The quay and pier were built in the 18th century for the herring fishery, which was once important, and a machicolated tower at the end added early in the 19th century by General Rawdon in imitation of the towers on the Rhine. 

For centuries local fishermen brought big catches of herring into the harbour, until suddenly in 1797 the fish deserted the coast leaving the impoverished fishermen to turn to smuggling to supplement their incomes. 

Whitewashed cottages and shops backed by the dramatic hills and valleys of Exmoor meet the rugged coastline forming the highest sea cliffs in England. It’s spectacular beauty inspired famous literary figures such as Wordsworth, Coleridge and Blackmore. Percy Bysshe Shelley, the 19C English Romantic Poet honeymooned there during the summer of 1812 at Mrs Hooper’s Lodgings, now Shelley’s Hotel.

Lynmouth was “discovered” in the first decade of the 19th century when the Napoleonic Wars had closed the Continent to English visitors. As they were unable to make the Grand Tour due to conflict in Europe the Victorians visited the area, naming it “Little Switzerland” as it reminded them so much of the country.