The twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth on the North Devon coast are a must see! My brother-in-law is a Devonian native so any recommendations from him on quirky or interesting places to visit are always a sure bet. These towns are beyond picturesque and the Victorians and even nick-named the area along this coast Little Switzerland.
If you’re in the mood for a really great afternoon tea or sandwiches, Lynton is perfect. We happened to go into a cafe that had literally just opened its doors that day. No first day nerves though, we had delicious paninis and coffee too before climbing aboard the famous cliff railway that connects Lyton with Lynmouth 600 feet below.
In 1887 Newnes and Thomas Hewitt (later Sir Thomas Hewitt K.C.) began a project, using the recently patented invention by local engineer Bob Jones, to lay a 900 foot twin track up the 1 in 1.75 gradient. The railway was opened in 1890 and apart from new track in 1908 operates now as it always has. The total cost of the project was £8,000 and there has never been an accident.
The railway is well worth a trip and what I loved most about Lynmouth was the array or fudge shops and gorgeous art and craft galleries! So many hidden treasures and beautiful walks of the coast too.