Lynton and Lynmouth Landmarks and Monuments

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

A number of the buildings within both Lynton and Lynmouth were built in the late 19th century and the early part of the 20th century and these have become some of the towns' most notable landmarks, such as the Town Hall. Watching over Lynmouth Harbour, the Rhenish Tower is especially prominent, although its current incarnation is relatively new, since the original tower was literally washed away in the great flood of 1952.

Around Lynton and Lynmouth are a host of further landmarks of great note, such as the nearby estate of Arlington Court, and the charming Watersmeet House. For something more natural, the Valley of the Rocks is quite spectacular and has become one of the most famous natural landmarks in the Exmoor area, and arguably the entire West Country.

Arlington Court

Address: Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP, England, UK
Tel: +44 01271 850296
Located within a scenic wooded valley, Arlington Court is a stunning National Trust property and lies around 18 km / 11 miles to the south-west of Lynton and Lynmouth, being just 20 minutes away by car and next to Barnstaple. Home to the acclaimed National Trust Carriage Museum and its 50+ antique horse-drawn carriages, Arlington Court dates from the early part of the 19th century and was substantially extended in 1865. Other highlights include period furnishings, landscaped gardens with roaming peacocks, a charming tea room and popular carriage rides within the surrounding grounds. There is also lots of wildlife based here, including a large colony of horseshoe bats that live in the roof.
Open hours: mid-March to October, daily - 10:30 to 17:00; November to mid-March, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and groups, National Trust members are free

Doone Valley

Address: Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK
Exmoor is a beautiful part of Devon and the area referred to as Lorna Doone Country is particularly special and based close by, around nearby Malmsmead. This idyllic haven is a dreamy mixture of streams, rolling moors and leafy trees, and is well known for its trekking and nature trails. Something of a local landmark in its own right, it was this part of the Exmoor National Park where in the mid-19th century, Richard Doddridge Blackmore set his renowned novel, Lorna Doone.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Valley of the Rocks

Address: Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK
Believed by many to have been the original spot where the River Lyn once flowed, the Valley of the Rocks resembles a shallow bowl and is surrounded by a staggering array of towering rocks. This dry valley runs parallel to the North Devon coastline and affords some wonderful vistas, which stretch across the Bristol Channel and even as far as the Welsh coast. The most dramatic of the rocks even have their very own names, such as the Castle Rock, the Devil's Cheesewring and the Ragged Jack. Numerous wild goats are often clearly visible grazing on the steep slopes, while a small group of Exmoor ponies also reside here. Visitors will find that a traditional Devonshire afternoon tea at Mother Meldrum's Tea Room is always a highlight, suiting trekkers needing a little sustenance.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Glen Lyn Gorge

Address: Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK
Just a short walk from the Lynmouth crossroads and well signposted, the Glen Lyn Gorge really is quite spectacular and boasts very enticing riverside walks, being based alongside the steeper of the rivers destined to meet the seafront. Also there is an intriguing exhibition centre at the Glen Lyn Gorge, where you will discover displays relating to hydroelectric power, together with a much-prized collection of steam engines.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Watersmeet House

Address: Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6NT, England, UK
Tel: +44 01598 752648
Watersmeet House is owned by the National Trust and serves as a useful information centre, whilst also being a popular gift shop and tea room. Originally built as a fishing lodge in the 1830s and operating as a tea room for more than 100 years, Watersmeet House is located at the very bottom of a gorge and next to the meeting point of Hoar Oak Water and the East Lyn River. This beauty spot is also an excellent base for walks, which lead to Lynton and Lynmouth, or Countisbury.
Open hours: daily, mid-March to September - 10:30 to 17:30; October - 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: free