Cottage & lighthouse
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Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse

4.8
·60 reviews·, United Kingdom

A remote lighthouse on the dramatic North Devon coast, offering breathtaking views and abundant wildlife along a scenic coastal path.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Cottage & lighthouse

Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remote lighthouse on the dramatic North Devon coast, offering breathtaking views and abundant wildlife along a scenic coastal path.

4.8
(60 reviews)

"The journey to the lighthouse is the best part, offering stunning views and a magical feel."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk to the lighthouse is scenic but can be steep in places. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The coastal scenery is spectacular, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Coastal Path Walk

The Coastal Path Walk

South West Coast Path

A scenic 1.5-mile trek with stunning sea vistas and abundant wildlife sightings.

Reddit
Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages

Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages

Adjacent to the lighthouse

Charming historic cottages offering unique short-break rentals with incredible views.

TikTokInstagram
Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Surrounding Exmoor National Park

Spot Exmoor ponies, deer, and birds of prey in their natural habitat.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Lighthouse

While the lighthouse itself is a private rental, the journey to it offers stunning coastal views. Park near the Blue Ball pub and prepare for a scenic, albeit sometimes steep, 1.5-mile walk along the South West Coast Path. Reddit

Best Views & Wildlife

The real magic is in the surrounding landscape. Expect breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife including Exmoor ponies and deer, and a truly remote, magical atmosphere. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

just me adding new spots to my bucketlist 🙂 this is Cabrillo Lighthouse and the little cottages are the historic lighthouse keepers houses 🥹🥹🥹
@michel.c.janse
9.8K likes • 143.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk to the lighthouse is scenic but can be steep in places. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The coastal scenery is spectacular, especially during golden hour. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse sits on the most northerly part of Devon. It was built by Trinity House in 1900 as a further aid to navigation in the Bristol Channel, 20 miles east of Bull Point. The light was automated in 1994. Without the need for a lighthouse keeper, the cottage has since been converted and can now be rented for short breaks from the National Trust. The journey down is steep and ...
lighthouseproject.uk
230 likes • 3.6K views
A quick tour of Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse following its recent upgrade! #lynmouth #exmoor #devon #lighthouse #projectengineer #lighthousetour #upgradeproject #hiddenplaces #notyouraveragejob
phil_the_engineer
73 likes • 2.2K views

🛏️ Book Cottage Stays

Experience the magic up close by renting one of the historic keeper's cottages. Reddit :house:

🦬 Look for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for Exmoor ponies and other local fauna along the path. Reddit :deer:

Our Top 10 places to visit in Exmoor National Park ⬇️ 1. Dunkery Beacon 2. Countisbury Hill and Foreland Lighthouse Keepers Cottage 3. Porlock Village, Porlock Marsh and Porlock Weir 4. Lynmouth and Watersmeeth trial 5. Bossington Hill and Bossington Beach 6. Lynton and Valley of the Rocks 7. Heddon Valley and Woody Bay 8. Lorna Doon Valley 9. Come Martin - Great and Little Hangman ...
marlena_c
705 likes • 17.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk to the lighthouse is scenic but can be steep in places. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The coastal scenery is spectacular, especially during golden hour. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🛏️ Book Cottage Stays

Experience the magic up close by renting one of the historic keeper's cottages. Reddit :house:

🦬 Look for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for Exmoor ponies and other local fauna along the path. Reddit :deer:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(60 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking coastal scenery and the magical atmosphere surrounding Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse. The walk along the South West Coast Path is a major highlight, offering abundant wildlife sightings and stunning views. While the lighthouse interior is private, the journey and the natural beauty are considered well worth the visit. Reddit+1

"One of a few great little walks on the South West Coast path. There’s a car park a short way up the road from the Blue Ball pub, which gives you a good starting point. There some really beautiful scenery along the way and lots of wildlife too, as well as Exmoor ponies, we spotted quite a few deer, several birds of prey too. The walk isn’t that long, but is a little steep in places although easily overcome if you take it easy. Highly recommend a visit, particularly on a day like the one we went on - see photos."

DR77

"Warning...if you have not booked to stay at the lighthouse as a guest, the walk from the rudimentary visitor's carpark is at least 1.5 miles and in NOT for the faint of heart. One cannot see the inside unless you are staying at the property. Otherwise, this is an absolutely gorgeous location! A herd of ponies was in the area on my visit, as well as lots of other wildlife. Beautiful views as this property is on the SW Coastal Trail."

Happy Girl

"One of the most beautiful places where I was living. Few days with family in that cosy lighthouse with amazing nature around. Living there, walking on cliffs, watching sunset was really big experience."

Katarzyna Zięba

What People Like

Stunning coastal views
Abundant wildlife
Magical atmosphere

What People Dislike

Private lighthouse interior
Steep sections on walk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common approach is to park near the Blue Ball pub and walk approximately 1.5 miles along the South West Coast Path. This walk offers beautiful scenery but can be steep in parts. Reddit+1

There is a rudimentary visitor's car park mentioned, but it's recommended to park near the Blue Ball pub for a good starting point for the walk. Reddit

The lighthouse is on a narrow road and is primarily accessed by foot. Driving directly to it is not typically an option for visitors unless staying in the cottages. Reddit

The path offers stunning coastal views and is a popular walking route. Be prepared for varied terrain, including some steep sections. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to the Blue Ball pub area is limited, so driving or arranging a taxi might be necessary. Research local bus routes in the Exmoor area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The lighthouse itself is a private rental property. You can only access the interior if you are staying in the lighthouse keeper's cottages. Reddit+1

There is no specific entrance fee to walk to the lighthouse. The cost is associated with parking and the walk itself. Reddit

As it's a private residence, there are no public opening hours. The surrounding coastal path is accessible at all times. Reddit

The cottages are available for short breaks and can be booked through specific holiday rental platforms. Search for 'Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse cottages' for booking information. InstagramReddit

While there isn't a dedicated visitor center at the lighthouse, the nearby villages of Lynmouth and Lynton offer amenities and information about the Exmoor National Park. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing a magical glow. Reddit

Focus on the dramatic coastal landscapes, the lighthouse structure itself, and the surrounding wildlife. The walk provides many vantage points. Reddit+1

Drone usage regulations can vary, especially within national parks. It's advisable to check Exmoor National Park guidelines and local bylaws before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. TikTok

Only if you are a guest staying in the keeper's cottages. Otherwise, photography is limited to the exterior and surrounding landscape. Reddit

🎫 🦙 Wildlife & Nature

You're likely to encounter Exmoor ponies, deer, and various birds of prey. The coastal environment supports a rich array of fauna. Reddit+1

Yes, the coastal cliffs and surrounding areas are excellent for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot seabirds and birds of prey. Reddit

The South West Coast Path itself is the primary trail, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along its entire length. Reddit

Spring and summer are generally good seasons for wildlife viewing, with more active animals and birds. Reddit

Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, especially the ponies, and never feed them. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The walk to Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse can be an adventure for families, provided children are comfortable with a 1.5-mile walk that includes some steep sections. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make the journey part of the fun by pointing out wildlife like Exmoor ponies and birds. Reddit+1 The open spaces and stunning views offer a great opportunity for kids to burn off energy and connect with nature. Consider it a rewarding hike with a beautiful destination, even if you can't go inside the lighthouse itself. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Walkers

This location is a gem for walkers, situated directly on the South West Coast Path. The 1.5-mile walk from the Blue Ball pub area is a manageable yet rewarding segment, offering classic coastal scenery. Reddit Be prepared for some inclines, which add to the challenge and the spectacular viewpoints. The path is well-trodden but retains a wild, natural feel. Reddit For those seeking a longer trek, this can be incorporated into a larger section of the coast path, with Lynmouth and Lynton offering amenities and further exploration opportunities. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse is a dream for photographers. The dramatic coastal setting, the iconic lighthouse, and the chance to capture wildlife like Exmoor ponies make it a prime location. Reddit+1 Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic light. Reddit The keeper's cottages also add a charming element to compositions. Instagram Remember to bring a range of lenses, from wide-angle for landscapes to telephoto for wildlife. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey: More Than Just a Lighthouse

The walk to Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse is often described as the highlight, even for those not staying at the property. This 1.5-mile trek from the vicinity of the Blue Ball pub is part of the renowned South West Coast Path. Prepare for invigorating coastal air and ever-changing sea views. While not overly strenuous for most, some sections are noted as being a little steep, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit The path winds through dramatic landscapes, offering a true sense of escape and immersion in nature. Reddit

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Exmoor ponies are a common and delightful sight, often grazing peacefully near the path. You might also spot deer and various birds of prey soaring overhead. Reddit+1 The experience is amplified by the feeling of remoteness, making the lighthouse appear as a beacon in a wild, untamed landscape. Reddit

For those lucky enough to book a stay, the lighthouse keeper's cottages offer a unique opportunity to experience this special location up close. TikTokInstagram These historic dwellings have been converted into charming holiday rentals, providing an unforgettable base for exploring the coast and enjoying the tranquility. Reddit

Photography at Lynmouth Foreland

Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse presents a photographer's dream, particularly for landscape and nature enthusiasts. The dramatic cliffs, the iconic lighthouse structure, and the vast expanse of the Bristol Channel provide a stunning backdrop. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, is particularly magical, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the scene and enhancing the textures of the landscape. Reddit

When planning your shots, consider incorporating the South West Coast Path into your compositions to give a sense of scale and journey. The winding path leading towards the lighthouse can create compelling leading lines. Don't forget to look for wildlife; capturing a shot of an Exmoor pony against the lighthouse or sea can be incredibly rewarding. Reddit+1 The keeper's cottages also offer picturesque elements, especially when framed by the coastal scenery. Instagram

For capturing the sweeping vistas, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended. If you're hoping to photograph wildlife, a telephoto lens will be invaluable. Remember that weather can change rapidly on the coast, so be prepared for dramatic skies and potentially challenging light conditions. TikTok The remote location means fewer light pollutants, making it a decent spot for astrophotography on clear nights, though this is less commonly highlighted. Reddit

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