Living in Lynton

Lynton has a welcoming, close-knit community, shaped by generations of local families, newcomers drawn to the area’s beauty, and a steady stream of seasonal visitors. The pace of life is gently sociable, and there is a real sense of connection among residents, with many opportunities to get involved in village life.

Local events are held throughout the year, including food and craft markets, theatre productions at the Lynton Town Hall, and community celebrations such as the Lyn Valley Classic car show. Walking groups, book clubs, and art collectives add to the social landscape.

Outdoor pursuits are a central part of living in Lynton, with access to the Valley of Rocks, South West Coast Path, Watersmeet, and the wilds of Exmoor all on the doorstep. Parks and gardens, like Hollerday Hill, provide peaceful spaces for relaxation and gathering.

Lynton is considered a safe and friendly place to live, benefiting from its small population and tranquil atmosphere. Crime rates in Lynton are low compared to UK averages, with most incidents being minor, such as anti-social behaviour or small-scale theft, often linked to seasonal tourism influx.

The area is policed by Devon and Cornwall Police, who maintain a visible community presence. Residents and local businesses support initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch, and the sense of everyone knowing each other helps maintain security. The remoteness and community cohesion contribute to a reassuring day-to-day environment for those living in Lynton.

Parking in Lynton can be in demand during peak tourist seasons, as the area’s narrow streets and valley location limit on-street spaces. There are several public car parks around the town centre and near popular attractions such as the Cliff Railway and Valley of Rocks. Residents can apply for council-run parking permits for off-street car parks, while guesthouse and hotel accommodation typically provides their own facilities.

Drivers should be prepared for winding rural lanes and occasional congestion in summer, particularly around the A39 and A399 routes. However, these roads allow reasonable access to nearby towns and the greater North Devon region:

• Barnstaple – approx. 40 minutes via A39/A399 (20 miles)
• Ilfracombe – approx. 30 minutes via B3230 (14 miles)
• Minehead – approx. 50 minutes via A39 (27 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A399/A361/M5 (55 miles)

Lynton has a thriving food scene, reflecting its popularity with visitors and its position at the heart of Exmoor’s natural larder. There are traditional pubs such as The Crown Hotel and The Village Inn, which are well-liked for their cosy interiors and regional ales. The town is also home to welcoming tearooms, cafés, and coffee shops — The Old Coach House and Charlie Fridays Café are both popular with locals and tourists alike.

A variety of restaurants serve local fare, from Exmoor beef and fresh seafood to vegetarian and vegan dishes. Takeaway options and fish & chip shops round out the culinary offering.

Evenings in Lynton are relaxed, with live music occasionally hosted at pubs, and seasonal events such as the Lynton and Lynmouth Music Festival. There are no nightclubs, but the area’s peaceful setting and stargazing sessions in Exmoor’s International Dark Sky Reserve appeal to those seeking quieter nightlife experiences.

School quality: Lynton offers a supportive and community-focused primary school, with secondary education accessible in nearby towns.

Parks and green space: Families enjoy easy access to Exmoor National Park, the Valley of Rocks, and children’s play areas in the town for outdoor recreation.

Childcare: Local childminders and nearby nursery settings are available to support working families, with after-school clubs and holiday activities frequently offered.

Safety: The low crime rates and small-community ethos provide a reassuring environment for children to grow up.

Family activities: Walks, cycling, beach days in Lynmouth, and community events all help make Lynton appealing for those raising a family in rural Devon.

Lynton is an exceptionally pet-friendly part of Devon, with countless scenic walks, dog-friendly pubs, and ready access to Exmoor’s wide-open spaces. The Valley of Rocks is especially popular for dog owners, offering accessible paths with coastal views.

Local amenities such as the Lynton Pet Shop and nearby veterinary practices in villages like Combe Martin and Barnstaple ensure pets’ needs are met. Many holiday cottages, cafés, and accommodation providers are happy to welcome dogs, reflecting the town’s general pet-positive attitude. The beach at Lynmouth is also a great spot for dog-walking outside the busiest summer months.

Lynton is set in rural North Devon, making its public transport and travel links more limited compared to urban centres, but it remains accessible for residents and visitors alike. There is no railway station in Lynton; the nearest mainline station is Barnstaple, approximately 20 miles away, connecting to Exeter and beyond. Regular bus services link Lynton with Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Minehead, and local villages, with scenic routes across Exmoor National Park.

For drivers, the A39 'Atlantic Highway' and A399 provide main road access through North Devon and to Somerset. The M5 motorway can be accessed via Tiverton or Taunton, around 45–60 minutes' drive. Exeter International Airport is the most accessible airport, about 50 miles (1 hour 20 minutes) from Lynton by car, offering flights across the UK and Europe.

• Barnstaple: Approx. 40 minutes by car (20 miles)
• Exeter: 1 hour 30 minutes by car (55 miles)
• London: Around 4 hours by car/train (via Barnstaple & Exeter)
• Ilfracombe: 30 minutes by car (14 miles)
• Minehead: 50 minutes by car (27 miles, via A39)

Primary Schools:

Lynton Church of England Primary School is the main primary option within Lynton itself, noted for its small size and integration in the local community. With a recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rating it as 'Good', it provides nurturing education to children from Reception through Year 6. In nearby Parracombe, Parracombe Church of England Primary School serves families across the Exmoor region, offering a village school experience.

Secondary Schools:

Due to Lynton's size, there is no secondary school directly in the town. The nearest is Ilfracombe Academy (11–18), roughly 12 miles away, which has a broad curriculum and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. West Buckland School, also nearby, is an independent day and boarding school with a solid reputation for academic and extracurricular provision.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

North Devon's main sixth form options are in Barnstaple, about 20 miles away, including Petroc College, offering A-Levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships for post-16 study. Petroc is highly regarded for its range of subjects and community involvement.

Universities:

There are no universities in Lynton itself. The closest major higher education providers are the University of Exeter (Streatham and Exeter campuses) and University of Plymouth, both over an hour away, providing a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.