A weekend in Lynmouth

A harbour village with a water-powered cliff railway on the edge of Exmoor

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Updated October 2026

Lynmouth is a pretty harbour village at the foot of high wooded cliffs on the Exmoor coast, linked to its twin town of Lynton above by a water-powered cliff railway. The East and West Lyn rivers tumble through the village.

It is a great base for walking, with Watersmeet, the Valley of Rocks and the coast path all close, and it has a dramatic history, including the flood of 1952.

Best forWalkers, History lovers, Families, Dog owners

Best time to goSpring to autumn for walking and the cliff railway. Autumn colours in the valleys are stunning.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereBristol: About 1 hour 45 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Lynmouth

Plan your weekend in Lynmouth

Top attractions in Lynmouth

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

A Victorian railway that uses water to haul carriages up the cliff.

Watersmeet

A beautiful wooded valley where two rivers meet, reached on a walk from the village.

The Valley of Rocks

A dramatic dry valley above the sea, home to wild goats.

Lynmouth harbour

A small harbour with boats, cafes and the seafront.

Exmoor coast path

Cliff walks lead east and west with sea and moorland views.

Best things to do in Lynmouth

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Seven Sisters cliff walk

The Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne. Allow 3 to 5 hours.

New Forest ponies walk

The New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places in the world to find fossils, particularly around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, where the pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning worked. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Lynmouth

Lynmouth

On the waterfront, with cafes and the harbour.

Lynton

On the clifftop, with views and a few more shops.

Countisbury or Parracombe

Quiet places a short drive away.

Best hotels in Lynmouth

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

Rising Sun Hotel

Tors Hotel

Compare places to stay in Lynmouth

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Lynmouth

Spring to autumn for walking and the cliff railway. Autumn colours in the valleys are stunning.

Seasons that suit Lynmouth well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Lynmouth

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Lynmouth

From Bristol: About 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
From Exeter: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From London: About 4 hours by car. There is no railway station nearby.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Lynmouth

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Lynmouth.
Saturday: Start with The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, then Watersmeet. In the afternoon, head to The Valley of Rocks.
Sunday: Visit Lynmouth harbour or Exmoor coast path, then head home.