The Denes Guesthouse - Lynton And Lymouth, what to do.

Lynton & Lymouth until the advent of the Napoleonic Wars were unremarkable Devon villages. Lynmouth had flourished as a fishing port; a prosperous herring industry survived until the herring shoals disappeared in the early 17th century. With Europe in turmoil the holiday playgrounds of France were boycotted by the 'well to do' and they had to look to their own shores for vacation escapes.

Thus Lynton and Lynmouth were discovered for their natural beauty. Lynmouth sits by the sea at the confluence of the East and West Lyn rivers. Lynton nestles some 500ft higher on a 'shelf' between Countisbury Hill and Hollerday Hill. The Valley of Rocks whose craggy pinnacles rise to nearly 1000 ft above sea level provide a scenery that conjectures mythological tales as well as informed geological debate as to their formation. For the visitors though, the feral goats (see link above Valley of Rocks) provide much pleasure as do the soaring buzzards overhead. Elsewhere wooded ravines cut down through the cliffs to allow excess water from the peaty Exmoor plateau to drain.

The first hotel appeared in 1807 and Shelley appeared here soon after in 1812 with his 16 yr old bride, to escape from disapproving family. The poet Southey also spent some time here and Blakemore's Lorna Doone was set in the area. The costumes used in a recent BBC's dramatisation of Lorna Doone can be seen in the Tit Bits Exhibition open daily from Easter in the Town Hall.

The Cliff Railway was built in 1890 funded by the publisher George Newnes very much a patron of the area at the time. The railway works on simplicity itself. The upper car is filled with water, and then uses gravity to pull the lower car up the cliff. More information and current prices from www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

In early 1899 a ship in the Bristol Channel got into trouble as a storm was brewing. The Lynmouth lifeboat was tasked to assist. The Coxswain weighed the scene and realizing there was no hope of launching his life boat at Lynmouth without imperilling the crew and the boat gave the order to launch from Porlock . And there began a remarkable tale of human endeavour by the communities of Lynton and Lynmouth (and those of the surrounding area) to manhandle the boat overland to Porlock some 15 miles uphill and down valley during the hours of darkness. The full story of which is displayed in the Visitor Centre on Lynmouth's esplanade. The epic journey being re-enacted in 1999 to mark its centenary and may become the story of a new film.

In August 1952 Lynton & Lynmouth made headline news when a natural disaster devastated much of Lynmouth. In the evening of the 15th nearly 8 inches of rain fell on the moors above Lynton, with the consequence that most of it attempted to drain via the East and West Lyn rivers. As its spate increased debris and boulders were transported until trapped by bridges and temporally damming them. The bridges not standing the pressure, gave way, increasing deluge down the gorges still further. After blocking a small bridge in Lynmouth, the West Lyn altered its course and flowed down the High Street itself, the height of the waters reaching to the second floors of hotels. In its chaotic cavorting, the flood would totally destroy one building but leave the neighbouring property relatively unscathed. An exhibition to the Power of Water is open from Easter to October in Glen Lyn also a site of special scientific interest.

Our cinema Lynton Picture Palace www.lyntoncinema.co.uk is a former Methodist Chapel has been converted in to a cinema. It screens the latest release films and also a presentation film on the history of Lynton & Lynmouth. Visit their website to look ahead to see what films are coming.. Next door to the Town Hall is the Arts & Craft Centre, entry is free but you will be invited, nay tempted, to purchase the work of Lynton and Lynmouth’s arts and craftsmen.

Today, the natural beauty of the area still attracts visitors, but now from all corners of the world and there is much to see and do. Try visiting Exmoor attractions at their web site: www.exmoorattractions.com some of which are featured below.

Cyclists: For those wanting to explore the local area but avoid the fumes and traffic jams then take to the bike and follow the bike trails. . Bike Trail operate in Barnstable, take a look at their web site www.biketrail.co.uk and cycle the Tarka Trail. Padders (Canoeists) the East Lyn river can make excellent sport and testing conditions with the right amount of water in it. Walkers: Walking the trails of Exmoor is also extremely popular. Details of trails can had from 'Thematic Trails in North Devon', www.thematictrails.u-net.com/home.htm. The South West Coastal Path, (the longest in Britain 613 miles) nearly passes our front door. www.swcp.org.uk takes you to the association. For a leisurely walk Wistland Pound makes an attractive venue. Runners: If that's a bit tame and you would like to run footpaths and trails then come in September for the Doone Run. Golfers many of our guests have enjoyed a round or two at Ilfracombe Golf course, but with eight others nearby you could be spoilt for choice. A colour brochure is available at The Denes, or www.northdevon.co.uk has details.

For the less energetic the Lyn & Exmoor museum provides a curious collection of personal, domestic and agricultural history as well as its own personal ghost!, www.devonmuseums.net/lynton . Railway buffs can enjoy the history of the Lynton & Barnstable Light Railway www.lynton-barnstaple-railway.org then explore the route of this great little railway. Although the track was lifted over 60 years ago; the railway hasn't gone its only "sleeping". Woody Bay Station on the A39 to Barnstaple is now open as an attraction and steam trains run along a section of track most days.

For Children there is the Gnome reserve at Bradworthy www.gnomereserve.co.uk , or the Milky Way Adventure Park near Bideford, www.themilkyway.co.uk . Nearer to Lynton at Combe Martin is the Dinosaur and Wildlife Park, Info Line 01271 882486 and Exmoor Zoo is just off the A399, plus many more. All the family can enjoy the family fun day in Lynmouth at the end of August.

For Gardeners visits to Tapely Park Gardens at Instow or at Great Torrington the RHS Garden Rosemoor www.rhs.org.uk come well recommended. Whilst in Gt Torrington there is also the site of the last great battle of the Civil War try www.great-torrington.com for further information.

July sees the annual raft race. Organised by Lyn Lions, the aim is to float a homemade raft and paddle it out to sea, round a buoy and first back wins a prize. Oh, I nearly forgot, they have to overcome a barrage of flour bombs as well as the elements.

Whatever your pleasure there will be something for all and we will look forward to meeting you at The Denes.