A Home Shaped by Journeys

Robert and Richard’s travels have carried them across every continent, and every corner of the house reflects it. From cut glass collected in Eastern Europe to the intricate carvings of Penang, the collection brings a global narrative into this Victorian home. You’ll find Buddhas from Burma, Moai figures from Easter Island, and even a terracotta warrior from Xi’an. But these are just highlights in a far broader sweep – from Bhutan to Nepal, and from Russia to Senegal, every object is a reminder of a world explored with curiosity and care.

Icons of the World

The collection holds some striking highlights:

• Buddhas from Burma radiating calm and stillness.
• Moai figures from Easter Island, their silent profiles evoking mystery.
• A terracotta warrior from Xi’an, a fragment of China’s ancient armies.
• Abstract canvases in vivid colour, filling the rooms with energy and surprise.

What makes it special is not just the breadth, but the way it’s been curated. This is a stylish, thoughtful collection – eclectic yet harmonious. Every object is chosen with an eye for beauty and balance. It’s a far cry from the cluttered or kitsch, instead offering an atmosphere of sophistication that feels both worldly and welcoming.

Colour Meets Landscape

There’s a rhythm to the collection: the bold lines and vivid tones of abstract works inside, set against the shifting natural palette outside. Look out of the front windows and Exmoor itself becomes the backdrop – a living canvas of moorland, cliffs, and sky. The juxtaposition is striking: international treasures indoors, the landscapes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beyond. Together, they frame the guest experience at Highcliffe as both worldly and rooted.

A Global Journey, From the Comfort of Exmoor

Guests often say that a stay here feels like travelling without leaving the room. You might sip a Devon gin and tonic, or your favourite evening tipple, while a Burmese Buddha watches serenely nearby and, just beyond the glass, the Bristol Channel glints under the fading light. Highcliffe becomes both a sanctuary and a springboard – one moment you’re transported across continents, the next you’re anchored in the wild beauty of Exmoor.

A Tapestry of Life

The art at Highcliffe isn’t a theme or a gimmick. It’s life, lived in colour and collected with care. It speaks of curiosity, of journeys taken and still to come. And it sits quietly alongside the Victorian bones of the house and the timeless views of Exmoor, a reminder that beauty takes many forms – in a carved figure, in a painted canvas, in the sweep of a cliff and sea.

Highcliffe is, at heart, a home. But it’s also a gallery of a life richly travelled – where every object tells a story, and every window opens onto another one.

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At dawn, the sun rises over Countisbury Hill, bathing the moor in golden light. By afternoon, crowns of weather gather and roll across from Wales, sweeping over the sea and into Lynton’s cliffs. As evening falls, the full moon often climbs over the Channel, its reflection shimmering on the water. And then, in the quick turn of a passing shower, the grand finale: a rainbow stretching across the sky, sometimes bold, sometimes fleeting, but always magical.

Rainbows in Exmoor’s Skies

Exmoor’s position on the Atlantic coast means the weather is a constant dance between sunshine and showers. That mix is the perfect recipe for rainbows. Guests often see them appear suddenly, sweeping over the Valley of Rocks or arcing out to sea, bright against the dark drama of a passing storm. It’s one of the few places where you can enjoy the full spectacle from the comfort of a drawing room chair.

A Symbol in Folklore

Rainbows have long carried meaning beyond the weather. Across cultures they’ve symbolised hope, luck, and promise. In Celtic tradition, often tied to these lands, the rainbow was seen as a bridge between worlds – the earthly and the divine. Today we still carry echoes of that belief: spotting a rainbow feels like a gift, even if you’re not searching for pots of gold.

Customs and Significance

• Maritime Lore: Sailors on the Bristol Channel once took rainbows as signs of changing winds or the clearing of storms.
• Farming Wisdom: For farmers, a rainbow to the west often meant unsettled weather ahead, while one to the east promised clearer skies.
• Modern Rituals: Guests at Highcliffe have their own custom – pausing, drink in hand, to watch the colours fade. Many say a rainbow here feels like it belongs to them alone.

The Best Seat for the Show

From the grand bay windows at Highcliffe, or while standing on the terrace, you see rainbows as part of a vast stage: sea below, moorland rising behind, and skies shifting minute by minute. Sometimes double arcs blaze across the Channel. Other times, a delicate brush of colour drifts through mist. Add in the drama of sunrise, the quiet majesty of moonrise, and the theatre of Atlantic weather rolling in – and you begin to understand why guests say Highcliffe offers a natural performance no photograph can quite capture.

A Natural Reminder

Rainbows at Highcliffe aren’t scheduled; they’re serendipitous. They remind you that beauty often arrives unplanned, that a grey afternoon can suddenly turn spectacular. Here, it’s all part of the magic – light, sea, sky, and colour converging outside your window.

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Why Exmoor’s Skies Are So Special

Exmoor’s rugged landscape is dotted with small villages and open moorland, but little light pollution. That’s why the night sky here is so astonishing. The Milky Way is often visible as a glowing river overhead, while planets, constellations, and even meteor showers paint the darkness with quiet drama.

At Highcliffe, the night sky is as much a part of the experience as the sea views. Guests often saunter back from one of the excellent restaurants on our doorstep and pause outside the house, the floodlit façade behind them and the stars opening out ahead. With a Devon gin and tonic in hand, they linger on the terrace or garden, marvelling at how clear and endless the sky feels here – a private theatre of constellations stretching over the Channel.

The Dark Skies Festival

Every October, Exmoor hosts its Dark Skies Festival – two weeks of talks, night walks, stargazing safaris, and astronomy workshops. It’s a celebration that draws experts and enthusiasts alike, but you don’t need to know your Orion from your Andromeda to enjoy it. From Highcliffe, it’s easy to dip into festival events during the day and return in the evening for your own private stargazing.

Imagine finishing breakfast in our orangery, then heading to a photography workshop on how to capture the night sky. Or walking in the Valley of Rocks at dusk before returning to the glow of Highcliffe’s solar lighting, a glass of wine in hand, as the stars rise into view.

A Seasonal Journey in the Stars

• Spring (April-May): Crisp skies, often perfect for spotting Venus, Jupiter, and the waxing crescent moon.
• Summer (June-July): Long evenings give way to clear views of the Milky Way stretching over the Channel.
• Autumn (September-October): Meteor showers light up the sky, peaking just as the Dark Skies Festival unfolds.

Each season brings its own theatre, and every one of them is visible from Highcliffe’s terrace or windows – no telescope required, just a little patience and wonder.

Where Comfort Meets Cosmos

At Highcliffe, the night sky is part of the stay. Ambient solar lights guide you around the gardens, while the property itself is floodlit, its silhouette holding steady against the stars. Guests often tell us they linger outside longer than they planned, wrapped in blankets, listening to the quiet and watching the constellations unfold.

Bob Jones, who built Highcliffe in the 1880s, might never have imagined his house being linked to a Dark Sky Reserve. Yet somehow it suits him. His engineering brilliance grounded itself in nature, and so does the beauty of the skies above Exmoor – timeless, precise, and quietly astonishing.

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A Victorian Passion for Plants

When Bob Jones built Exmoor Cliff Retreat in the late 19th century, Britain was swept up in a craze for plants. Collectors filled their greenhouses with ferns, palms, and exotic species, while closer to home the milder climate of the North Devon coast encouraged experimentation with tender plants. Highcliffe’s cliff-top position offered both exposure and shelter, creating a natural microclimate that still nurtures a surprising mix of coastal wildflowers and ornamental blooms.

April & May: Fresh Starts

Spring wakes slowly on Exmoor. From April, banks of bluebells appear in the woodlands around Watersmeet, while wild primroses and violets brighten hedgerows near the coast. In gardens, camellias and magnolias open in bold, early bursts of colour, joined by tulips and late daffodils. At Highcliffe, the terraces and gardens stir into life, a hint of summer ahead.

June & July: Abundance Arrives

By June, Exmoor turns lush. The moorland gorse still flashes yellow, while foxgloves stand tall in the hedgerows. Rhododendrons, once a Victorian favourite, put on spectacular displays in the valleys. Along the cliffs, thrift and campion line the paths in shades of pink and white. In Highcliffe’s garden, roses open through June and July, their fragrance drifting into the orangery on warm mornings.

August: Purple Horizons

Late summer belongs to heather. From Valley of Rocks to Countisbury, the hillsides flush purple and pink, set against the gold of late gorse and the deep green of bracken. It’s the landscape at its most dramatic – a painter’s palette under Exmoor’s wide skies. Sunflowers, hydrangeas, and dahlias take over in cultivated gardens, while the house terrace offers long evenings scented with lavender.

September & October: A Gentle Fade

As autumn settles, the wildflowers retreat but colour lingers. Fuchsias thrive well into September, while roses give a last flourish before the first frosts. On the moors, bracken bronzes and the heather deepens, while berries – rowan, hawthorn, and blackberry – feed the birds and mark the turn of the season. Highcliffe’s setting means you can watch autumn’s shift unfold in real time: the softer light on the water, the gardens preparing for rest.

The Magic of Evening Light

When the sun dips, Highcliffe doesn’t disappear into shadow – it glows. Ambient solar lighting winds across the terrace and through the garden, creating a soft atmosphere for guests who linger outside with a glass in hand. The property itself is floodlit, its façade illuminated against the night sky, a beacon above the Bristol Channel. The effect is both elegant and commanding, a reminder of Highcliffe’s iconic presence on the cliff – dominant by day, unforgettable by night.

A Living Invitation

From the first primrose to the last rose, April to October is a long unfolding of colour around Exmoor Cliff Retreat. Each season has its own signature: the tenderness of spring, the fullness of summer, the warmth of autumn light. Guests often say it’s the scent that strikes them first – sea salt mixed with garden sweetness – even before the views.

Highcliffe was built as an escape, and nature has always been its truest companion. The flowers, plants, and evening glow that frame your stay here are not just decoration. They’re the living rhythm – and lasting memory – of Exmoor itself.

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So who is the man behind the scenes (and sometimes serving a G&T in the drawing room)? Here’s your chance to get to know Richard, co-owner of Exmoor Cliff Retreat, long-time hotelier, world traveller, accomplished breakfast chef, and former Belfast cathedral chorister. Yes, really.

From Templepatrick to Tower Bridge

Originally from Templepatrick, just outside Belfast, Richard’s love of hospitality started early. After earning a degree in Business and Hospitality Management, he headed off to London, where he trained at the iconic Tower Thistle at London Bridge-learning the ropes in one of the UK’s most dynamic hotel environments.

His first management post brought him back to Northern Ireland, working with a group of hotels then owned by Guinness. But the real magic happened when Richard joined the prestigious Hastings Hotels group, eventually becoming General Manager at not one, but two of their crown jewels:

• The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, with its dramatic views over Newcastle Bay, and

• The five-star Culloden Estate & Spa in Holywood, County Down-a place where presidents, prime ministers, and pop stars have all stayed.

Big Roles. Bigger Vision.

After years in hotel management, Richard moved into the public sector, taking on senior roles at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Invest Northern Ireland-where he helped shape how the region promoted itself to the world.

From there, he brought his expertise to Queen’s University Belfast, where he became Head of Accommodation across the entire university campus, overseeing thousands of rooms and leading a major redevelopment of student living and hospitality services.

But, despite the suits and spreadsheets, Richard always kept his eye on a long-held dream: to one day run a guest house of his own, somewhere beautiful, calm, and character-filled.

A Leap of Faith… and a House on the Hill

Fast forward to 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic. While the world paused, Richard and his partner Robert (yes, thatRobert) made a bold decision. They packed up their lives in Belfast and relocated to the stunning coastal town of Lynton, North Devon.

There, they found Exmoor Cliff Retreat, a spectacular Victorian home with sea views, serious history, and bags of potential. It was love at first sight-and a project they could bring to life together.

Since reopening in 2021, the transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Exmoor Cliff Retreat has scooped up major awards, including:

• AA Guest Accommodation of the Year 2022 for England

• Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best – Top 1% of Hotels Worldwide (every year since opening)

Not bad for a pandemic project.

Breakfast, Beauty & a Bit of Musical Magic

Richard’s entire professional life has revolved around hotels, hospitality, and helping people feel at home. Exmoor Cliff Retreat is a perfect reflection of that-elegant, warm, thoughtfully curated, and run with genuine care.

But there’s more to Richard than luxury linens and first-class service…

He comes from a family of superb cooks, and it shows. Cooking is his passion-and breakfast at Highcliffe is where he really shines. Every morning, guests are treated to a menu of perfectly cooked classics, artfully presented on hand-picked crockery from Richard’s ever-growing collection. His poached eggs are the stuff of legend, and the breakfast table is a daily celebration of detail, quality, and good taste.

Did you know he was also a chorister at Belfast Cathedral as a child? His lifelong love of choral music, period ecclesiastical architecture, and National Trust properties continues to shape the way he sees the world-and the way Highcliffe feels.

Passion. Precision. Presence.

In short? Richard is the calm to the storm, the host with the plan, and the guy who makes running a luxury guest house look effortless—even though we all know it’s anything but. With his hospitality credentials, natural elegance, and that beautifully honed breakfast menu, it’s no wonder guests return again and again to experience the magic of Highcliffe.

Come meet Richard for yourself! Whether he’s sharing travel stories, recommending local restaurants, or ensuring your eggs are poached to perfection, you’re in very good hands.

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From Main Street Midleton to a Life of Big Conversations

Robert was born in the East Cork town of Midleton-famous for its whiskey and warm hearts—and grew up above his family’s busy pub, The Maple Leaf. Raised behind the bar, he learned how to talk to absolutely everyone, pour a perfect pint, and understand what real community means.

From an early age, Robert had a natural knack for connecting with people. He was involved in local tourism, chaired community groups, and even hosted a US Ambassador before his twenties. (He’s modest about it, but Midleton gave him a Civic Reception before he left for Dublin-no small feat!)

A Career on the Airwaves

While music was always playing in the background, Robert was far more intrigued by the spoken word. His true strength lay in speech-based radio-current affairs, interviews, and community conversation. He wasn’t just chasing a career in broadcasting; he was drawn to the power of storytelling and the connection that comes from a well-timed question and a listening ear.

From County Sound in Mallow to 96FM in Cork, and then on to Dublin’s Q102 and Sunshine Radio, Robert built a name for himself behind the mic. He thrived in live broadcasting, particularly where current affairs and human stories collided.

Later, he took the reins in leadership roles-becoming General Manager and Programme Director at Sunshine, then launching Ocean FM in Sligo, and eventually heading up the launch of Seven FM in Northern Ireland. Over the next 14 years, he led a series of acquisitions and rebranded a network of seven local stations into the well-known Q Radio network, serving as Managing Director. Strategy, growth, and community impact were the name of the game.

And yes-he once co-hosted a Radiothon with Oliver Reed. Ask him. The story gets better with every telling.

Briefly on the Telly

While Robert was firmly rooted in radio, he did make a brief foray into television with a programme called Face to Face on Cork Multi Channel. He interviewed high-profile figures from the worlds of politics, sport, and the arts-but he’ll be the first to admit: the spontaneity of live radio always had the edge.

A Leap of Faith: Hospitality Beckoned

In 2020, with decades of leadership, life experience, and over 120 countries stamped in his passport, Robert and his partner Richard (a hospitality heavyweight from Belfast) decided to make a change.

They swapped the fast-paced world of media for something equally dynamic: a boutique guest house in a dramatically beautiful location. The result? Exmoor Cliff Retreat, a spectacular Victorian hideaway in Lynton, North Devon.

They fell in love with the house the moment they saw it-and so have thousands of guests since. Despite launching during the pandemic, their timing was spot on. With international travel grounded, UK staycations soared, and Highcliffe was off to a flying start.

High Standards Meet High Views

Robert’s background in brand-building and people-focused service, paired with Richard’s deep knowledge of luxury hospitality, proved to be a winning formula. From beautifully curated guest experiences to Highcliffe’s now-famous breakfasts, every detail is intentional—and it shows.

Since opening, they’ve been showered with awards, including:

• AA/Visit England Accommodation of the Year for England

• Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best – Top 1% of Hotels Worldwide (every single year)

Highcliffe is now a seasonal business by design-open seven months a year, with winters reserved for global travel and sunny escapes to their holiday home in Florida.

A Life Less Ordinary (But Perfectly Grounded)

These days, Robert’s happy place is hosting guests, exploring the Exmoor coast, or catching up on Cork news via his smart speaker (with a Barry’s Tea in hand, naturally). He still has Ballymaloe Relish in the fridge and Clonakilty Black Pudding on the breakfast menu-it’s the little things.

And while Devon is home, he’s still a proud Cork man at heart. As he says, “You can take the boy out of Cork, but you’ll never take the Cork out of the boy.”

Come say hello! Book your next stay and meet Robert in person-he’s always happy to chat over a Devon G&T and share a story or two (or ten).

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Born in 1851 in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, Newnes built his fortune through the power of the printed word. His revolutionary magazine, Tit-Bits, offered affordable, accessible reading to the masses and paved the way for a new era in popular publishing. Its success spawned a media empire that later included The Strand Magazine, which famously introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Newnes discovered Lynton in the 1880s, and like many who stay at Exmoor Cliff Retreat today, was immediately captivated by the dramatic coastline, wooded valleys, and sea views that seem to stretch endlessly towards Wales. But Newnes didn’t just admire it-he invested in it. His vision was to make Lynton and Lynmouth accessible to more people, especially fellow Victorians looking to escape the soot and smog of the cities.

His greatest gift to the area still stands today: the Cliff Railway, a marvel of water-powered engineering that has connected Lynton to Lynmouth since 1890. It’s one of the most eco-friendly transport systems in the world, using nothing but gravity and water to ferry passengers up and down the cliff. From Exmoor Cliff Retreat, you can walk to this historic railway in minutes-still running, still iconic, and still offering panoramic views that stop visitors in their tracks.

George Newnes didn’t stop there. He financed the construction of Lynton Town Hall-an impressive Arts & Crafts building that dominates the centre of the village-and invested in the development of local roads, churches, and public buildings. His London wealth was poured into North Devon, helping to give the area its character and charm.

He was knighted in 1895 and continued his work in publishing and politics, but Lynton remained his spiritual home. He built a grand house-Hollerday House-just up the hillside from where Exmoor Cliff Retreat now welcomes guests. Though the house tragically burned down in 1913, its grounds and carriage paths remain, winding through the hills behind the town.

Today, George Newnes is remembered not just as a media pioneer but as a man who believed in progress with purpose. His legacy is all around Exmoor Cliff Retreat-woven into the fabric of the town, etched into the cliffs, and riding the rails of a railway that has stood the test of time.

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Crafted just down the hill in Lynton by the wonderfully talented Sarah Vander, this isn’t just any fudge – it’s a local legend in the making. Sarah, alongside her husband Rob, swapped London life for coastal calm in 2014 and took over a charming little shop called The Studio. What followed was an unexpected journey into sugar, creativity, and more than a few kitchen experiments.

What began with a simple idea – to make something joyful that no one else in the area was doing – quickly became a passion project. After trialling recipes on friends, family and brave locals, Sarah found her stride. In 2018, a shiny new kitchen was installed, and her first two official creations – Clotted Cream and Vanilla – hit the shelves. Fast forward to today, and The Studio offers over 40 flavours ranging from the bold (Liquorice, Coffee, Ginger) to the blissfully indulgent (Salted Caramel, Triple Chocolate, Marshmallow). She’s even created a growing vegan range, thanks to customer feedback she takes to heart.

It’s no surprise she’s now won 10 major awards, including the coveted Platinum Taste of the West Award for her dreamy Exmoor Blackberry & White Chocolate fudge – a flavour inspired by the very moors you see from Highcliffe’s windows.

As proud supporters of local talent, we’re delighted to share a little piece of The Studio magic with our guests. Every handmade batch is packed with care, using the best ingredients and a generous helping of imagination. It’s not just a treat – it’s a true taste of Devon, made just around the corner.

So when you unwrap that soft, buttery square in your room, you’re not just indulging your sweet tooth – you’re experiencing the heart, craft and spirit of this special part of the world.

And if one bite turns into two, or you find yourself popping into The Studio on your way through Lynton… well, we won’t blame you.

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Elegant, eccentric, and enduring, this turreted tower stands proudly at the edge of Lynmouth Harbour, where the East Lyn River meets the Bristol Channel. It’s more than just a photo opportunity – it’s a piece of coastal theatre, a Victorian folly with a fascinating backstory, and a perfect companion to a luxurious Highcliffe getaway.

A Victorian Curiosity on the Edge of the Sea

Originally built in the 19th century, the Rhenish Tower was far from ornamental. Designed to house sea water for therapeutic bathing – an early wellness concept popular with Victorian visitors – the tower once piped ocean water directly into the nearby Bath Hotel. Its architectural nods to European watchtowers gave it the nickname we know today: the Rhenish Tower.

With its distinctive red-tiled roof and cylindrical stone base, it has become a defining feature of the Lynmouth seafront – a beacon of character that echoes the village’s romantic, slightly bohemian spirit.

Washed Away, Rebuilt with Love

The tower met a dramatic fate during the devastating flood of 1952, which reshaped the village of Lynmouth forever. Swept into the sea along with much of the harbourfront, the tower was lost – but not for long. Just two years later, it was lovingly rebuilt by the community, stone by stone, in tribute to what had been taken and to preserve what still remained.

Today, it stands not only as an architectural landmark but also as a symbol of resilience and pride – much like Lynton and Lynmouth themselves.

The Perfect Outing from Exmoor Cliff Retreat

One of the many pleasures of staying at Exmoor Cliff Retreat is how easily you can swap elevated seclusion for seaside charm. There are two delightful ways to reach the Rhenish Tower from our front door:

• Hop on the Cliff Railway – Just a short stroll from Highcliffe, this iconic water-powered railway will whisk you down the cliffs in vintage style, offering panoramic views of the coast as you descend into Lynmouth.
• Take the North Walk zig-zag path – For a more immersive experience, follow the winding footpath that begins near Highcliffe and gently snakes its way along the cliffs. The views are spectacular, and the route delivers you straight to the heart of Lynmouth and its picturesque harbour.

Once there, linger a while. Watch the waves crash near the tower’s base, browse the independent shops, enjoy a local ice cream, or sit with a coffee and simply take it all in.

A Timeless Pairing

Just as the Rhenish Tower has watched over Lynmouth for generations, Exmoor Cliff Retreat looks out over both villages from its quiet perch. One offers seafront storytelling, the other hilltop serenity – and between the two lies the perfect holiday rhythm: slow mornings, coastal strolls, heritage discoveries, and luxurious evenings.

So, when you visit Highcliffe, don’t just admire the view – step into it. The Rhenish Tower awaits.

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So… Why Switzerland?

Back in the 1800s, a few very enthusiastic poets and painters visited the area and had an absolute moment. The steep valleys, plunging cliffs, rushing rivers, and wide, moody skies reminded them of the dramatic beauty of the Swiss Alps.

From there, the name stuck. Tourists came in droves. Artists swooned. Victorian writers composed odes. And now? It’s still one of Britain’s most wildly romantic and underrated corners.

A Guesthouse with a View (and a Worldly Touch)

Sitting right at the top of this charming cliffside town is Exmoor Cliff Retreat, a luxury B&B with one of the most jaw-dropping views in North Devon. Overlooking the sea, the hills, and a patchwork of gardens, it’s every bit as grand as its location deserves – with a distinct air of Alpine elegance, but all the comforts of coastal England.

And that international flair? Not accidental. Owners Robert and Richard are seasoned travellers and longtime lovers of Switzerland. Their adventures have taken them to the lakes of Lucerne, the peaks above Zermatt, and the stylish towns of Montreux and beyond. But when they found Lynton, something clicked – it had the same drama, the same peace, the same sense of being utterly removed from the everyday.

Now, they call Exmoor Cliff Retreat their spring and summer home, and they’ve lovingly created a retreat that blends global style with local soul.

Take the High Road (Literally)

Lynton and Lynmouth are connected by the famous Cliff Railway – a marvel of Victorian engineering that runs entirely on water power. It trundles guests from the picturesque harbour up to the cliff’s edge, where boutique shops, coastal paths, and sweeping sea views await.

Just steps from the top station is Exmoor Cliff Retreat, perfectly positioned for a mid-afternoon lounge or a sunset drink on the terrace. Watching the sun sink into the Bristol Channel with a chilled glass in hand? It’s the kind of moment most people fly to Switzerland for.

Wild Landscapes, Calm Souls

The joy of this area lies in its contrasts – the wild Exmoor coastline, the refined architecture, the dramatic skies, the quiet calm of the woods. Whether strolling through Watersmeet, exploring the coastal trails, or simply lingering over breakfast with the view, it feels like a little pocket of the world that time forgot.

And unlike the Alps, you don’t need hiking boots and a map. Just curiosity – and maybe a windproof jacket.

A Place That Feels Like Nowhere Else

Lynton and Lynmouth may carry the name Little Switzerland, but they’re more than a charming imitation. They’re a destination in their own right – untamed, elegant, quietly luxurious.

And at the heart of it all is Exmoor Cliff Retreat – a guesthouse inspired by the world, shaped by travel, and rooted firmly in the most scenic corner of Devon.

Who needs the Alps when this is waiting on the coast?

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