Lynmouth: Harbour, History and Waterside Walks

History, water and varied paths define Lynmouth. The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway connects Lynton and Lynmouth and is a historic railway that is still in operation. It opened in 1890, providing a distinctive link to the history of the town.

Harbour, flood history and notable buildings

Opposite the harbour stands the Flood Memorial Hall. Its Lifeboat Exhibition tells the story of transporting the lifeboat overland and launching the Louisa in 1899. The exhibition also features a detailed scale model of Lynmouth, showing what the town looked like before the disaster. In this way, the hall combines a specific historical event with vivid details that can also give younger visitors an accessible introduction to the town’s history.

The Rhenish Tower stands directly on the quay and is a Grade II listed building. General Rawdon had it built to store salt water for indoor baths. The 1952 flood severely damaged the tower; it was rebuilt in 1954. Anyone interested in buildings and the development of the town will find several historical layers associated with a single name here: its original function, damage and reconstruction.

Paths along the East Lyn and through the gorge

The Exmoor National Park Information Centre is located in the Pavilion on the Esplanade in Lynmouth, next to the Cliff Railway. For a nature-focused day out, the Lynmouth and Watersmeet route and the Watersmeet Circular Walk both begin in Lynmouth. The first route follows the East Lyn and crosses the river. It includes a steady ascent; some sections may be slippery after rain. The circular walk follows the East Lyn River to its confluence with the Hoar Oak Water.

Glen Lyn Gorge offers a different landscape experience. Here, a hydroelectricity museum, a natural gorge and a water-powered curiosity come together. The small museum explains how water powered Lynmouth’s early hydroelectric system. A path behind the museum leads through a narrow, wooded gorge past rushing water, rock formations and small waterfalls. This gives you the choice between a historical outing, a riverside route and a gorge with a connection to technology.

Beach, memorial site and model railway

You can reach Lynmouth’s Eastern Beach by walking past Manor Green after crossing the river near Rock House. There, you can stroll, play with children or walk the dog. A path also runs along the East Lyn River from Lynmouth to Middleham Gardens. The memorial site commemorates the hamlet of Middleham and the people whose lives were destroyed by the 1952 flood; it can be reached on foot from Lynmouth in a relatively short time.

The Lyn Model Railway provides another point of interest. It features a large LNER layout, meaning a layout belonging to the London & North Eastern Railway, depicting the period from 1935 to 1940. If you would like to include historic sites, waterside paths, a gorge, beach moments and family-oriented discoveries in your travel plans, you can consider Lynmouth as a possible destination when looking for a holiday apartment. Which accommodation is suitable for you depends on your own preferences regarding location and how you want to spend your holiday.

More destinations for your travel planning

If you would like to consider other places in addition to Lynmouth, you can continue your search with Outer Hope, Broadhempston, Exebridge, South Pool, Brixton, Shaldon, Coffinswell or Sampford Peverell.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.