Lynton and Lynmouth Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK)

In the summer months, the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth quickly fill up with tourists and holiday makers, and the surrounding attractions enjoy boosted visitor numbers. A little over 16 km / 10 miles away from Lynton and Lynmouth, and close to Barnstaple, Exmoor Zoo is the perfect tourist attraction for families with young children and often goes by its official name of the Exmoor Zoological Park.

Outdoor attractions throughout the Exmoor National Park are plentiful and range from walking and hiking, to mountain biking and pony trekking. A trip on the lovingly restored Lynton and Barnstaple Steam Railway may also be of interest, along with an afternoon at the Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm.

Cliff Railway

Address: The Esplanade, Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EQ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01598 753908
The Cliff Railway is extremely famous in Lynton and Lynmouth, and is without question the most popular and noteworthy of all the tourist attractions in these twin towns. This historical funicular railway has been powered by water since it opened in 1890, being designed to connect Lynton with the lower town of Lynmouth, and eliminate the need for the long and tiring walk between the two towns. Now listed as a national monument, the Cliff Railway comprises two separate cars, each of which are able to accommodate 40 passengers and travel some 260 metres / 853 feet, and rising to a height of 152 metres / 500 feet. The parallel tracks bow out slightly at the very centre of the line, to permit the cars to pass safely, and have connected these two neighbouring communities continuously over the years, without incident.
Open hours: daily, October to March - 10:00 to 17:00; April to June - 10:00 to 18:00; July to September - 10:00 to 19:00; extended summer hours at times
Admission: charge, discounts for children and return tickets, unlimited day travel tickets are available, extra charge for dogs

Exmoor Zoo / Exmoor Zoological Park

Address: South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Near Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 4SG, England, UK
Tel: +44 01598 763352
Exmoor Zoo opened its gates to the public in 1982 and continues to specialise in smaller animals, providing spacious enclosures with a definite natural appearance. Regular keeper talks provide added interest, while the 'encounter sessions' allow visitors to get up close to some of the zoo's most friendly creatures. Popular animals here include alpacas, capybara, gibbons, howler monkeys, Humboldt penguins, meerkats, otters, ruffed lemurs and wallabies.
Open hours: daily, late March to April, mid-September to October - 10:00 to 17:00; May to mid-September - 10:00 to 18:00; November to late March - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors, children three years old and under are free

Recreational Activities

Address: Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK
The recreational activities presenting themselves around Lynton and Lynmouth are somewhat varied and certainly come in good supply. As well as the almost endless choice of walking trails, there is also rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking and fishing, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery wherever possible. Keen cyclists often enjoy following the official Exmoor Cycle Route, between Minehead and Ilfracombe. In the right conditions, Lynmouth Bay even provides good surfing and wind surfing opportunities.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for equipment hire

Walking Trails

Address: Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK
Many visitors and holiday makers come to this part of Exmoor for the endless walking trails alone. The two most notable routes are the South West Coast Path and also the Tarka Trail. Both of these treks pass right through the area, with the South West Coast Path stretching for more than 1,000 km / 620 miles between Minehead and Poole, travelling along the coastline of Devon and Cornwall. The Tarka Trail is made up of a network of footpaths and cycleways in North Devon, and is said to follow the same route depicted in the famous book, Tarka the Otter. The Two Moors Way is another popular walking trail and starts in Lynmouth, where it links Dartmouth and Exmoor.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm

Address: Allerford, Near Porlock, Somerset, North Devon, TA24 8HJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01643 862816
The Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm is just 12 km / 7 miles from Lynton and Lynmouth and is situated next to the seaside village of Porlock. The friendly and informative birds of prey centre is home to an extensive collection of falcons, hawks and owls, many of which are flown regularly as part of daily flying displays each morning and afternoon. As well as the various falconry activities on offer, there are further birds and a number of animals, such as donkeys and Shetland ponies.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Lynton and Barnstaple Steam Railway

Address: Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross, Parracombe, North Devon, EX31 4RA, England, UK
Tel: +44 01598 763487
The Lynton and Barnstaple narrow gauge steam railway is located at the Woody Bay Station in Parracombe, just off the A39 and in-between both Lynton and Blackmoor Gate. Opened in May 1898, this steam railway was closed and subsequently dismantled in 1935. However, railway enthusiasts from the 21st century decided to restore this famous heritage line, following the original route wherever possible and operating the trains on a non-profit basis. A variety of souvenirs are available at the station shop, including a guide book packed with information about this railway and its rather checkered history.
Open hours: March to December - seasonal variations, daily throughout summer season
Admission: charge