Victoria Lodge
Lee Road,
Lynton
Devon,
EX35 6BS |
 1995
Winner of RAC Best Small Hotel in S W England
South West Tourism's B&B of the Year 2000-2001 |
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The two villages of Lynton and Lynmouth have been attracting tourists since the 18 th century, when wealthy members of the English gentry decided to seek out new areas to explore in their own country rather than risk travelling to the continent, which at that time was a little unstable due to the French Revolution. Some of the first tourists were artists and poets in search of inspiring landscapes; Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth being two of the earliest visitors.
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Despite the difficult journey to Lynton in those days more and more tourists came, and a number of hotels were built. Soon the resorts began to grow, with large houses built by wealthy visitors, and new roads to improve access.
In the early 19 th century Lynton and Lynmouth had a reputation for being ‘genteel resorts’ for the rich, despite all the smuggling activities going on all along the coast. |
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During Victorian times the resorts became known as the little Switzerland of England. This was because there is a height difference of 600ft between the harbour of Lymouth and Lynton village. There are also some very steep hills and valleys in this corner of Exmoor that further explain the comparison to Switzerland! This difference in height was a major problem for the tourist industry. Horses and donkeys were used to carry visitors and their luggage up the steep incline from Lynmouth to Lynton, some collapsing under the weight of their burden. In 1890 the Cliff Railway was opened after much hard work and heavy financial commitment from a number of influential people, notably George Newnes and Thomas Hewitt. This railway still operates today, and is a fascinating tourist attraction.
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| To many people, Lynmouth is best known for the devastating flood of 1952. The Memorial Hall houses reminders of this disaster, which caused great loss of life and enormous structural damage to the village. |
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Lynton and Lynmouth still retain much of the old world charm of Victorian times, combined with modern visitor facilities, and many people return to the area year after year. Lynton has a good range of restaurants, cafes, and gift shops, and there is a picturesque harbour at Lynmouth, with more shops to browse around.
The countryside surrounding the villages is quite varied, from spectacular rugged coastal cliffs to more gentle moorland and wooded valleys. |
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Along the coast there are hidden coves and small villages, with narrow winding roads inviting you to explore further, just to see what might be around the next corner!
This corner of Devon has escaped the more commercial side of tourism, and remains a haven of peace and tranquillity. |
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Victoria Lodge, Lynton – providing 5 star luxury B&B accommodation on Exmoor
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