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The weather on Exmoor has a mind of its own. One minute the sun is lighting up Lynmouth Bay; the next, a soft grey drizzle has rolled in off the Bristol Channel and your clifftop walk is looking a little less appealing.
Here’s the good news: a wet day in Lynton & Lynmouth isn’t a wasted day. It’s a chance to slow down, warm up and get to know the twin villages a little better. The rain fills the rivers, quietens the streets and gives you the perfect excuse for a long lunch by the fire.
If you’re staying with us at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, you’re just a short drive from everything below. Here are our five favourite ways to spend a rainy day, chosen by the people who know the area best. Most are dog-friendly too, so nobody gets left behind.
1. Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
A little rain has never stopped this Victorian marvel. The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway has linked the harbour village of Lynmouth with the clifftop town of Lynton since 1890, climbing around 500 feet up the cliff face. It runs entirely on water, and its operators describe it as the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway in the world.
The carriages are covered, so you can watch the mist drift across Lynmouth Bay without getting soaked. At the top, the Cliff Top Café has indoor seating, hot drinks and cakes, with views across the bay on a clearer moment.
Dogs are welcome here. The railway’s own website says soggy dogs and muddy boots are fine, as long as dogs stay on a lead and ride inside the carriage. There’s a small fare for larger dogs, and water bowls on site.
2. Visit the Lynmouth Flood Memorial Hall
To understand Lynmouth, it helps to know its story. In August 1952, after days of torrential rain on Exmoor, the East and West Lyn rivers burst their banks and swept through the village overnight. Thirty-four people lost their lives, and much of Lynmouth had to be rebuilt.
The Flood Memorial Hall sits opposite the harbour, on the site of the old lifeboat station. It opened in 1958 to mark the completion of the rebuilding. Inside, a free exhibition run by local volunteers includes a scale model of the village before the flood, photographs of the aftermath and personal accounts from people who lived through it.
On the ground floor, a separate lifeboat exhibition tells the story of the 1899 overland launch, when the Lynmouth crew hauled their lifeboat across Exmoor to Porlock Weir to reach a ship in trouble.
It’s a moving, thoughtful visit, and a reminder of the strength of this small community. Entry is free, though donations help the volunteers keep it going.
3. Settle into a cosy pub or café
Some days are made for a long lunch, and Lynton & Lynmouth are very good at those. Peel off the waterproofs, find a seat by the window and watch the weather do its thing.
- The Rising Sun, Lynmouth. A thatched harbourside inn with low beams, sloping floors and crooked stairways. Local legend has it that R.D. Blackmore wrote part of Lorna Doone while staying here. CAMRA lists it as both family- and dog-friendly.
- The Ancient Mariner, Lynmouth. Part of the Bath Hotel on the harbour front, with a real log fire, local ales and homemade food. Family- and dog-friendly, and full of maritime curiosities to look at while you wait for your food.
- Lynton’s cafés. Up the hill, Lynton has a lovely spread of independent cafés and tea rooms. Pair a coffee with a ride on the Cliff Railway and you’ve got a very pleasant rainy morning.
4. Catch a film at Lynton Cinema
When the rain settles in for the evening, head to one of the most charming little cinemas in the country. Lynton Cinema sits in a Grade II listed former Methodist chapel on Lee Road and has just 68 velvet seats, rescued from an old picture house.
It opened in 2001, bringing a full-time cinema back to a town that had relied on part-time screenings in the Town Hall for decades. It’s been named in Time Out’s list of the 50 best cinemas in the UK and Ireland, and Lynton is thought to be the smallest town in England with a full-time cinema.
Expect recent releases, family films and the occasional special screening, all with comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. It’s a lovely way to round off a wet day before heading back to the park.
5. Explore the independent shops of Lynton & Lynmouth
A rainy afternoon is the perfect excuse for a slow browse. Nearly every shop in Lynton & Lynmouth is independent, so you’ll find handmade gifts, local art and Exmoor produce rather than the usual high-street names.
Down in Lynmouth, the pedestrianised high street and harbour front are lined with small shops. Look out for Lynmouth Pottery, where Russell Kingston makes traditional slipware, and hand-poured vegan candles at Lightning Tree XOX.
Up the hill in Lynton, you can pick up raku-fired pottery at Eddie Kent Ceramics, homemade treats from A Little Deli and freshly roasted beans at Horizon Coffee Roastery on Queen Street. Lynton Sheepskin Shop is the place for something warm to take home. And if your dog has been patient all day, the Lyn Valley Dog House has its own doggy bakery.
Every pound you spend here helps keep these small businesses going, and the people behind the counter are often the best source of local tips.
Where To Stay…
Rain or shine, tucked within Exmoor National Park, with views out over Lynmouth Bay, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is the perfect base. We’re just a short drive from Lynton and Lynmouth and every one of our stays is dog-friendly, so you bring along the whole family!
Stargazer Geodomes: These were made for Dark Skies season. Our geodome tents let you fall asleep beneath Exmoor’s skies in comfort, with no need to set an alarm to go outside and look up. They’re a lovely choice for couples or a small family adventure.
Safari Tents with Private Hot Tubs: The true glamping experience, with a hot tub to sink into after a long day.
Hot Tub Lodges: Lodges like Blackmoor Lodge offer extra space and comfort, ideal for families or anyone who likes their adventures with a proper roof and a warm bed.
Glamping Pods: These are cosy and heated, and a snug option for two (plus the dog).
Touring & Motorhome Pitches: These are for those who like to bring their own home comforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there much to do in Lynton & Lynmouth when it rains?
Yes. The Cliff Railway, Flood Memorial Hall, Exmoor National Park Centre and Lynton Cinema are all under cover, and the villages have plenty of cosy pubs and cafés. Some venues are seasonal, so check opening times before you go.
Does the Cliff Railway run in the rain?
The railway runs in wet weather, and its carriages are covered. It is seasonal and closes over winter for maintenance, so check the official website for current dates and times.
Are rainy day activities in Lynmouth Dog Friendly?
Many are. Dogs on leads can ride the Cliff Railway, the Exmoor National Park Centre welcomes dogs, and several local pubs are listed as dog-friendly. Policies can vary, so it’s always worth asking on arrival.
What can families do in Lynton & Lynmouth on a rainy day?
Children tend to love the Cliff Railway, the interactive displays and microscopes at the National Park Centre, and a family film at Lynton Cinema.
How far is Lynton & Lynmouth from Lynmouth Holiday Retreat?
It is just a short 5 minute drive into Lynmouth from the site.
Is all accommodation at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat dog-friendly?
Yes. Every stay at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is dog-friendly, from our glamping pods and Stargazer Geodomes to our hot tub lodges and touring pitches. We were proud runners-up at the Dog Friendly Awards 2025, and four-legged guests are always welcome.
View Accommodations at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat...
Foxglove Safari Tent
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Pet Friendly
Hot Tub
Views
Sleeps 5
Kestrel Safari Tent is pet friendly and sleeps up to 5 guests and 2 dogs, featuring a master double bedroom…
Sea View Glamping Pods
Lynmouth Retreat
Sleeps 2
Coastal Views
Pet friendly
Our Glamping Pods are a great option if you are looking for cosy accommodation for two.
Kemacott Stargazer Geodome
Lynmouth Retreat
Kemacott is our Stargazer Geodome with sea views.
Valley View Glamping Pod
Lynmouth Retreat
Pet friendly
Views
Sleeps 2
Our Pet Friendly Glamping Pods are a great option if you are looking for cosy accommodation for two.
Lyn Bay Lodge
Lynmouth Retreat
Coastal Views
Decking
Hot Tub
New in 2024! Lyn Bay Lodge sleeps up to 4 guests, featuring a master double bedroom and a twin room.
The View – Hardstanding Super Serviced Touring & Motorhomes Under 6.5 Metres
Lynmouth Retreat
Views
Pet friendly
Electric hook up
6.5M Pitch
These pitches are hardstanding and super serviced with Electric, water and grey waste. The pitch size is approximately 5M (width)…
Rabbit Field – Hardstanding, Electric Campervans, Touring & Motorhomes
Lynmouth Retreat
Electric Hook Up
Views
Pets allowed
6.5M Pitch
Rabbit field hardstanding pitches offer stunning valley views and includes electric hook-up. Pitch hardstanding pitch size is approximately 7M (width)…
Coombe Stargazer Geodome
Lynmouth Retreat
New
Pet friendly
Views
Coombe is our pet friendly Stargazer Geodome and comprises a double bed and room for up to 2 pets!
Bay View – Grass, Electric Camping & Campervans
Lynmouth Retreat
Views
Electric Hook Up
Pets allowed
8M Pitch
These pitches offer breathtaking views across Lyn Bay and include electric hook-up. Each pitch measures approximately 10m x 10m, made…
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