What is it?

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It’s a pretty impressive Victorian ‘cliff lift’, that couldn’t be any further from the train ride you’d expect on a railway. Find it in the heart of Exmoor National Park, at Lynton and Lynmouth.

Best for:

All ages

Cost

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£ - A return adult ticket is £3.50 and a child (4 -13 years) costs £2.50 return. Children under 4 are free.

What’s on offer

Lynton – a rural town and Lynmouth – a coastal village come together to share some of North Devon’s most gorgeous views. They also share the incredible water-powered ‘train’ that travels all the way down their famous cliff in between them. It's definitely not a steam train like you'd find at the South Devon Railway. The cable car style rail ride was built in 1887 and is still running today. Don’t worry; it has been refurbished over the years.

Simply enjoy the views or listen to information from the railway staff about the history of the railway and the fact that it’s WATER POWERED. Water powered! Amazing!

They also have a cafe, Cliff Top Café, which boasts views over Lynmouth Bay. There are public car parks in both Lynton and Lynmouth. Public toilets are both available in Bottom Meadow Car Park and by the Town Hall in Lynton; in Lynmouth you can find public toilets in the Lyndale Car Park and opposite the cricket field near the Valley of Rocks.

In both Lynton and Lynmouth, you’ll find cafes, pubs, children’s play areas and convenience stores. There’s also a Tourist Information Centre in Lynton, if you want to make the most of the area. There are events on at Lynton and Lynmouth has a variety of events on throughout the year. Please check the official tourist website for full details of what’s on and when.

Highlights

The views are gorgeous, the staff members on site are friendly, it’s great value for money and if you think about it, its also saving you and the children a pretty steep walk up or down the cliff. It’s doing you a huge favour, really. It’s also interesting to travel like the Victorian’s did. It’s a must for any history fans or excitable children.

What to watch out for

- The ride lasts about 2 – 5 minutes, so don’t expect to be in there for long.

MFM tips:

- Make the most of your trips on the cliff lift and explore both Lynton and Lynmouth – you could take a boat trip in Lynmouth, visit the Lyn & Exmoor Museum or visit the famous Lynton & Lynmouth beaches. You can even take the kids rockpooling.

- Other big attractions in the area include Exmoor Zoo and The BIG Sheep. Looking for more things to do nearby? Take a look at our roundup of the best family days out in Devon.

What the owners say

“No family trip to the picturesque towns of Lynton and Lynmouth in North Devon would be complete without a ride on the famous funicular cliff lift.

The area situated in the centre of the "Exmoor National Park" and nicknamed "Englands Little Switzerland" a "Day out in Devon" would not be complete without visiting one of the southwests top attractions.

It’s the best and most exciting way to travel between these two historic towns and will be one of the highlights of the day - for Mums, Dads and all the family.”

Visit the official Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway website

Get the most out of your trip to North Devon...

Exmoor Zoo
Arlington Court
Lundy Island
Watermouth Castle
Powderham Castle
Haldon Forest Park
Quince Honey Farm
Clovelly Village

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