The quaint little fishing village of Lynmouth - Devon sits nestled at the cliff base on the north coast of England
. Awe inspiring views from Victorian period guest houses extend all the way to the Welsh coast on the clearest of days.
The surrounding moorland is sprinkled with thick yellow gorse and purple heather offering refuge to herds of the wild mountain goats and red deer that inhabit the region.
Part of Exmoor National Park, hikers can trek east to west from Minehead to Combe Martin along the Southwest Coast Path. The Valley of Rocks lays to the west along the North Cliff Walk between two hills. Rock formations of sandstone and shale dot the wilderness and have been given such fanciful names as Devil's Cheswring and Ragged Jack.
This Victorian village has suffered its share of tragedy thanks to the confluence of the West and East Lyn rivers that gives it its name. In 1952 the area was devastated by a freak flash flood that flattened numerous buildings and killed 34 people in its wake.
More than five hundred feet straight up you will find Lynton clinging to the clifftop. Lynton is connected to this twin village by the Cliff Railway, an ingenious low tech solution to the lofty problem of traveling between the two villages without having to navigate the treacherous cliff paths. Two passenger cars are connected by a cable. Both cars carry a 700 gallon water tank that is filled when the car is at the top. Gravity will force the car to the bottom while raising the other car. When the car reaches the bottom the tank is emptied and the process is repeated. This tramway has been in operation since 1890.
St. Vincent's Cottage was built during the 16th century and now houses the Lyn and Exmoor Museum. Maritime relics and local artifacts are on display in the stone structure. The attic room is devoted to Victorian era toys and many believe it to be haunted.
A number of quaint guest houses are available and many feature decor reminiscent of the 15th century. The narrow alleyways are chock full of pubs, gift shops, cafes and tea houses to explore.
The English seascape has inspired many a literary giant including the poet Shelly. Wordsworth and Coleridge also made note of their time spent there.
Lynmouth is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or as a temporary escape from hectic city life.