Lynton Things to Do

This is definitely not one for the cardio-vascularly challenged but if you are feeling particularly energetic the walk up from Lynton to The Sandpiper Inn offers a variety of rewards. Firstly the walk itself opens up stunning views as you ascend, and then on arrival the Inn offers an excellent range of beers and superb food.

Alternatively of course you can drive up but somehow that seems to me undeserving of the treats to come.

The Inn also has 16 en-suite bedrooms and is an ideal base for touring Exmoor and North Devon, bearing in mind that everywhere is pretty much downhill!

This parish church dates originally dates back to the 13th century but only the tower is from that time. The nave was rebuilt in 1741 and 1893. The church had to be enlarged several times, 1904 was the last time.

You are likely to visit this building donated by Sir George Newnes if you are seeking touristy information. Also there are some public conveniences round the side.

The opening ceremony of the town hall was held on 15th August 1900.

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This Victorian water powered lift was first established in 1888. The track is 862 feet long. It's not running in winter so check the website for the seasonal reopening. The adult return fare in 2008 is GBP 2.95.

Lynton is reckoned to be the smallest town in the UK to have its own full-time cinema and the cinema, with only 68 seats, must also be one of the smallest. Opened in the grade 2 listed former Methodist chapel in 2001 the cinema shows recently released films and boasts Dolby SR sound as well as air conditioning.

During the summer the cinema shows 2 films daily, usually family entertainment in the afternoons and more general shows in the evenings, dropping to a single evening performance in the winter plus a Monday matinee. In addition to the films there are also special presentations throughout the year on a variety of subjects.

Website is well worth a visit and has details of upcoming shows, opening times, prices etc.

If you need a Wi-Fi connection here in Lynton then the Queens has an IT-box which allows connection via The Cloud network, obviously at a price depending on which package you purchase.

This is a friendly little pub and during the day is fairly quiet and they allow me to sit in the corner with my computer plugged into their electric socket. Mind you I do shift a few beers and quite often have a late breakfast there and so it is a mutually satisfactory arrangement :)

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If you are feeling energetic there is a beautiful circular walk which starts from Lynmouth which offers something for everyone including riverside paths, open fields, dramatic sea views and best of all a pub.

Start from the main car-park in Lynmouth ( opp Shelley's Hotel ) and head upstream beside the river. The path takes you through a wooded valley beside the East Lyn river up stream to Watersmeet. The path crosses the river several times via old wooden bridges. Refreshments are available at Watersmeet in a cafe run by The National Trust. Lynmouth to Watersmeet is about two miles.

Take a left just upstream of the cafe and head up the hill. The path is quite steep but winds up the hill before coming out to open fields. Head up towards the far right-hand corner of the field. By this point you will be hot, tired and thirsty - good news the pub is just round the corner. The Sandpiper is open all day and serves food as well as a really good pint of Tribute.

When you eventually leave the pub head past the church that you can see opposite where you will pick up the coast path. Turn left and then it's all downhill back to Lynmouth which you can see in the distance.

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For once, here's a tip which doesn't have a pub anywhere in it!

Well not yet anyway!

Devon is spectacular for scenery and here's another example.

The Valley of Rocks is another unique part of Devon - it is basically a "river without water" flowing parallel to the sea for much of its length, before finally succumbing. A few years before I was born, bearing in mind that I was "born at a very early age", the valley was formed by a glacier which dragged a few chunks of granite with it and when it melted left them behind. Unfortunately much of the original rocks have been carted off to be used for local buildings but the remnants (those too big even for the Devon boys to carry off!) still lend the valley a certain aura.

Pic 2 is of the bay and pic 3 is (are?) the goats - go on - have a look!

It is also the home of the wild goats - we had a very small Lynton forum recently - check it out!