Photos by Martyn Easterbrook.
Valley of Rocks & Lynmouth
Tag: Lynton
A tranquil evening in the Valley of Rocks
Photo of the Week
We know it’s only Tuesday, but how can this beautiful photo be possibly topped????*
This photo of Fred the cat on a fence at Lynton overlooking Lynmouth bay caught our eye on Instagram (posted by @milo_and_dougal)
*we’re happy to be convinced otherwise! If you think there is another photo deserving of the title “Photo of the Week”, just post it on our Facebook page or tag us on Twitter or Instagram. You can also email it to exmoor4all@gmail.com
5 things to do in Lynton & Lynmouth this Summer
The twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth are in the middle of the rugged Exmoor coastline with Lynton 500 feet above Lynmouth and the two towns connected by a cliff funicular railway. Five reasons to visit Lynton & Lynmouth this summer include open air Macbeth, the most scenic of Devon cream teas, a new arts trail, scenery that influenced the Romantic Poets and riding a water powered funicular.
See Macbeth in the Valley of the Rocks
New for this summer is the Pleasure Dome Theatre, an open-air theatre set in the dramatic and beautiful scenery of The Valley of The Rocks near Lynton. The Pleasure Dome Theatre are an artistic collective with the aim of using the natural landscape of the area to make Exmoor a cultural destination as well as a tourist hub. Their first performance is Macbeth which will be running from August 2nd until the 20th.
Enjoy a scenic Cream Tea at Watersmeet
The National Trust’s Watersmeet House is a 19th century fishing lodge with a beautiful Edwardian tea garden. Living up to its name, Watersmeet is where the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water meet and cream teas can be enjoyed overlooking the rivers and spotting herons and dippers. Watersmeet is also located along some of Exmoor’s best walking and so makes a great spot for a mid-hike rest.
Indulge in Exmoor culture on the Arts Trail
Exmoor Arts Trail is a new concept which makes it easy for people to engage with art, craft and photography on and around Exmoor. Through-out the year visitors to Exmoor can use a web page with a clickable map that shows participating venues on the Trail including art and craft shops and galleries, eateries which have art on the walls, art and craft workshop venues and artists and artisans with studios which are open to the public.
Take a ride on a water powered funicular
No trip to the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth would be complete without a trip on the water powered Cliff Railway, formed through an Act of Parliament in 1888 which gave perpetual right to extract up to 60,000 gallons of water a day. The funicular is an exciting way to travel between these two historic towns. Enjoy stunning views of the North Devon Coastline as you glide up and down the 862-foot length of track from Lynmouth nestling at the foot of the cliffs to Lynton perched 500 feet above.
Channel your internal Romantic poet on the Coleridge Way
Walk up to 51 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside of the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor, a landscape that inspired Coleridge to produce some of his best known work. At Lynmouth the path links with the South West Coast Path National Trail. A delightful 30-mile circular walk can be made by walking from Porlock on the Coleridge Way to Lynmouth and returning along the coast path.
For more information on Lynton and Lynmouth visit http://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk
Macbeth in the Valley of Rocks
Exmoor theatre company, Pleasure Dome, are set to be the first to stage an open air theatre production at the Valley of the Rocks near Lynton. In order to fund the production, Pleasure Dome have launched a crowdfunding campaign and so are calling upon the support of the local community.
This summer, Pleasure Dome Theatre Company, will bring open-air entertainment to both the community and holiday makers alike, by staging a production of Macbeth to mark the year of Shakespeare’s 400th birthday. This production will be the start of a seasonal programme of outdoor entertainment consisting of classical theatre, opera and modern productions situated in the stunning surroundings of the Valley of the Rocks.
“We are an artistic collective who aim to utilise the dramatic and beautiful scenery of The Valley of The Rocks near Lynton, making Exmoor a cultural destination as well as a tourist hub. We provide outreach programmes and will offer local opportunities to work within a professional company to aspiring youngsters and enthusiastic older members of the locale alike.”
“I decided to found Pleasure Dome in 2015 after a lifetime of thinking someone should do some theatre at The Valley of the Rocks. I spent my early summers scrambling up and down it’s weaving pathways and peering out to sea. I always thought it was an otherworldly and magical location, somewhere not quite of this planet, a place where the sea meets the sky, a place where imagination meets reality, and I can think of nowhere more fitting to perform in. ”
Helena Payne
To buy tickets to Macbeth, or to become a patron of the company, visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/new-open-air-theatre-in-the-valley-of-the-rocks
To find out more about the production and the cast, please go to www.pleasuredometheatrecompany.com
Macbeth will run from the 2nd-20th of August at 7:30 (with no show on Mondays) and 3:00 Sunday matinees.
New Festival will celebrate the Victorian’s contribution to Exmoor tourism
The heritage team at Lynmouth Pavilion Project have been exploring the ‘History of Tourism’ in their third and final year. Moved by the impact of the Victorians in creating links, opening roads, inventing steam locomotion for easy travel, and ‘taking the waters’ in their bathing machines, Louise and Abbie have come to the conclusion that the Victorians practically invented Exmoor’s tourism.
In recognition of this, and the changes they brought, the team has been planning a Victorian Festival with events taking place from Monday 20th to Friday 24th June across Lynton and Lynmouth, Dunster, Porlock and Allerford.
Abbie Thorne said “we thought we’d take advantage of the Ilfracombe Victorian Festival happening the week before – there’ll be lots of Victorians in the area looking for other entertainments. We’re hoping they’ll stay on for a few more days and see more of Exmoor, in costume!” she added “we’ve tried to arrange a few interesting activities for the Victorians – watch out for them as you’re out and about.”
Louise Reynolds added “it’s a full line-up – heritage walks through Victorian Lynton as well as Porlock, illustrated talks, slideshows, films, special tours of Dunster Castle and more. There are even traditional Victorian craft activities. We’ve invited local businesses to be involved and know that some will be dressing up, like the Coach House in Lynton where traditional Victorian cream teas will be on the menu!”
Abbie explained that “the Festival will move from village to village during the week, starting in Lynton and Lynmouth on the Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will see activities move to Dunster, with Porlock on the Thursday and Allerford on Friday.”
The Victorians were responsible for the steam era and so there will be Victorians at Woody Bay Station as well as a talk from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. The Cliff Railway in Lynton and Lynmouth owes its construction to the Victorians and so the programme involves them too.
During the Festival the Project team will be sharing some Victorian postcards and images, and scanning your old photos too. A member of the project team will be at Dunster National Park Centre on the 22nd June from 2-4pm and at Porlock Visitor Centre on the 23rd from 2:30-4:30pm ready to scan your pictures.
“There is a fairly packed programme” says Abbie “so check the line-up and we hope to see you at some of the events”. The programme is available on the Project Facebook Page and Twitter, or in the National Park Centres.
A letter from the Lynton & Lynmouth Cricket Club – Can you help?
The Lynton & Lynmouth Cricket Club is world famous for its spectacular location in the Valley of Rocks and every year many visitors to Lynton & Lynmouth enjoy a lazy summer afternoon watching a game being played in this beautiful setting. However maintaining the ground to a high standard and complying with the ever increasing health and safety and legal requirements requires substantial funding. As a small club we rely solely on volunteers and fundraising to keep operating.
I’m writing to ask if you might be able to support the Lynton & Lynmouth Cricket Club. All money raised will go towards essential equipment which this year is a replacement roller and safety helmets for the batsmen, wicket keepers and junior club members any additional funds will help cover ground maintenance / insurance costs.
We have various ways for you to support the Club:
By making a small donation – £5.00
Ball sponsorship for a league game – £10.00
Sponsor a team shirt – £15.00
A web entry on the Club’s website – £18.00
Sponsor a cricket helmet – £20.00
A quarter page display advert in the Cricket Club Fixture Card and a web entry, The entry will be displayed on all pages of the Club’s website – £25.00
Match Tea – either supply the tea or sponsor the cost to supply – £50.00
Payments can be made via the web site www.lyntonandlynmouthcricketclub.org.uk or by cheque made payable to L&LCC and sent c/o Lynton Tourist Information Centre Town Hall Lynton EX35 6BT
The club issues the fixture card to all members and supporters and they refer to it regularly throughout the season (April to September) to check on forthcoming games as well as the web site for up to date information about games, results and contact details for the club.
This year’s programme will see more than 20 teams visiting the Valley of Rocks ground for league and friendly fixtures. Supporters of these visiting teams travel to watch the games and often come into Lynton & Lynmouth to have a look around while they are here or stay for the weekend.
I do hope you will consider supporting the club either through advertising your business or by making a personal donation. We are a registered charity focused on our community role and our aim is to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take up the sport.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Susan Bingham
Secretary, L&LCC
Lynton & Lynmouth Cricket Club ● The Valley Of Rocks Ground ● Lynton ● North Devon ● EX35 6JH
Registered Charity No. 1111630
Where to stay in Lynton: The Denes
The Denes Guest House – a charming Edwardian place to stay
Our attractive Edwardian house is situated in Lynton, a mere stone’s throw from the entrance to the Valley of Rocks. We offer immediate access to picturesque walks and cycling routes in Exmoor National Park, as well as a comfortable place of refuge at the end of a full day.
At The Denes, we focus on traditional, locally-sourced, high-quality food and comfort; yet we offer all the essentials of modern living, including en-suite bedrooms, free wi-fi and free parking. We have facilities to store and dry boots and waterproof clothing. You will find a selection of information leaflets about local attractions and Ordnance Survey maps, which may be borrowed. A range of books, DVDs and board games are available for a relaxing evening.
We are open from March until mid November each year. You can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome.
Monday – Thursday 3 night discount available, phone for details.
Today, the natural beauty of the area attracts visitors from all corners of the world and there is much to see and do. Walking along the plentiful footpaths is a great way to explore the dramatic senery, Watersmeet (NT tea room in a beautiful setting), Countisbury, Woody Bay or the Heddon Valley and we can show you the many route options.
What to see and do around Lynton
Cliff Railway, Valley of Rocks, Watersmeet, Arts and Crafts Centre, Lynton Candles, Lynton Cinema. The sky at night; Exmoor was Europes first Dark Sky Reserve.
A bit further away on Exmoor we have:
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, Exmoor Safari, Exmoor Zoo, Experience Exmoor – 4×4, Horse Riding, Bike Hire.
Contact Details:
Tel: 01598 753573
Post: 15 Longmead, Lynton Devon EX25 6DQ
E-mail enquiries@thedenes.com
Web: www.thedenes.com
Twitter: The_Denes
FB: www.facebook.com/thedenesguesthouse
The last light of the sun..
Valley of Rocks near Lynton. Photo by Richard Kift.
Rolling mist at Countisbury Hill
Photo by Caroline Cook
Exmoor 4 all 