Orchard House Hotel Lynmouth

We are open from January to the end of November

Resident Proprietors; Gillian and Bryn Howells

In the heart of England’s “Little Switzerland”

Exmoor is a land of dramatic scenery, history, poetry and romance, whose charms combine to create an idyllic centre for relaxing and exploring.

Lynmouth's conservation area is the jewel in Exmoor's crown and Orchard House a perfect setting for your stay. Orchard House is a grade II Listed licensed Hotel, full of warmth and character, some rooms having exposed beams. Your hosts Gillian and Bryn are always on hand to help you have a perfect stay.

You will awake to the sound of the East Lyn River as it tumbles the last few yards to the sea. On its short journey from the heights of Exmoor, finally travelling down the world-famous Watersmeet Valley, its waters have nourished the heather, flowers of the moor and dramatic birds of prey, whilst quenching the thirst of charming Exmoor ponies. The river also provides a haven for salmon, trout and of course, the dipper.

You may gaze across the Bristol Channel to the hills of Wales and watch the morning surf glisten in the sunshine; the Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal range in the world, the record being held by the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia.

After a hearty breakfast, you can explore by foot or by car Exmoor's wilderness and quaint villages. In the season, you can take a boat trip from Lynmouth Harbour along our heritage coast which has the highest, and perhaps the most beautiful cliffs in England. Fishing and guided tours are also available within walking distance. You may take Lynmouth's unique cliff railway which was opened in 1890 and described as the steepest railway in the world, to our twin village Lynton, and the Valley of Rocks.

Further afield you can enjoy horse riding, some of Britain's finest sandy beaches, market towns or the many North Devon and West Somerset attractions.

This land inspired the best of Shelley and Coleridge, and provided the backcloth for Blackmore's Lorna Doone. When Percy Bysshe Shelley took his young wife, Harriet to spend the summer at Lynmouth in 1812, he wrote;

"This place is beautiful… Mountains certainly of not less perpendicular elevation than a thousand feet are broken abruptly into valleys of indescribable fertility and grandeur. The climate is so mild that myrtles of an immense size twine up our cottage, and roses blow in the open air in winter. In addition to these is the sea, which dashes against a rocky and caverned shore, presenting an ever-changing view. All shows of sky and earth, of sea and valley are here."

In the evening you may stroll along our picturesque harbour side, enjoy the local inns, cafes or restaurants - or just relax in our hotel.

Orchard House has a bar, residents lounge, dining room and garden terrace. All our bedrooms have views across the East Lyn River and to the sea, colour television, clock/radio, hair dryers, a decanter of sherry and tea/coffee/hot chocolate beverages. Facilities for ironing, shoe cleaning and clothes drying are available free of charge. In addition we are able to store cycles and surf boards.

Orchard House is situated at the foot of Watersmeet Valley with its wonderful walks, and very close to the Coastal Footpaths, Tarka Trail, Two Moors Way and Harbour.

Public transport is available adjacent to the hotel. We are able to arrange walker's baggage transportation and meet-and-greet at local railway/bus stations

Orchard House is a small family run hotel where we try to offer a standard that we would personally enjoy as guests, together with the relaxed atmosphere that makes for a pleasant stay. We are located on the A39 road on the west side of the 'East Lyn River Bridge', adjacent to the church.