The UK village with its own micro-climate perfect to visit in autumn | UK | Travel
Lynmouth has been dubbed a ‘mini Switzerland’ (Image: Abigail Neep)
One breathtaking Devon village has long been a favourite destination that continues to draw visitors back again and again. One writer from Devon Live recently visited the beautiful town of Lynmouth to discover what attracts people to this destination, with many visitors claiming there’s something magical about it that beckons them back annually.
Holiday couple Dave and Jill said: “It’s beautiful; it’s the mini Switzerland.” This reputation dates back to the 1800s, when the Romantics and travellers during the Napoleonic period likened Lynmouth’s valley to Alpine scenery. Today, the precipitous roads, stone dwellings, and the waterside location provide Lynmouth with a distinctive character.
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Dave and Jill said Lynmouth is beautiful (Image: Abigail Neep)
Holidaymakers Karen and Mark Turner shared similar sentiments: “We’re on holiday and we’ve been here before. If you were to think of a quaint Devon town and try to draw it, Lynmouth is how you would draw it.
“Nothing’s really changed since we were last here, it’s really peaceful at this time of year we don’t want to go home.”
Claudine Spiteri operates Lone Pine Art Retreats in Lynmouth and claims the location possesses an atmosphere that is incomparable.
She said: “It’s quite a special place, we’re privileged to have all of this incredible scenery. There’s so many benefits to being in nature.
“It’s so remote it’s a bit like a rainforest with the woodland meeting the sea, Lynmouth has its own microclimate, it’s so green and old.”
Karen and Mark Turner said it was picturesque (Image: Abigail Neep)
She added that Lynmouth‘s community is just as distinctive: “There’s a thriving community and people from all walks of life, the people here all have an artistic side, you might say it attracts rebels. Everyone is creative, they have an artistic side.”
Chrissy, who operates Post House Interiors, concurs that both the natural environment and local community define the village’s character.
Chrissy said: “You can do so many walks from the doorstep, river, coastal, woodland, the hills are amazing and I love hiking, you can walk in all directions without needing a car.
“I think the community is great but I also love the tourists, that’s when Lynmouth comes to life. When it’s quiet, it’s too quiet for me.”
Claudine Spiterie said Lynmouth has a certain special energy to it (Image: Abigail Neep)
Lynmouth boasts the renowned Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, recognised as the world’s highest and steepest water-powered funicular system.
This ingenious transport link, which launched in 1890, ascends what one local café boldly advertised as a ‘F****** Steep Hill’.
The Victorian railway connects both villages during the 152 metre ascent up the cliff face, providing spectacular vistas across the Bristol Channel.
It remains fascinating to witness this remarkable piece of operational heritage that operates purely through water power. Lynmouth, a picturesque coastal town, heavily relies on the influx of tourists during the summer months.
The Lynton and Lynmouth cliff railway (Image: Abigail Neep)
However, the winter season can be challenging for local businesses. Kim Degabrielle, a resident who has called Lynmouth home for over four decades, said: “I’ve lived in Lynmouth for over 40 years and I would definitely recommend it, but it can be difficult to stay afloat over winter and housing is quite expensive, but I appreciate the winter months as locals get the place back.”
Some visitors, however, were left disappointed by the town’s seasonal rhythm, with several shops and cafés closed during their visit.
One disgruntled tourist remarked: “It’s a shame that everything is closed, there’s nothing that we can do. But to be honest it’s better than the summer, and I’ve got to add I don’t like paying 50p for the toilets.”
Despite its charm, Lynmouth harbours a tragic past. In 1952, the town was virtually obliterated by a catastrophic flood caused by torrential rain and debris hurtling down into the valley.
Kim Degabrielle said it can be hard to stay afloat in winter (Image: Abigail Neep)
The disaster claimed 34 lives, including 17 villagers. Today, a volunteer-run museum stands in the village, offering free entry to both locals and visitors keen to learn about Lynmouth’s history.
Yet, as Claudine noted, nature is resilient. A stroll along the East Lyn River reveals a stunning landscape.
Away from the sea, one can delve deep into lush greenery, momentarily forgetting the proximity to the ocean.
The rustling leaves and moss-covered rocks evoke the feeling of traversing a rainforest, while the sight of rapids cascading into the village offers a mesmerising spectacle.
