The Glen Lyn Gorge

The Glen Lyn Gorge sits right on the edge of Lynton, a steep ravine carved by the West Lyn River that's been doing its dramatic work for centuries. You walk through a museum space that explains how the gorge formed and what happened here - particularly the devastating flood of 1952 that tore through the valley and destroyed much of Lynmouth below. It's genuinely sobering stuff, presented with old photographs and accounts that make the power of water feel very real indeed.

The gorge itself is the main draw. The river rushes through narrow rock walls, and you can follow paths that take you right down to the water's edge. It's not a long experience - most people spend an hour here maximum - but the walk down is proper steep and the sound of the water echoing off the stone walls is atmospheric. Bring decent shoes; it gets slippery and the steps are unforgiving.

Families with older kids will get more from this than toddlers. History buffs interested in natural disasters and Victorian engineering will find it compelling. If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat - which is barely a mile away - it's worth a morning visit before you head elsewhere. The museum bit is fairly educational without being dry, and the gorge itself is undeniably impressive, though it's brief. Don't expect a full day's entertainment, but as part of exploring the North Devon coast, it's well worth the walk.