast has helped them stick in the minds of generations of travelers.
The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway Experience
The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway really is something else. It’s this perfect mash-up of Victorian ingenuity and eye-popping scenery. Water power does all the work, hauling you up and down the sheer cliff between the two villages. The ride is quick, but you get a real sense of local history and clever design.
How the Water Powered Railway Works
When I watch the railway in action, it’s hard not to be impressed. Two cars, connected by cables, move in perfect sync. Each car has a hefty water tank underneath.
At the top, water from the West Lyn River fills the upper car’s tank. Gravity does its thing—the heavier car glides down, pulling the lighter one up. At the bottom, the water drains away, ready for the next run.
The process repeats all day, no electricity or fuel needed. Just water and gravity, working together. Operators keep a close eye on the balance to make sure the ride stays safe and smooth.
Riding the Steep Track
Stepping into the carriage, I always feel a little thrill. The track runs about 862 feet (263 meters), and with a gradient of 1:1.75, it’s one of the steepest anywhere.
The ride lasts less than a minute, but it’s packed with views. You can see the lush gorge, the Bristol Channel, and Lynmouth’s rooftops below. Big windows let you watch the water drain and see the cables in action. On a clear day, the coastline seems to stretch forever.
The ride feels calm and steady, powered only by water and gravity. It’s kind of wild to think that locals and visitors have traveled this way for over a century.
Victorian Engineering Heritage
George Croydon Marks designed the railway after Walter Halliday pitched the idea. They opened it in 1890, and honestly, it still feels like a marvel.
Builders used local stone so the railway would blend in with Devon’s landscape. Much of the original Victorian technology is still going strong. The cast iron rails, old winding gear, and water system just keep on working.
Key engineering facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Track Length | 263 meters (862 feet) |
| Gradient | 1:1.75 |
| Number of Cars | 2 |
| Power Source | Water and Gravity |
| Opening Year | 1890 |
Every time I visit, I’m reminded how well this bit of history has been preserved. The railway is a real point of pride for both villages.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Getting to the railway is simple from either village. Signs point the way, and the staff are always ready to help with tickets or directions.
Opening times shift with the seasons, so I make sure to check the official site before planning a trip.
Accessibility Quick Facts:
- The lower Lynmouth station is mostly wheelchair-friendly.
- The upper Lynton station has a short incline, so wheelchair users might need a hand.
- Strollers and dogs can come along too.
Ticket prices are fair, with discounts for kids and families. Both stations have parking, shops, and cafes nearby. If you’re visiting in summer, it pays to arrive early—things can get busy.
I love how the railway keeps its old-school charm while making sure just about everyone can enjoy the ride.
Exploring the Natural Wonders Surrounding the Cliff Railway
Tucked between cliffs and green valleys, this region offers so much more than its famous railway. Nature lovers are in for a treat—there’s wild moorland, dramatic coastline, deep woods, and sparkling rivers everywhere you look.
Exmoor National Park Adventures
Exmoor National Park is a real highlight for me. It covers more than 260 square miles and protects moors, woods, rivers, and farmland.
Red deer, Exmoor ponies, and rare birds roam here. Plenty of marked trails start close to the cliff railway, so you can set off on foot or by bike.
I love wandering the heather-covered hills and taking in the wide views. The night skies are seriously dark—ideal for stargazing. Some spots are even part of a Dark Sky Reserve.
Exmoor’s got picnic areas, nature walks, and guided tours led by local rangers.
Popular activities:
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Mountain biking
- Horse riding
Valley of Rocks and Moorland
Just a short stroll from the railway, the Valley of Rocks is a must-see. This dry valley is famous for its jagged rocks and wild goats that wander the slopes.
It sits just west of Lynton, with sweeping views out over the Bristol Channel. The moorland here is classic Exmoor—open, rugged, and in late summer, a sea of purple heather and golden gorse.
Footpaths wind everywhere, and you might spot rock climbers or ravens overhead. For history buffs, some rocks have quirky names like “Mother Meldrum’s Cave” and “Castle Rock.”
Sunsets here are unreal, throwing long shadows across the cliffs.
Watersmeet and East Lyn River
If you head down from Lynmouth, you can follow the path to Watersmeet, where the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water join up. Watersmeet is all about deep, wooded gorges, rushing streams, and clear pools.
The valley forms part of the National Trust’s Watersmeet Estate, which covers almost 2,000 acres.
Miles of riverside trails snake through the woods. I keep my eyes peeled for dippers and wagtails along the banks, especially in spring when bluebells blanket the ground.
The Watersmeet Tea Room—housed in an old fishing lodge—is a cozy spot for a cream tea. Every now and then, I catch a glimpse of a grey wagtail or, if I’m lucky, an otter by the river.
Beaches and Coastal Paths
Some of the best walks here hug the coast. The South West Coast Path runs right past Lynton and Lynmouth, serving up dramatic views of the Bristol Channel.
These cliffs are among the tallest in England, and the path winds through the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Lynmouth’s beach is pebbly but has its own charm. If you’re after sand, you’ll need to travel a bit—Combe Martin and Woody Bay are worth the trek.
I love poking around in the rockpools and watching seabirds from the coves. Even a quick walk along the coastal path reveals wildflowers in spring and sometimes dolphins or seals offshore.
The combo of cliffs, bays, and open sea means every walk brings a new surprise. Don’t forget your camera—the light changes constantly along the coast.
Unique Experiences in North Devon’s ‘Little Switzerland’
There’s more to Lynton and Lynmouth than just pretty views and old cottages. You can dive into the countryside, try outdoor adventures, and check out nearby spots that really round out the trip.
Walking & Horse Riding Routes
Walking is a big deal here. Paths snake through Exmoor’s cliffs and wooded valleys. The South West Coast Path passes right by, giving you epic sea views and a look at Foreland Point.
One of my favorite walks starts in Lynmouth and climbs up to Watersmeet, where waterfalls and rivers create a lush, leafy gorge.
If you’re into horse riding, local stables in Lynton and nearby Parracombe offer guided rides. You’ll trot over heather moorland or along quiet tracks above the sea.
Riding on Exmoor means crossing paths with wild ponies, spotting deer, and soaking up panoramic views—especially around Hunter’s Inn and the wide-open spaces of the national park.
Fishing and Outdoor Activities
Fishing is popular both on the river and out at sea. The East Lyn River is home to salmon and trout, and I’ve met plenty of anglers who swear by its fast-moving pools.
Sea fishing trips set off from Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, chasing mackerel, bass, and sometimes rays.
Kayaking along the rocky coast or mountain biking on Exmoor’s trails are great options too. There are loads of picnic spots, and Barnstaple is close if you need supplies.
Guided tours often cover coastal foraging or wildlife watching, with the chance to spot seals and maybe even dolphins.
Nearby Attractions: Woody Bay, Tarka Trail & More
Just outside Lynton, Woody Bay is a peaceful cove—perfect for picnics or a swim when the weather’s right.
The restored Woody Bay Station is part of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, where you can hop on a steam train and chug through the woods.
The Tarka Trail runs from Barnstaple through open farmland and along estuaries. Cyclists and walkers both love it for relaxed, traffic-free rides and gentle strolls.
Lundy Island, which you can reach from Ilfracombe, is famous for its seabirds and rugged cliffs. Each of these spots adds something special to any visit.
Culture, Heritage, and Conservation
Lynton and Lynmouth feel like the kind of place where Victorian history, careful conservation, and wild landscapes just sort of blend together. These two villages really stand out thanks to their old-world architecture, the National Trust’s hands-on approach to protecting local gems, a rich, layered natural history, and a surprising amount of resources for visitors who want to dig a little deeper.
Victorian Legacy and Local Architecture
You can’t really talk about Lynton and Lynmouth without mentioning the Victorian Cliff Railway. It’s been running since 1890, powered by water, and it still shuttles people between the villages.
The railway’s original structures haven’t changed much, and honestly, the engineering is something to appreciate up close.
All around the villages, you’ll spot buildings from the Georgian and Victorian eras. Shops, cottages, and old churches made from local stone give the place a real sense of craft and history.
Some of the hotels and public buildings show off those classic verandas, gabled roofs, and quirky decorative touches from the late 1800s. People started calling this area “Little Switzerland” after early travelers thought the steep hills and chalet-style homes looked a bit like the Alps.
Role of the National Trust
The National Trust gets pretty involved here, stepping in to protect both local landmarks and the wild landscape around them. They maintain the footpaths, woodlands, and even the beaches, so everyone can enjoy them.
They’ve put together heritage trails, like the walk from Lynton to Watersmeet, and they offer guides and educational tidbits for anyone curious about the past.
You’ll also notice their work in the way they care for old bridges, gardens, and historic spots. Their partnerships help keep Lynton and Lynmouth open and inviting, whether you’re a local or just passing through and you care about conservation.
Natural History and Scenic Beauty
Exmoor National Park meets the sea right here, and that makes Lynton and Lynmouth a hotspot for natural history. Wooded valleys, quick-moving rivers, and those dramatic sea cliffs—there’s a new view around every corner.
Wildlife thrives in these hills and forests. Red deer wander through, Exmoor ponies graze, and birdwatchers can spot rare species if they’re lucky. Down at Lynmouth beach, the rock pools are full of crabs, sea anemones, and tiny fish.
The scenery never really stays the same. Heather blooms in late summer, the hills roll out in shades of green, and the sea seems to change color with the weather. Well-marked walking routes make it easy to get close to nature—whether you’re heading to Watersmeet or the Valley of Rocks.
Media Resources: Stock Photos, Vectors, and Videos
If you’re curious about Lynton and Lynmouth, you’ll find all sorts of media floating around online. Stock photos capture the cliff railway, those dramatic coastlines, and sweeping shots of the villages from above.
On most popular sites, you can dig through collections that let you search by season, landscape, or whatever local attraction grabs your attention. Pretty handy, honestly.
Vectors come in useful for things like tourism brochures, classroom projects, or even mapping guides. Most of these illustrations highlight the cliff railway, rolling green hills, or the village skylines. They’re not just pretty—they’re practical.
When I want to get a real feel for the place, I’ll check out videos on travel sites or social media. There’s nothing quite like watching a ride on the railway, spotting local wildlife, or catching glimpses of community events.
These resources give visitors a sneak peek at the area’s culture and scenery before they ever set foot there. It’s almost like you’re already on your way.
