Daily Express reporter Toby Codd visited the twin coastal villages of Lynton and Lynmouth in Devon, describing them as the most beautiful place he has ever been. Dubbed England's 'Little Switzerland,' the villages are hidden in Exmoor National Park and offer dramatic cliffs, roaring rivers, and sweeping ocean panoramas.
Location and Character
Lynton sits perched 500 feet high on the cliffs, while Lynmouth lies directly below at sea level. The former has a distinctly alpine charm with historic architecture, while the latter is a traditional harbour village. Both are home to independent shops, galleries, and pubs.
Codd visited on a quiet weekday morning in May with mild, dry weather. He parked in Lynmouth and explored Riverside Road and the high street, noting steep-sided green combes and rugged rocky headlands that give the area an alpine character.
Attractions and Amenities
Lynmouth offers unique gift shops, antique stores, and traditional pubs, including Hardings of Exmoor (a family-run leather and sheepskin shop dating back to 1971) and The Barque (a pub reflecting 16th-century maritime history). The harbourside features charming fishing cottages and boats that bob at high tide and rest on mud and shingle at low tide. Two highly-rated fish and chip shops, The Harbour Shed and the Esplanade Fish Bar, are on Riverside Road.
The villages are connected by the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world. Opened in 1890, it is 862 feet long, climbs 500 feet at a 57% gradient, and runs on gravity and renewable water from nearby rivers. When the top car is filled with water, its weight pulls the lighter car up from the bottom.
Lynton's Highlights
Lynton has a distinctly Victorian feel with 19th-century architecture and sweeping sea views. Visitors can explore the Lyn & Exmoor Museum in the village's oldest cottage, the Lynton Toy Museum, and independent shops like Willow Gift Shop, Churchill House, and Pickles & Peculiar Things. Larger car parks include Bottom Meadow and Cross Street for busier days.
Lynton is the gateway to the Valley of the Rocks, a dramatic area with clifftop walks, scenic viewpoints, and one of the most famous cricket pitches in the UK. Codd, a cricket fan, took the short half-mile journey to the pitch, which is home to Lynton and Lynmouth Cricket Club. The U-shaped dry valley runs parallel to the sea and is known for rugged rock formations and wild goats. The pitch is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular cricket grounds in the world, attracting teams from across the country with a waiting list to play.
Overall Experience
Codd concluded that the twin villages have it all: coastal views, rugged cliffs, lush wooded valleys, independent shops, fish and chip restaurants, and an amazing cricket pitch. He called it truly one of the most beautiful places in the UK.
