Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The towns of Lynmouth and Lynton are neighbours but there's an over 800 foot cliff between them. There are some steep roads and paths between the two but in the 19th century, a small railway was built between the two...straight up the side of one of the cliffs. It's a funicular style car and it's powered by water from the nearby River Lyn. This facilitated moving goods from the harbour at Lynmouth up to Lynton and thereby making it easier to transport the goods inland, and vice versa. It also aided tourism as the little towns became more popular as seaside holiday spots.

The little wooden tramcars, one up and one down, are original. The system uses friction and hydraulic brake systems and the views are certainly worth it! It's a short ride up or down and the town of Lynton at the top is worth a walk around for it's pretty Victorian houses and shops. There are some steep hills here however, so be warned and wear good walking shoes!

It is situated next to a large parking lot on the lower Lynmouth level and there is parking at the Lynton level as well where there is also a visitor centre and cafe. It's open between mid February to early November. Costs £3 for a return ticket per adult, and you can get a day pass for £7.50 or a weekly pass.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TravelPod member and not of TravelPod.com.