The Valley of Rocks Hotel

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The Valley of Rocks Hotel A relaxed and welcoming hotel in beautiful Lynton, just moments from the famous Valley of Rocks.

Great views, cosy rooms, and the perfect base for exploring Exmoor and the North Devon coast.

Hidden Heritage | The Wall LightsSome of the most beautiful details in an old hotel are the ones that quietly surround y...
17/09/2026

Hidden Heritage | The Wall Lights

Some of the most beautiful details in an old hotel are the ones that quietly surround you every day.

These elegant wall lights are a perfect example. With their classic design and warm glow, they add a lovely sense of character to the hotel's corridors and rooms.

It's easy to walk past them without giving them a second thought, but look a little closer and you can see the craftsmanship in the details โ€” another small reminder of the care that has gone into this building over the years.

We love these little touches. They help give the Valley of Rocks Hotel its own character and make it feel like a place with a story to tell.

Next time you stay, take a moment to look around. You might notice something you've walked past a hundred times before.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the YearsThe Valley of Rocks Hotel โ€“ 1887Imagine picking up the Ilfracombe Chronicle on 4 October 1887 and se...
13/09/2026

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the Years
The Valley of Rocks Hotel โ€“ 1887

Imagine picking up the Ilfracombe Chronicle on 4 October 1887 and seeing this advertisement for the Valley of Rocks Hotel.

By this time, the hotel had already undergone considerable change. The advertisement proudly describes it as a โ€œFirst-class Hotelโ€, highlighting its recent enlargement, remodelling and improvements, while promoting its accommodation and facilities to Victorian families and tourists.

And there are some wonderful details tucked away in the wording.

Guests could enjoy the Table dโ€™Hรดte and Coffee Room, Reading Rooms, Ladiesโ€™ Drawing Room and Private Sitting Rooms, all overlooking the sea and the hotel's extensive private grounds.

There was also a handsomely fitted billiard room, open during the season exclusively for hotel residents, as well as post horses and carriages and modern stabling.

The advertisement also describes the hotel as being ideally situated as a base for exploring the many places of interest in the district โ€“ something that still rings true nearly 140 years later.

What makes this particularly fascinating is that this advert appeared in October 1887, right around the time of one of the most significant periods of development in the hotel's history. The grand building we recognise today was taking shape, transforming the hotel into the remarkable Victorian landmark we still have today.

๐Ÿ“œ A little piece of the Valley of Rocks Hotel's story, preserved in print for us to discover more than a century later.

Through the Years โ€“ uncovering the history, heritage and stories of the Valley of Rocks Hotel, one fascinating discovery at a time.

And just imagineโ€ฆ what would a Victorian guest have made of the hotel we see today?

Hidden Heritage | Details That Tell Our StorySometimes, itโ€™s the smallest details that give an old building its characte...
10/09/2026

Hidden Heritage | Details That Tell Our Story

Sometimes, itโ€™s the smallest details that give an old building its character.

Look closely around the Valley of Rocks Hotel and youโ€™ll find beautiful decorative features like this one in our Ballroom. Ornate plasterwork, intricate floral designs and craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.

These details are easy to walk past without noticing, but they are part of what makes the hotel feel like the building it has always been.

We love discovering these little pieces of the past โ€” the details that quietly tell the story of the people, occasions and generations that have come before us.

Next time you're at the hotel, take a moment to look up, look around and look a little closer.

You might be surprised by what you find.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the YearsThen & Now โ€“ The Heart of the HotelTake a look at these two photographs of one of the most spectacul...
06/09/2026

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the Years
Then & Now โ€“ The Heart of the Hotel

Take a look at these two photographs of one of the most spectacular spaces in the Valley of Rocks Hotel.

At first glance, the furniture and dรฉcor may be completely different, but look beyond that and something remarkable becomes clear...

The room itself has changed remarkably little.

The magnificent columns, ornate arches, intricate ironwork and balconies have been part of the hotel for generations. Created when this part of the hotel was built in 1869, they have witnessed more than 150 years of guests arriving, celebrating, relaxing and making memories.

The dรฉcor has certainly had its moments! ๐Ÿ˜„ From the traditional furnishings and patterned carpets of years gone by to the lighter, more contemporary look of today, fashions have changed considerably.

But the bones of the building remain.

And that's what makes the Valley of Rocks Hotel so special. We're not simply recreating a historic atmosphere โ€“ we're still surrounded by the original architecture that has been here for generations.

Two photographs. Two eras. One very special room.

Which version do you prefer โ€“ the traditional look of years gone by, or the space as it is today?

And if you've got memories of this room from years gone by, we'd love to hear them. โค๏ธ

Through the Years โ€“ uncovering the history, celebrating the heritage and sharing the stories of the Valley of Rocks Hotel.

Hidden Heritage | Details That Guide the WayNot every piece of the hotel's history is grand or elaborate.Sometimes, it's...
03/09/2026

Hidden Heritage | Details That Guide the Way

Not every piece of the hotel's history is grand or elaborate.

Sometimes, it's something as simple as a brass sign on a wall.

This old directional sign has been quietly helping guests find their way around the Valley of Rocks Hotel for many years. Room numbers may have changed, dรฉcor may have evolved, but signs like this are a lovely reminder of the generations of visitors who have walked these corridors before us.

There's something rather special about these everyday details. They're practical, familiar and easy to overlook โ€” but they're also part of the story of the building.

Next time you're exploring the hotel, take a look around. You never know what little piece of its past you might spot.

Some things never go out of style.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the YearsLynton from Above โ€“ 1930Take a look at Lynton as it appeared almost 100 years ago.This wonderful aer...
30/08/2026

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the Years
Lynton from Above โ€“ 1930

Take a look at Lynton as it appeared almost 100 years ago.

This wonderful aerial photograph, taken in 1930, gives us a fascinating glimpse of the town and, standing proudly amongst it all, the Valley of Rocks Hotel.

Look closely and you'll see just how much has changed. Roads, buildings, gardens and open spaces have all evolved, yet the landscape around the hotel remains remarkably recognisable. It really brings home just how long the hotel has been part of the fabric of Lynton.

We've given this historic photograph a light restoration to improve the clarity and reveal more detail, while keeping its original character and feel.

And, as always with our Through the Years series, we're hoping the photograph might spark a memory or help uncover another piece of local history.

Can you spot the Valley of Rocks Hotel? What else can you recognise?

๐Ÿ“ท Photo credit: John Coulthard

If you have old photographs of Lynton, the hotel, or the surrounding area tucked away in an album or family collection, we'd love to see them. You never know what stories they might help us uncover.

Through the Years โ€“ celebrating the history, heritage and memories of the Valley of Rocks Hotel, one photograph at a time.

๐ŸŒŸ Guest Review of the Week ๐ŸŒŸIt's hard to ask for a better compliment than "Best stay ever!" โค๏ธA huge thank you to Lucy f...
28/08/2026

๐ŸŒŸ Guest Review of the Week ๐ŸŒŸ

It's hard to ask for a better compliment than "Best stay ever!" โค๏ธ

A huge thank you to Lucy for your amazing 10/10 review and for your kind words about our team, spacious rooms, beautiful views and the unique character of the hotel.

Our staff work hard to make every guest feel welcome from the moment they book until the moment they leave, so reviews like this really do mean the world to us.

We're delighted you had such a wonderful stay and can't wait to welcome you back to the Valley of Rocks Hotel in the future. ๐Ÿ˜

Have you stayed with us recently? We'd love to hear what you thought.

Hidden Heritage | The AtriumSome places in a hotel simply feel special, and our Atrium is one of them.As you step throug...
27/08/2026

Hidden Heritage | The Atrium

Some places in a hotel simply feel special, and our Atrium is one of them.

As you step through the beautiful wooden entrance, you're surrounded by the details that give the Valley of Rocks Hotel its character โ€” from the ornate columns and decorative woodwork to the original features that have watched generations of guests come and go.

It's a space that connects so much of the hotel together. A place where guests arrive, pause, meet and make their way through to the rooms beyond.

Look closely and there's always something to discover.

The Atrium is more than just a passage through the hotel. It's a little glimpse into the building's past, and a reminder that the history of the Valley of Rocks Hotel isn't confined to the walls of a museum โ€” it's all around us.

Heritage surrounds you.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the YearsA Blast from the Pastโ€ฆ and One We're Quite Happy to Leave There! ๐Ÿ˜‚We've been digging through the arc...
23/08/2026

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Through the Years
A Blast from the Pastโ€ฆ and One We're Quite Happy to Leave There! ๐Ÿ˜‚

We've been digging through the archives again, and this time we've uncovered a glimpse of what some of the bedrooms at the Valley of Rocks Hotel looked like in years gone by.

Let's just sayโ€ฆ decorating tastes have certainly changed!

Floral bedspreads, matching curtains, wood-effect furniture, a tiny television and enough patterned fabric to make your eyes go funny โ€“ this room is a wonderful snapshot of hotel life from a bygone era.

And while we're sure there were plenty of guests who loved it at the time, we're rather pleased that this particular look has now firmly earned its place in the "Through the Years" archive! ๐Ÿ˜…

What's fascinating is that the room also shows just how much the hotel has evolved. We've gone from floral everything and CRT televisions to modern comforts, while continuing to preserve the character and original features that make the Valley of Rocks Hotel so special.

Of course, fashions come and go. The building's history stays.

And that's what makes looking back so much fun.

Be honestโ€ฆ did you ever stay in a hotel room decorated like this? ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ˜‚

And if you've got an old photograph of the Valley of Rocks Hotel โ€“ especially one showing the bedrooms, bars, dining rooms or other areas as they used to look โ€“ we'd absolutely love to see it.

Through the Years โ€“ celebrating the history, the changes, the questionable decorating choices and all the stories that have made the Valley of Rocks Hotel what it is today.

๐ŸŒŸ Guest Review of the Week ๐ŸŒŸWe love seeing guests appreciate the character of our old building and the beautiful part of...
21/08/2026

๐ŸŒŸ Guest Review of the Week ๐ŸŒŸ

We love seeing guests appreciate the character of our old building and the beautiful part of the world we're lucky enough to call home.

A big thank you to Emma for your lovely review and for choosing to stay with us. It means a lot to know you enjoyed your visit and felt it was excellent value for money.

We hope to welcome you back to Lynton again soon.

Have you stayed with us recently? We'd love to hear what you thought.

Address

Lee Road
Lynton
EX356HS

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