Name: Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Rating: 5.0

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Cliff Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6EQ, England

1-90 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a historic and award-winning attraction in North Devon. Opened in 1890, it is the highest and steepest totally water-powered railway in the world. Connecting the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, it offers a unique and eco-friendly way to travel while enjoying spectacular coastal views in Exmoor National Park.

This Grade II listed heritage railway runs on a simple but brilliant water-balance system, using fresh river water as its only power source. With 862 feet of steep track and a 500-foot rise, the journey itself is a memorable experience for all ages. Visitors can learn how the system works, enjoy panoramic views over Lynmouth Bay, relax at the Cliff Top Café, and even bring dogs along for the ride. It’s one of only a few fully water-powered funicular railways left in the world and the only one of its kind in the UK.

Fares are £3.75 for adults (16+), £2.25 for children aged 4–15, £1.00 for dogs and £5.00 for bikes, while children under 4 travel free. Public car parks are available in both Lynton and Lynmouth, with many visitors choosing to park in Lynton and use the railway as a scenic park-and-ride to reach Lynmouth.

With its Victorian engineering, sustainable operation and breathtaking views, the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway offers more than just transport—it’s an unforgettable heritage experience. Whether you’re exploring Exmoor or visiting the charming twin towns, this remarkable railway is a highlight of any trip.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The multi-award winning and famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and is the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world! This historic funicular Cliff Railway is a multi-award winning attraction and holds the Green Tourism ‘Gold’ for sustainable tourism.
The Cliff Railway is in the heart of Exmoor National Park and connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth providing stunning coastal views that will be the highlight of any visit. This working heritage railway is grade II listed, the UK’s only fully water powered railway and one of just three examples left in the World!
Built in 1888, it operates using only completely renewable and sustainable fresh river water and remains the world’s highest and the steepest fully water powered railway in the world. The attraction holds the highest ‘Gold’ award for sustainable and ethical tourism, was voted by Which? as the UK’s best Cliff Railway, and has multiple accolades for heritage engineering.
With 862ft of steep track and an elevation of 500ft the railway provides a memorable experience for all that visit it. A family attraction for all ages and (woof) dogs are welcome too.

Facilities

Parking: There are public car parks and street parking in both Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynmouth has significantly less parking and gets busy in peak seasons. It’s much better to park in Lynton and use us as the most beautiful park and ride option in the UK to reach the village of Lynmouth below. Lynton Car Parks are at Bottom Meadow, Cross Street and the Valley of the Rocks. Lynmouth Car Parks are at Upper & Lower Lyndale, The Esplanade and Watersmeet.
Food & Drinks: The Cliff Top Café is situated at the Cliff Railway top station in Lynton and offers amazing views across Lynmouth Bay with inside service, takeaway service, and both outside and inside seating, fresh food, cakes and hot drinks.
Wi-Fi: There is free and open access Wi-Fi across the site, the Cliff Top Café and at the top and bottom stations.
Toilets: The Victorians didn’t provide us with on site public toilets. The closest are situated in Bottom Meadow Car Park, by the Town Hall in Lynton, The Memorial Hall, Lyndale Car Park in Lynmouth & also opposite the cricket field at the Valley of Rocks.

What to see

How it works

Water Power: The Lift works on a simple balancing principle. The two cars are permanently attached to each other by hauling cables (called ropes) that run around a huge 5ft 6″ pulley wheel at the top and the bottom of the tracks. There are four ropes in total; two hauling ropes that carry the weight of the cars and two tail balancing ropes that counteract the weight of the hauling ropes.
Gravity and Weight: When loaded, the drivers use pre-arranged bell signals, unlock the safety lock and release the brakes. The lower driver discharges water until the top car is heavier. Sometimes this is achieved with the weight of passengers alone and no water is used. The top car then rolls down the rails pulling the lower car up.
Eco Friendly: The lifts need absolutely no power to operate, water is its motive power. Water is extracted from the West Lyn River more than a mile away and travels through 5″ pipes to the top station holding tanks. The company is permitted to extract the water following an act of Parliament formed in 1888. The water used is not altered, damaged or polluted in any way, just used as ballast and discharged onto the beach at Lynmouth about 100 metres away from the river from which it was taken.
Are we unique?: Yes! The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the only fully water powered railway in the UK. Lifts such as Saltburn Cliff Lift and the Folkestone Leas Cliff Lift have encapsulated water powered systems which means that they need to re-pump the water back to the top using electric motors to be used again. Most Cliff Railways in the UK and the world require electrical power for operation or for re-pumping water.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (aged 16yrs+): £3.75
Child (aged 4-15yrs): £2.25
Dogs: £1.00
Bikes: £5.00

Pricing URL: https://www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk/visit-us/fares-and-opening/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Contact the venue for timing information.

Address: The Cliff Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6EQ, England

Post Code: EX35 6EQ

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

The cliff railway can be accessed from either Lynton or Lynmouth. The top station entrance is located adjacent to the Town Hall in Lynton, EX35 6HW and the bottom station is located on The Esplanade Lynmouth. EX35 6EQ
There are public car parks and street parking in both Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynmouth has significantly less parking and gets busy in peak seasons. It’s much better to park in Lynton and use us as the most beautiful park and ride option in the UK to reach the village of Lynmouth below.
Lynton Car Parks are at Bottom Meadow, Cross Street and the Valley of the Rocks. Lynmouth Car Parks are at Upper & Lower Lyndale, The Esplanade and Watersmeet.