A PAIR of towns sitting right next to one another in the UK have been compared to lush Alpine regions abroad due to the picturesque scenery nearby.
The area has been described as a “walker’s paradise” due to its many trails and scenic strolls, however it has much more to offer, with beaches and quaint cobbled streets also on show.
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Located in Devon’s Exmoor National Park, Lynton and Lynmouth have been handed the nickname “Little Switzerland”.
According to Visit Lynton and Lynmouth, this is because of the towns’ “Alpine appearance, stunning scenery, and rich cultural history”.
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Perhaps the segment of scenery that most resembles Switzerland is the Valley of Rocks, which is found sitting atop the highest sea cliffs in England.
It has dramatic rock formations, upon which wild goats can be seen scrambling, giving it a real mountain feel.
However, its views out to sea are also spectacular, making it a very popular place for walkers and cyclists to head for a day out.
Despite its rural appearance, its easily accessed too, with two public car parks on site for the convenience of those visiting the valley, as well as a tea room, a perfect refreshment stop after a day of hiking.
Visit Ilfracombe said of the valley: “For a unique coastal walk, follow the path from Lynton to the iconic Valley of Rocks, which boasts dramatic rocks, stunning scenery and has the highest sea cliffs in England and intrepid goats!”
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Away from the wilderness, the town of Lynton is also well worth a visit, with its quaint narrow streets lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, making it a great base from which to explore the surroundings.
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The Oak Room serves homemade tapas, as well as Spanish wine, beer and spirits, while the Sandrock promises “good food, real ale and a home from home atmosphere”.
The Beggar’s Roost, The Queens and the Spicy Mare are among the many other places to spend an evening in Lynton.
Lower down, at the foot of the cliffs, is the other half of Little Switzerland, Lynmouth.
The two towns are connected by the famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway, which has been open since 1890 and is believed to be the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world.
It offers a special way to take in the surroundings while travelling between the two places.
The Village of Lynmouth follows the River Lyn down to the sea and offers some scenic walks of its own, in particular the riverside walk, which leads to Watersmeet.
There hikers can find the meeting place of the East Lyn river and Hoar Oak, a dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland.
The wildlife hotspot is also home to a tea garden and shop in, all managed by the National Trust.
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- Lucky Bay, Australia
- Source D’Argent, Seychelles
- Hidden, Philippines
- Whitehaven, Australia
- One Foot, Cook Islands
- Trunk, US Virgin Islands
- Honopu, Hawaii
- Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
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- Pipe Creek, Bahamas
- Pink, Indonesia
- Grace, Turks & Caicos
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- Le Morne, Mauritius
- Sancho, Brazil
- Seven Mile, Cayman Islands
- Lanikai, Hawaii
- Maya, Thailand
- Moro, Spain
- Kelingking, Indonesia
- Meads, Anguilla
- Flamenco, Puerto Rico
- Arena, Dominican Republic
- Little Hellfire, Australia
- Lazio, Seychelles
- Vaeroy, Norway
- Horseshoe, Bermuda
- Myrtos, Greece
- Hidden, Mexico
- Grand Anse, Grenada
- Xpu Ha, Mexico
- San Josef, Canada
- Matira, French Polynesia
- Capriccioli, Italy
- Pasjaca, Croatia
- Boulders, South Africa
- Salines, Martinique
- Champagne, Vanuatu
- Marinha, Portugal
- Balos, Greece
- Achmelvich, Scotland
- Kaputas, Turkey
- Radhangar, India
- Varadero, Cuba
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- Pink Sand, Bahamas
There’s also the newly refurbished Lynmouth Pavilion, found at the foot of the funicular that looks out over the sea.
The bay is a shingle beach that sits just below the village and is surrounded by the cliffs, hills and woodland.
It’s a good place to visit for water sports enthusiasts, while wildlife like deer and dolphins are also known to visit, according to The Beach Guide.
They said: “Given the right conditions Lynmouth is known as one of the best surf spots in Devon.
“The beach is also used for fishing, and at low tide there are some good rockpools. Deckchairs can be hired on the beach during the summer season.
“Watch out for deer as well as dolphins breaking the surf.”
A night for two in Lynton can be booked from around £89, while hotels in Lynmouth start from around £81.
It’s not only place in the UK that has been compared to places abroad either, with others even said to resemble some really exotic locations.
Caribbean
The island of Herm has been labelled “a tiny chunk of paradise” with white sand beaches, that is reached via a 15-minute boat ride from Guernsey.
It has sandy shores, including Shell Beach, which looks like it belongs in the Caribbean.
Its exotic white sands are made of millions of tiny shell fragments washed in from the Gulf Stream that give the beach its name.
Greek Islands
Tenby in Pembrokeshire, southeast Wales has three beaches, despite its small size.
In recent years, the Welsh town has been compared to an island in Greece, with some likening it to Symi, a Greek island near Rhodes.
Venice
Tourists to Cambridge have previously compared it to Venice, due to its waterways and with both home to a Bridge of Sighs.
Venice is also known for its gondolas and Cambridge has its very own version.
Punts (small flat-bottomed boats) can be found on the canals and rivers throughout the city.
Meanwhile, this UK seaside town has been tipped to be a big holiday destination.
And this British beach has been compared to the Mediterranean.
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