Where to Shop in Lynton & Lynmouth
Curious Shops, Coastal Characters & Proper Old-School Browsing
Lynton and Lynmouth were never built for chain stores or polished shopping centres.
These are Victorian towns clinging dramatically to the edge of Exmoor, connected by the world-famous water-powered Cliff Railway and filled with independent shops, creative people, local characters and the sort of browsing that feels increasingly rare nowadays.
One minute you are buying handmade soap. The next you are discussing sea mist over Countisbury Hill with a local artist while somebody in full steampunk attire strolls past carrying fudge and a top hat.
That is fairly normal here.
And honestly? We rather love that.
One of the joys of staying at Highcliffe House is that you can simply leave the car parked, wander into town, and enjoy the slower rhythm of independent coastal shopping – from artisan makers and galleries to old-fashioned sweet shops, local bookshops and cosy little finds you were absolutely not planning to buy.
A Town With Personality
Part of the charm of Lynton and Lynmouth is that there is nearly always something happening.
Throughout the season, the towns come alive with events including:
the wonderfully eccentric Steampunk Festival
autumn pumpkin trails and seasonal displays
local food and craft markets
art exhibitions and music weekends
classic car gatherings
monthly markets at the Town Hall
and the much-loved Community Bookshop, run almost entirely by volunteers and powered largely by tea, conversation and goodwill
These are not polished “tourist experiences.”
They are real community events full of warmth, personality and spirit — and guests often stumble across them completely by accident while exploring.
Our Favourite Local Finds
Lyn Candles
A Highcliffe Favourite
The signature scents used at Highcliffe House come from here.
Guests regularly wander in “just for a quick look” and emerge twenty minutes later carrying candles, diffusers and suddenly having very strong opinions about fragrance notes.
Beautifully handmade and very much part of modern Lynton’s creative spirit.
The Community Bookshop
One of Lynton’s Loveliest Corners
Run largely by volunteers, this charming independent bookshop perfectly captures the town’s warm community feel.
You will find second-hand books, local interest titles, unexpected treasures and usually somebody happy to chat.
The sort of place disappearing elsewhere – but still thriving here.
Lizzie Bizzie The Seaglassist
Queen Street, Lynton
Beautiful handmade artwork created using seaglass and driftwood gathered along the North Devon coastline.
Elegant, local and genuinely unique – the sort of thing that feels far more meaningful than a souvenir keyring.
The Studio Lynton
Part artisan gift shop, part temptation.
Local crafts, quirky finds, cards, homeware and the award-winning Devon fudge many guests recognise from their Highcliffe welcome tray.
Resistance is usually futile.
Polly Skye Art Gallery
A Highcliffe Favourite
Anyone who stays at Highcliffe House quickly discovers how much we love art – and Polly Skye’s gallery is one of our favourite creative spaces in the area.
Filled with expressive coastal artwork inspired by North Devon, Exmoor and the changing moods of the sea and sky, her pieces perfectly capture the atmosphere of this coastline.
The gallery feels personal, thoughtful and unmistakably local – the sort of place where you can happily lose half an hour simply looking around.
Even guests who arrive saying “we’ve no wall space left at home” occasionally leave quietly reconsidering that position.
Gallery 500
A contemporary gallery filled with paintings, sculpture and artistic pieces inspired by the surrounding coast, sea and moorland.
Even guests who “don’t normally do galleries” tend to linger here.
Lynton Arts & Crafts Centre
Set within a restored chapel, this long-established creative space showcases handmade jewellery, paintings, leatherwork and locally crafted pieces.
Exactly the sort of independent place that gives Lynton its personality.
Treasures of Exmoor
Handmade jewellery inspired by Exmoor’s dramatic landscapes and coastline.
Small, personal and impossible to mass produce — rather like the town itself.
Lynmouth Pottery
Traditional pottery and ceramics with genuine local roots.
One of those shops where you pick something up “just to look at it” and immediately begin mentally rearranging shelves at home.
Caravel Lynmouth
Traditional sweets, nostalgic gifts and proper old-fashioned seaside charm.
Feels wonderfully out of step with modern life – in the best possible way.
Outdoor Shops & Exmoor Practicalities
Churchill House Lynton
Useful for walking gear, coats and practical layers before heading onto Exmoor or the South West Coast Path.
Because Exmoor weather occasionally experiences all four seasons before lunch.
The Sheepskin Shop
Luxury slippers, coats and wonderfully cosy sheepskin comfort.
Particularly persuasive after a breezy coastal walk and a local Devon gin.
Lynmouth Finds
Lynmouth Pottery
Traditional pottery and ceramics with genuine local roots.
One of those shops where you pick something up “just to look at it” and immediately begin mentally rearranging shelves at home.
Lynmouth Soapery
Handmade natural soaps and skincare created in the heart of Lynmouth.
Guests often leave smelling significantly more expensive than when they arrived.
Florist – Flowers For Every Occasion
North Devon Hospice Shop Lynton – Vintage Finds for a Good Cause
Preloved gems waiting for a new home—because shopping feels even better when it’s for charity. Located in Queen Street, Old Town.
Everyday Essentials
Londis & Costcutter – Lee Road, Lynton
Perfect for snacks, drinks, newspapers, toiletries and all those things people swear they packed.
Useful, central and surprisingly dangerous if you walk in “just for water.”
Lynton Pharmacy
Ideal for prescriptions, sunscreen, walking plasters and forgotten essentials.
Hopefully unnecessary. Comforting nonetheless.
Cash & ATMs
Most businesses now take cards and Apple Pay, but a little cash still comes in handy for markets, charity shops and smaller purchases.
You’ll find ATMs at:
Londis
Costcutter
Lyn Financial Services
Though in peak summer, machines occasionally run low — which somehow feels very Lynton.
The Perfect Lynton & Lynmouth Afternoon
Coffee in a local café
Browse the independent shops along Lee Road and Queen Street
Drift through galleries, candles and artisan stores
Take the world-famous Cliff Railway down into Lynmouth
Wander the harbour and riverside shops
Stop for cream tea, local beer or Devon gin
Return uphill to Highcliffe House for sea views, award-winning breakfasts, free parking and a peaceful adults-only stay overlooking the coast
No rush.
No chains.
No retail park energy.
Just character, charm and a slightly eccentric Victorian coastal town doing its own thing beautifully.
Book Direct. Best Rates Always.
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