subject: Take In The English Seaside In Lynmouth, Devon [print this page] Take In The English Seaside In Lynmouth, Devon
Lynmouth - Devon is a quaint little fishing town that sits perched at the base of a steep cliff overlooking the ocean on the north coast of England. Hotels in town offer spectacular views of the sea and on a clear day you can see the Welsh shoreline all the way across the harbor. It has been called the Little Switzerland of England.
The surrounding scenery features breathtaking moorland and a sea of yellow gorse and purple heather. The area is home to a population of red deer and mountain goats.
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.
The Victorian village is located at the confluence of the East and West Lyn rivers and was devastated by a flash flood in 1952 that destroyed much of the village and claimed the lives of 34 people.
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.
Visitors will find a collection of quaint guest houses, many of which boast 15th century decor and atmosphere. Tea houses, cafes, gift shops and pubs are tucked here and there along the narrow alleyways.
Several literary greats passed through or visited Lynmouth and many were inspired by the natural beauty of the area. The poet Shelley, Coleridge and Wordsworth all spent time there.
Lynmouth is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or as a temporary escape from hectic city life.
