With summer holidaymakers gone, late September is a great time to explore Devon's coast. The beaches are less crowded, the weather is gentler, and the coastal paths are ready for walking. A delightful seaside town, set among tall hills and overlooking the Bristol Channel, has been crowned Devon's finest seaside town by Which?.
Lynmouth has an appeal that seems almost impossibly picturesque. It has an attractive waterside location, a striking coastal landscape and a quintessential village character. It sits at the edge of Exmoor National Park, with stunning natural surroundings, and is often called 'Little Switzerland'.
It is ideal for walkers. The South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail both run through the village, offering many walking routes. Visitors can follow the River Lyn upstream to Watersmeet, a tree-lined ravine managed by the National Trust, with riverside paths and a tea garden.
Among Lynmouth's most notable features is the celebrated Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which has linked the twin settlements since 1890.
The 260-metre railway is the world's highest and steepest water-powered railway. Passengers get panoramic coastal views on the trip between the two villages.
For a romantic getaway, River View is a second-floor flat beside the river in Lynmouth. It has a furnished balcony with views over the bay, and on clear days visitors might glimpse the Welsh coastline in the distance.
The flat has a cosy open-plan lounge and kitchen with everything needed for self-catering. A king-size bedroom with an en-suite shower room offers a peaceful retreat after a day exploring.
The balcony is particularly good for a morning cuppa or evening drink, with views across the river and the village. There is no need to cook every meal either, as plenty of cafés and eateries are nearby.
For something different, Ilfracombe is less than 20 miles away, known for its restaurants and historic harbour. Visitors can also see Damien Hirst's 'Verity' statue at the harbour entrance before returning to Lynmouth's quieter setting.
For even more dramatic views, holidaymakers can travel the 1.5 miles to the Valley of Rocks, where soaring cliffs and unusual rock formations create one of Exmoor's most striking landscapes. The area is home to adventurous goats and has some of Britain's tallest sea cliffs, making it a memorable coastal walk.
For larger groups exploring the region, Summerville is a classic stone cottage sleeping up to six guests. It has views of the East Lyn River and offers a charming escape with gardens, ideal for families.
Those planning a big gathering might consider Lynhurst, a substantial property within easy walking distance of the historic village of Lynton. Set among gardens and native woodland, it has a games room with a slate pool table and dart board, plus an outdoor table tennis table.
For budget-conscious travellers, Dogsworthy offers a peaceful retreat. It consists of two adults-only, private shepherd's huts on the outskirts of Lynton and Lynmouth within the Exmoor National Park on North Devon's coastline.
Previous guests at River View have shared enthusiastic feedback online. One visitor commented: "Lovely apartment. Perfectly situated with everything we needed. A real 'home from home'. We love Lynmouth and will be back."
Another guest remarked: "A wonderful location for walkers as several spectacular river and coastal walks from the door. Great for visitors with dogs, close to the promenade for walks and meeting lots of other dogs."
A more comprehensive review stated: "A small but well-equipped and comfortable flat with beautiful views over the river to the sea. Good location to explore the area. Luckily found a temporary parking spot initially on Riverside Road in order to unpack, as the flat entrance is on a pedestrianised street.
"Parking permit was £25 for the week at the nearby Upper Lyndale car park. Tesco delivered groceries without difficulty. Walks locally and some National Trust properties made it a very enjoyable week in a lovely location."
One visitor observed, however, that "the two flights of steep stairs would need to be taken into consideration by anybody perhaps not a 100% fit", while another appreciated the views, commenting: "We had the door open all the time and could listen to the water and the wildlife, which we really enjoyed."
River View can be booked through Holiday Cottages. A four-night break in September starts from £449.
Devon’s ‘Little Switzerland’ Village Perfect for Autumn Break