UK’s only water-powered funicular is in Devon (and well worth a visit)

On the edge of the North Devon coast, you’ll find the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.

While these villages have always been connected by road, the opening of a cliff railway in the 19th century united them further.

Today, it’s one of the most beautiful journeys anywhere in the country!

Here’s all you need to know about visiting.

History of the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway was conceived in the late 19th century to connect the two villages, which was proving increasingly important. 

Lynmouth, which is located at sea level, and Lynton, 500 feet above, were linked only by a steep, winding path. 

Before the railway, transporting goods and passengers between the two towns was slow and physically demanding – particularly for packhorses and carts struggling with the gradient. 

By the 1880s, with tourism growing in North Devon, a more efficient connection became essential.

See more beautiful places in North Devon here.

The opening of the railway

The railway was designed by George Croydon Marks and funded by local publisher Sir George Newnes. 

Its engineering was groundbreaking for its time, operating entirely on a water-balanced system that required no electricity, engines or external power sources. 

The railway’s design features two counterbalanced carriages, each equipped with a water tank. Water is drawn from the nearby West Lyn River into the upper carriage’s tank, increasing its weight. 

This causes it to descend, pulling the lighter lower carriage upwards via a steel cable. Once at the bottom, the water is released and the process repeats. 

The simplicity of this system means the railway has operated continuously for over 130 years with minimal mechanical alterations.

The track runs at a gradient of almost 58%, making it one of the steepest water-powered funicular railways in the world. 

The journey

Stepping onto the railway platform in either Lynton or Lynmouth, passengers board an open-sided carriage with uninterrupted views of the coastline. 

The journey, though short – it lasts just a few minutes – transforms the experience of travelling between the two towns. 

Instead of tackling the steep, zigzagging paths by foot, passengers glide smoothly up or down the near-vertical incline – all without the sound of an engine.

As the carriage ascends, views of Lynmouth and its small harbour expand beneath, with the Bristol Channel stretching to the horizon. 

The town’s pastel-coloured buildings contrast with the rugged cliffs that frame the coastline. 

On a clear day, the Welsh coast is visible in the distance. 

If you’re travelling down, the ride starts with a sweeping view of the Exmoor landscape before plunging towards the sea, where Lynmouth’s Rhenish Tower and waterfront come into sight.

Thanks to the railway’s design, it’s a gentle ride despite the steep gradient. 

The process is entirely controlled by gravity and water, giving it an almost silent motion apart from the occasional rush of water being released. 

Arriving at either station, passengers step off directly into the heart of the town – it’s an attraction and transport in one!

Practical information

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway operates seasonally – typically running from mid-February to early November. 

Opening hours vary, but in peak summer it usually runs from morning until late afternoon. 

Tickets can be purchased at the station, with return and one-way options available.

One of the railway’s key appeals is its sustainability. 

Unlike most funiculars – which rely on electricity or diesel-powered systems – this railway has remained entirely water-powered since 1888. It functions without the need for fossil fuels, making it one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly modes of public transport!

(The water used for operation is sourced from the West Lyn River and naturally replenished by Exmoor’s high rainfall). 

The stations have steps, and the carriages require passengers to step inside – so it may not be suitable if anyone in your party has any mobility difficulties. 

If you’re unable to use the railway, a road route connects Lynton and Lynmouth, so you can access it by car, taxi or bus.

See the best 40 places to visit in Devon here.

Other things to do in Lynton and Lynmouth

• Explore the Valley of Rocks – A dramatic coastal valley with unique rock formations and roaming feral goats.
• Walk the Watersmeet Trail – A picturesque riverside walk leading to a National Trust tea room at Watersmeet House.
• Visit Lynmouth Harbour – A historic working harbour with a pebble beach and views along the rugged coastline.
• Discover the Lynton Toy Museum – A small but fascinating collection of vintage toys, games, and memorabilia.
• Hike the South West Coast Path – Enjoy coastal walks with dramatic cliffs and sea views.
• Explore Exmoor National Park – Access to scenic moorland, deep valleys, and an abundance of wildlife.

Click here for more fun things to do in Lynton and Lynmouth.