Lynton and Lynmouth, twin villages on the Exmoor Coast in North Devon, are nicknamed 'Little Switzerland' and offer a storybook escape with dramatic cliffs, deep river valleys, and picturesque streets full of independent stores. While tourists often flock to Devon hotspots like Salcombe and the South Hams, many miss out on this underrated destination.
The world's steepest water-powered railway
Cradled within Exmoor National Park, the villages lie at the foot of a gorge where the West Lyn River and East Lyn River converge and meet the sea. Visitors travel between the two villages aboard the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway – the highest and steepest fully water-powered funicular railway in the world.
Built in 1888, the railway works using gravity. The car at the top station in Lynton fills its tank with water from the West Lyn River, making it heavier than the car at the bottom. When the brakes are released, the heavier upper car descends, simultaneously pulling the lower car up the 862ft of steep track to Lynmouth.
Each of the two interconnected passenger cars is fitted with a 700-gallon water tank. The railway is open every single day, although timings vary depending on the season, so it's important to check the website before visiting. Tickets cost £3.90 for adults and £2.40 for children, with under-fours travelling free. Dogs are allowed onboard for an extra £1, but must be kept on short leads at all times.
What else to do in the twin villages
Lynmouth is down at sea level by the harbour and has a traditional coastal village feel, with ice cream stands and plenty of stops for fish and chips. Lynton, at the top of the cliffs, has a more Victorian aesthetic, with boutique shops, the town hall, independent restaurants, and arguably more spectacular views.
Before leaving, visitors should make a trip to Watersmeet, 1.8 miles east of Lynmouth. This former fishing lodge, now a National Trust property, is set beside a babbling river in ancient woodland and offers a quiet retreat with cream teas.
Where to stay
Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to boutique pubs and holiday cottages. Highcliffe House, a 5-star adults-only boutique bed and breakfast on Sinai Hill in Lynton, overlooks Lynmouth Bay and the Bristol Channel from 600 feet above the coastline. Rooms typically start at around £250 per night.
For those seeking self-catering options, apartments in the middle of Lynton's high street start at £80 per night, while rural holiday homes with four poster beds are available for £300 per night.
