Highcliffe House, Lynton: A 5-Star Sanctuary Above the Clouds

I recently went on a 2-night break to the north coast of Devon, and my accommodation at Highcliffe House in Lynton made the whole experience absolutely first-class.

I had great plans to do the local walks on this beautiful stretch of British coastline—specifically the famous Valley of Rocks —but having been invited to savour this exquisite bed and breakfast, I found myself just as intrigued by the house as I was by the cliffs.

This isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a place with a soul, a history, and—crucially for anyone driving in North Devon—a very specific parking protocol.

Getting There: A Word of Warning

Before we get to the scones, we need to talk about the road. If you are checking your Sat-Nav and it tries to send you down the A39 via Porlock Hill, do yourself a favour: ignore it.

Unless you are driving a sports car and enjoy the smell of burning clutch, that 1-in-4 gradient is an adventure you don’t need.

The locals—and the savvy travelers—take the A361 to South Molton and approach via the A399. It’s scenic, it’s sweeping, and it’s much kinder to your blood pressure.

When you arrive at Sinai Hill, you realise why the drive was worth it. The house sits 600 feet above sea level.

The driveway is steep (you are on a cliff, after all), but when you reach the top, you find a tarmacked car park—a rarity in Lynton.

Baldhiker Tip: Park within the white lines and face outward. It’s a specific rule here, but it makes leaving so much easier, and it shows just how much thought the hosts have put into the logistics of your stay.

The History: The Vision of Bob Jones

Standing on the balcony, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards Wales, you realise this spot wasn’t chosen at random. Highcliffe House was built in the 1880s as the summer residence of Bob Jones.

If that name sounds familiar, it should. He was the engineer and builder of the famous Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.

The man clearly had a thing for heights and spectacular views. Staying here feels like stepping into his private vision of paradise—engineering precision meets Victorian grandeur.

The Welcome

As soon as you step inside, the “Adults-Only” policy ⁹ makes sense. It’s quiet. Not just “library quiet,” but a deep, restorative silence that you only get when there are no children and, notably, no pets allowed.

For anyone with allergies, this place is a haven of spotless cleanliness.

The hosts, Robert and Richard, hail from Ireland and bring that wonderful, warm “craic” to the check-in process. You aren’t just processed; you are welcomed.

And yes, that welcome includes amazingly delicious scones with local jam and clotted cream, served with a view that stretches for miles.

The Rooms

I stayed in a room that felt less like a hotel suite and more like a guest room in a grand manor. The house has six unique rooms, each named after local landmarks.

If you want the ultimate view, ask for Myrtleberry—it has its own balcony.

If you want space, the Summerhouse is the largest room, featuring a sofa and a bed so comfortable I almost missed breakfast (almost).

The decor is rich and Victorian, but the amenities are strictly modern—fast WiFi and smart TVs are standard here.

Breakfast: The Main Event

Breakfast at Highcliffe is not a meal; it’s a piece of theatre.

First, there’s the china. Richard is an avid collector, and he rotates the breakfast sets daily.

One morning you might be eating off Art Deco plates, the next a delicate floral Victorian set. It’s a touch of class that you just don’t see elsewhere.

Then there’s the food. This is an award-winning affair. There are no “flexible” times here—you pick a slot so Richard can cook your order to perfection.

• The Classic: Full English with high-quality local sausages.
• The Indulgent: Eggs Royale with generous helpings of smoked salmon.
• The Sweet: Pancakes with crispy bacon or fresh berries.

And for my gluten-free friends, you are well catered for—they do wonderful GF pancakes and crumpets that guests rave about.

Evenings and “The Gin Bar”

In the evenings, the house takes on a different vibe. It feels like a private members’ club. There is an Honesty Bar (often referred to as the Gin Bar) stocked with local favourites like Wicked Wolf Gin, distilled right here on Exmoor.

Grab a glass, sit in the Orangery or the Drawing Room, and just watch the light fade over the sea. It’s magical.

Out and About

You are perfectly placed here. The Valley of Rocks is a must-do walk that starts practically from the doorstep. You can walk along the coastal path, spot the wild goats, and gaze down at the turquoise water.

Another amazing walk I did right from the door here is down down down in Lynton then walk on to Watersmeet.

For dinner, it’s a steep 5-minute walk down into Lynton (remember, the walk back up is a calorie burner!).

Robert and Richard are excellent concierges and will point you toward The Old Bank for “English Tapas” or The Oak Room for Spanish flavours.

Conclusion

Highcliffe House manages to balance high-end luxury with a genuinely personal touch. It’s the sort of place you book when you need to escape the noise of the world.

Between the history of Bob Jones, the culinary theatre of breakfast, and the sheer tranquility of the “Adults-Only” atmosphere, it is easily one of the best stays in the South West.

Just remember: check your route before you drive, and park between the white lines!

P.S. Coffee Lovers

Ooooh yes I must add. Some of you may know I am a true lover of coffee. I almost run on coffee.

Highcliffe House has a coffee menu that is a whole world of discovery in itself. Speciality ground coffees from Honduras, Peru and beyond. I had an instant connection with the strong ‘Captain Cook’ coffee, what will yours be?