Firstly, I’ve finally discovered hyperlinks (!) which will enable better integration of links into blog posts from now on. You’re welcome.
So, the final part of Jolly’s June Jaunt took us from the seaside and beach settings of Saunton and Ilfracombe to Lorna Doone Country, and the rugged, captivating charm of Lynton & Lynmouth on the coast of Exmoor National Park. The scenery was truly stunning.
We stayed at Lynton Camping & Caravanning Club site just one (very) hilly mile outside Lynton itself, and arrived in glorious sunshine. Our first day there was the hottest so far. We were a little early but that didn’t seem to bother the laid back and very friendly wardens who told us a little about the local area and allowed us to choose our own pitch. They were lovely people, chatty and full of interesting and helpful information on the area.
This is one of the prettiest, quietest and well placed sites we’ve stayed at. It was immaculately kept and although there are several reviews about the facilities being dated, we found them to be spotless and perfectly adequate, although as usual we mostly used Jolly’s onboard facilities.
The weather was so good on our first day that we decided to have a lazy, sunbathing day but not before we hopped on the bikes and rode to a nearby farm shop – Caffyn’s Farm Shop about a mile away. The café there was closed but the well-stocked shop allowed us to stock up for a BBQ later in the day and other provisions for the rest of our stay, including their delicious homemade cider which certainly packed a punch! There’s also a camping site, accommodation and horse riding at the farm. Although only a short distance to the farm and back it was a fairly hilly ride and that was the last time we used our bikes in this area, getting about instead mostly by foot. There’s a bus service you can use to get around, the bus stop is just a little walk away from site (info available from reception).
We had a fab time in Lynton & Lynmouth, walking from site and taking in the amazing scenery. We passed a friendly couple who were digging in deep to get up the very steep hill section. I think they stopped for breath as much as a chat. They told us that they had recently settled in Lynton after wanting a change from their old life. They apparently sold up and just stuck a pin in a map of the UK to decide where to go! It landed on Lynton. Wow, no messing about there. They hadn’t regretted it either.
Lynton stands above the lower picturesque harbour village of Lynmouth and is connected by a Victorian funicular cliff railway. It’s a must to travel up and down between the two villages on this unusual mode of transport. The railway is water-powered and operates on a balancing principle.
We took the railway down into Lynmouth, the village known as ‘England’s Little Switzerland’.
We visited The Flood Memorial Hall, where the moving story is told through video, photographs and correspondence of the devastating Lynmouth Flood Disaster of August, 1952 in which 28 people tragically lost their lives.
There’s also a model of the village within the memorial hall. Entrance to the memorial hall is free and gives you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history of this beautiful village and its people.
You can walk from Lynmouth to Watersmeet House, a former fishing lodge by a dramatic river gorge. It’s a National Trust property well known for its delicious cream teas.
There are many walks to enjoy around this area, including Watersmeet, Valley of the Rocks, Countisbury to name just a few.
There’s certainly plenty to see and do in Lynton and Lynmouth. We finished our day searching for somewhere to eat after taking the railway back up to Lynton.
We discovered a little cafe (day)/restaurant (night) called The Vanilla Pod. We were lucky enough to get a last-minute table, it’s a very popular place and gets great reviews on TripAdvisor. Well, we soon found out why. We had some scrumptious seafood washed down with a large glass of white wine. If we lived nearer, we’d be there all the time! You’d be wise to book if you’re ever thinking of going.
Our last evening was a perfect close to our North Devon Adventure. We were blessed with a breathtaking and quite romantic sunset. Perfect! 😎
The next morning we packed up early ready for our 5 hour, 300 mile journey home and luckily the traffic wasn’t too bad. Another great adventure and oodles of great memories. Happy days 🙂
ONWARD!>>>>
Suzie & Bri
THE JOLLY MAJESTIC 