Town: Lynton / LynmouthRegion: Devon
Date: 21 - 24 May 2010
Journey Time from Bristol: 3 hours
Campsite: Sunny Lyn Postcode: EX35 6NS
Weather: Perfect sunny days and cool evenings
Lo-down: Lynmouth is a beautiful small seaside town, rich in character and very quaint. Viewed from a distance it somehow seemed like the perfect festival site – lots of greenery, water and pubs. Not surprisingly the Lynmouth music festival takes place 11 - 13 June and turns the entire town into a musical stage.
Getting Around: Didn’t move the car once. Campsite is a little isolated, though benefits from that in some ways. Walking Distance to Town: Half an hour via main road to Lynmouth. Scenic route to Lynmouth 50 mins cliff walk. 20 Mins to Lynton woodland / cliff walk. Cliff railway from Lynmouth to Lynton £2 single. Steep cliff walk from Lynmouth to Lynton time unknown, didn’t bother.
Best pub: Queens in Lynton is a modern take on a country pub, fresh but lacking in character. The Rock in Lynmouth is well positioned with a view of the sea and the towering cliffs that bring in the river nearby, but cream tea a bitter disappointment. Right next to the campsite is the Bridge Inn, bit rough around the edges but sold bottles to take away.
Eating Out: Best option was the Barbie. The Rock, as above, made a cream tea with a microwave behind the bar, enough said. Lynmouth has a great place for Fish n Chips (Esplanade Fish Bar), down by the cob. Queens has decent pub grub, i.e. steak and chips with onion rings but the pub doesn’t offer the same charm as the rest of the town.
Amenities: Good sized facilities for size of campsite. Bathrooms dated but fine, would be cold if weather not as good. Didn’t really explore the onsite shop, opening hours limited at this time of year. No shops near to the campsite – nearest supplies in Lynton.
Pitch: Perfect spot right next to a stream. Big tree kept us in a welcome shade. The campsite is small, has a few static caravans and space for hook ups but prime spots for tents.
Perks: The campsite is right next to a river the other side of which is Exmoor National Park, perfectly placed for beautiful walks amongst woodland that gives way to vast views of the sea. Lynmouth is a sleepy town (in May) and time was spent eating ice creams, lying by the sea and in the park, and eating cream teas (try Captain’s House). Lynton is comprised of craft shops and cafes, and is an enjoyable stroll.
Beach: Rocky, not ideal for swimming but enjoyed lazing in rock free patches. Beach right in the town and has nearby grass and deck chairs – which are also available on the edge of the river.
B’s Rating: 7/10
M's Rating: 8/10
