Looking for one of the most spectacular places to visit in Exmoor National Park? Valley of Rocks is a dramatic coastal valley near Lynton, famous for its towering rock formations, breathtaking sea views, and herd of wild goats.
I’d seen photos of Valley of Rocks while planning our Exmoor itinerary and knew it was one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting. We saved it until the last day of our trip to avoid the weekend crowds, hoping it would be a little quieter. To make a full day of it, we combined our visit with a walk to Lynton and Lynmouth.
Whether you’re planning a Valley of Rocks walk, exploring North Devon or searching for the best things to do in Exmoor, here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
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Where is Valley of Rocks?
Valley of Rocks, Exmoor (sometimes called Valley of the Rocks), lies about 1 mile west of the Victorian town of Lynton on the North Devon coast.
The valley overlooks the Briston Channel and forms part of Exmoor National Park’s spectacular North Devon coastline.
Unlike most valleys, it runs parallel to the sea rather than inland, creating one of the most unusual landscapes in Exmoor National Park. With rugged cliffs on one side and dramatic formations on the other, it feels completely different to anywhere else we visited during our stay.
How to get to Valley of Rocks
Reaching Valley of Rocks is straightforward whether you’re travelling by car or on foot.
By car
There are 2 pay-and-display car parks near Valley of Rocks, one in the heart of the valley and another small upper car park about 5 minutes’ walk up the hill.
The postcode for Valley of Rocks is EX35 6JH.
On foot
Valley of Rocks is on the South West Coast Path, making it a popular stop for walkers exploring this stretch of coastline.
If you’re visiting Lynton, it’s around a 30-minute walk to the valley. There are also several longer walking routes in the area which incorporate Valley of Rocks and the surrounding clifftops.
Our Visit to Valley of Rocks
We parked in the upper car park and followed the short downhill path into the valley. Even before reaching the rocks themselves, the views were impressive. As the landscape opened up, we could really appreciate the scale of the rock formations scattered across the hillside.
The Valley of Rocks is home to some of the oldest rocks in Exmoor National Park. Formed around 400 million years ago when this part of Devon lay beneath the sea, the unusual rocks have been shaped by millions of years of geological forces and erosion.
The rocks come in all shapes and sizes and have quirky names such as Rugged Jack, the Danes, the White Lady, and the Devil’s Cheese Ring, though I’m not sure I could tell you which was which!
Valley of Rocks is now one of the top places to visit in Exmoor National Park and a must-see if you’re exploring North Devon.
Castle Rock
The one that stands out from the others is Castle Rock, the largest rock in Valley of Rocks. Rising above the others, it’s impossible to miss.
If you’re reasonably agile, it’s possible to climb to the top for views across the Exmoor coastline. We were perfectly happy admiring it from below, but plenty of visitors were taking on the challenge.
The climb itself isn’t particularly long, but you should take care as the rocks are uneven and exposed in places.
The famous Valley of Rocks goats
Almost every guide to Valley of Rocks mentions the famous herd of feral goats, which have roamed the valley for centuries.
Visitors often see them scrambling over the steep rocks or grazing amongst the heather and gorse.
Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, we didn’t spot a single goat! (hence no goat photos!)
Walking from Valley of Rocks to Lynton
One of the best things to do after exploring Valley of Rocks is continue along the South West Coast Path towards Lynton.
The walk takes around 30 minutes each way and offers spectacular views of the Exmoor coastline. Most of the path has tarmac making it relatively easy going, and there are several benches along the route where you can stop and enjoy the scenery, which feels wonderfully wild and unspoiled.
Although the walk isn’t particularly challenging, take care with young children as there are some sheer drops on one side.
Lynton & Lynmouth
After arriving in Lynton, we continued down to Lynmouth, the pretty harbour town.
The twin towns are linked by the famous Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway, a Victorian water-powered funicular railway that’s been carrying passengers between the two since 1890.
After lunch by the sea in Lynmouth, we took the cliff railway back up to Lynton, where we spent some time mooching around the shops and town before retracing our steps along the coastal path.
Of course, you can do this out and back walk in reverse by starting in Lynton.
Combining Valley of Rocks with Lynton & Lynmouth makes a fantastic day out and is something I’d thoroughly recommend. You get the best of a charming seaside town, a scenic coastal walk and one of Exmoor’s most unique landscapes all rolled into one!
Lee Abbey & Lee Bay
If you have extra time, you could consider continuing west beyond Valley of Rocks towards Lee Abbey and Lee Bay. This follows the same stretch of the South West Coast Path, so we decided to continue on out of curiosity.
Once used as a farmhouse by Cistercian monks, Lee Abbey is an impressive peach-coloured building which now operates as a Christian conference centre. Continue a little further and you’ll reach Lee Bay, a small sandy beach tucked beneath the cliffs.
Getting there is easy enough as it’s downhill, but a bit of a slog on the way back.
Visitor Information
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Pay-and-display car parks available
- Facilities: Toilets, café, and picnic benches
- Time needed: 1 hour for the valley itself, longer if walking to Lynton or Lynmouth
- Dogs: Allowed, but keep an eye out for livestock and cliff edges
Is Valley of Rocks worth visiting?
Valley of Rocks was one of the highlights of our trip to Exmoor. Its dramatic scenery, fascinating geology and coastal views make it one of the most memorable places in Exmoor National Park.
Whether you’re tackling a section of the South West Coast Path, looking for an easy walk from Lynton, or simply searching for one of the best places to visit in Exmoor National Park, Valley of Rocks is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley of Rocks free to visit?
Yes, there is no admission charge, although parking charges apply.
Can you drive to the Valley of Rocks?
Yes, Valley of Rocks is accessible by car and has two pay-and-display car parks.
How long do you need at Valley of Rocks?
To explore the valley, you only need an hour, but we made a full day of it by walking to Lynton & Lynmouth and spending some time exploring both towns.
Can you walk from Lynton to the Valley of Rocks?
Yes. The walk from Lynton to Valley of Rocks takes about half an hour, following a scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path.
Are there goats at Valley of Rocks?
Yes, Valley of Rocks is famous for its feral goats, though sightings are not guaranteed!
Accommodation near Valley of Rocks
If you want accommodation near Valley of Rocks there are plenty of options in Lynton and Lynmouth to suit all budgets. We stayed further out in Exford, but here are some popular choices:
- Luxury Accommodation: Chough’s Nest Hotel is an elegant clifftop hotel with stunning sea views.
- Mid-range Accommodation: Lynmouth View is a spacious 3-bedroom holiday home in Lynmouth
- Budget Accommodation: The Crown Hotel has comfortable rooms in a historic building in Lynton
Pin for later or share with a friend who’d love to go: Valley of Rocks, Exmoor: A Visitors Guide
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