North Cliff Hotel in Devon

The North Cliff Hotel in Lynton, Devon, is an ideal accommodation base for visiting Exmoor National Park, and Somerset, with its own restaurant and bar, and stunning views over Lynmouth and the coast.

Our first sight of the lovely North Cliff Hotel in Lynton, Devon, was on a previous visit to this beautiful little town on the North Devon coast. We’d wandered along North Walk Hill, took some photos of the breathtaking views, and then stopped to watch the unusual water-powered train that links Lynton on the hill with Lynmouth down below. ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to be staying there,’ we said, looking at the hotel right next to the train.

Little did we know that on our next visit we would be staying there. In fact our room, number 2, was on the corner overlooking the railway (don’t worry: it’s quiet, and doesn’t run at night!) and our table in the window of the breakfast room was so close to the train you felt you could jump right onto the roof as it passed.

North Cliff Hotel in Lynton, Devon

We love Lynton, and were in a good mood when we arrived. It was made even better when we heard goldcrests twittering in the treetops as we took the bags out of the car. There was a very friendly welcome from Kate, one of the hotel’s three owners, who all live on-site too.

Our room was a large corner one on the first floor. It was huge, with a double and a single bed, and still had acres of space. Its three large picture windows gave us stunning views along the North Devon coast, and across the bay down below, where the neighbouring town of Lynmouth sits. Along here and on into North Somerset must be one of the most under-rated beauty spots in Britain. It is absolutely gorgeous – dramatic, cliffs and bays, undulations, and with Exmoor ponies and red deer grazing on moorland just a hundred yards from the sea.

Facilities at this Hotel in Lynton, Devon

Although this is a plain and simple English seaside hotel, we thoroughly enjoyed our 2-night stay. One of the reasons was Kate, who was as helpful as can be. She advised us on walks and loaned us maps, she recommended eating places, and even offered us a lift one evening so we didn’t have to drive down to Le Bistro in Lynmouth to eat. Kate said she often gives guests a lift to the start of a walk, or picks them up at the end of one, if they don’t have transport or prefer not to drive.

Some of the other guests were enjoying the hotel’s library of books and telling us which were the best ones for local information. The North Cliff also has a lending library, and we really liked the way they said that you were welcome to take away any books, and you could leave an optional donation to charity in an honesty box, but only if you felt like it.

Next door to the lounge was a bar, and the hotel also has its own restaurant in season, aptly named The View. Outside the hotel there was also a terrace with chairs, where guests could relax and enjoy those remarkable views.

Location of the North Cliff Hotel in Lynton, Devon

The North Cliff is on a quiet road that leads out of Lynton town center. It goes nowhere other than to a few other hotels and houses, and is in fact a part of the South West Coastal Path. Keep walking along it and you soon come to the Valley of the Rocks, one of the area’s natural attractions.

Walk the other way and you’re in Lynton in less than five minutes, with its wealth of shops and eating options. And across from the hotel entrance is a path that leads down to Lynmouth – and you can always catch the train or get a taxi back up again if you don’t fancy the uphill challenge.

Verdict on the North Cliff Hotel in Lynton, Devon

If you want 5-star luxury or boutique comfort, then the North Cliff is not for you. But if you want a friendly place that’s totally relaxing, and offers good value for money (no single room supplements!) in an exceptional location, you couldn’t wish for a better place.

More Information

Visit the North Cliff Hotel website.