Lynton & Lynmouth

Introducing Lynton & Lynmouth

The attractive harbour of Lynmouth is rooted at the base of a steep, tree-lined valley, where the West Lyn River empties into the sea along Exmoor’s northern coastline. Its similarity to the harbour at Boscastle is striking, and in fact the twin harbours share more than just a common geography; like Boscastle, Lynmouth is famous as the location of a devastating flash flood that swept through the village in 1952. Sadly, Lynmouth paid a much heavier price than its Cornish cousin; 34 people lost their lives in the flood, and memory of the disaster remains strong in the village to this day.

These days Lynmouth is a busy tourist harbour town lined with pleasant pubs, souvenir sellers and fudge shops. Up on the rocky cliffs above the harbour is the more genteel Victorian resort of Lynton, which can be reached via an amazing water-operated railway or an arduous climb up the clifftop path.

The tourist office (0845 660 3232; info@lyntourism.co.uk; Lynton Town Hall, Lee Rd; 10am-4pm Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm Sun) provides the Lynton & Lynmouth Scene (www.lyntonandlynmouthscene.co.uk), which is a free newspaper with accommodation, eating and activities listings.

There’s a small NPA visitor centre (752509; The Esplanade; 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 10am-9pm Jul & Aug) near Lynmouth harbour.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009