An award winning 14th Century thatched smugglers inn overlooking a tiny picturesque harbour and Lynmouth Bay with its stunning backdrop of the highest hogback cliffs in England, and situated on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, where herds of deer, wild ponies and birds of prey roam free. The Rising Sun Hotel is steeped in history with oak panelling, crooked ceilings, thick beachstone walls and creaking uneven floorboards. It was in one of its rooms that R.D.Blackmore wrote several chapters of his West Country classic Lorna Doone.
Reviews (8)
Spyro P.
Aug 07, 2019
Had dinner here yesterday - the fish and chips were really good but I got a seafood appetizer that was insanely good. It was clams, mussels, prawns, scallops in a broth that I wanted to actually drink out of the bowl. Service was great and the vibe was peaceful and calming. Highly recommend it. Also, the view off the water is awesome.
Bonnie S.
Mar 02, 2019
The Rising Sun was recommended to us by our hostess at the Lyn Valley Guesthouse, and it was delightful. It's a charming 17th century pub, frequented by the locals, who greeted us with friendly joking as we came in. We had the mussels starter, which was terrific, and a very good fish and chips. The ales were excellent. The food is not cheap, but it's worth it.
Elaine S.
Aug 31, 2015
Celebrated my birthday here with the best and biggest fish and chips. Window table looking out at the harbour. Great atmosphere with friendly staff and lots of happy customers. Short walk back to our B&B in a lovely seaside town. There is a restaurant too and the menu is good and interesting, including lobster but the fish and chips served in the bar were the best choice!
Thomas G.
Aug 10, 2015
A hidden gem in a very beautiful location. not only the pub is a great place to stay and see the tide coming in. but the restaurant is just amazing. we were lucky to get the last table and had a wunderful seafood feast. starter was a shared fish and shellfish platter with home baked bread that would have been enough for both of us. awesome salmon great mackerel and lost of other delights. but all that was nothing against the fresh lobster that was caught in viewing distance - over crusted with a bit of cheese and served with potatoes as small and tasteful as truffles. wonderful. sadly enough we were all fed up and could only manage a shared dessert. but we will come again for sure!
Paul P.
Feb 18, 2012
I have eaten here a couple of times recently and the food had been excellent on both occasions. The fairly local Exmoor ales are pretty good as well. the position of the pub, on a very old hill terrace overlooking Lynmouth harbour is as good as it gets. So far, so good. Unfortunately, there are a couple of negatives. Firstly, the food and drink is on the high side of average. Secondly, when full the pub gets a little claustrophobic, especially if you are trying top eat.
Then there is the curate's egg service, varying from the quite friendly to the cold and distant. All in all, worth it for the food and drink but there are better places in North Devon.
Then there is the curate's egg service, varying from the quite friendly to the cold and distant. All in all, worth it for the food and drink but there are better places in North Devon.
Michael S.
Mar 17, 2010
We didn't stay here, but made a day trip, and had lunch in the restaurant. The hotel dates to the 14th century (stuff around here is really old) and looks charming, but this review is about the food, which was outstanding. We had smoked mackerel and crabmeat sandwiches, both with homemade parsnip chips, which were amazing. Definite thumbs up!
Qype User Toni
Feb 21, 2010
This is an amazing pub! It's really traditional and picturesqe - right on the harbour front in Lynmouth. The town itself is great as a base for a weekend away and the pub is by far the best in the village for spending the evening. The food is typical gournet pub prices but it's really good quality and the bar staff are really friendly. We went there for New Year last year and it was a fab night! Thoroughly recommend to anyone in the area!
Qype User Timina
May 05, 2008
The Rising Sun lies on the harbour in Lynmouth below the village of Lynton which perches, connected by cable-car train, on the cliffs above. This is a magical spot, made more so by the comfort and meals available at this 14th-century smugglers' inn. Shelley and Blackmore both found inspiration for their writing here. The building is large, and the pub comfortable with creaky floors and a big fireplace.
The dining here is exceptionally fine, though. Check out Exmoor Venison, English Confit Fondant, Sweet Red Onion Puree With a Blackberry and Game Fume Demi-Glace or Fillet of Wild Boar braised in Cognac, Sugar poached New Potatoes With roast Chestnuts and Salsify and you'll know that this isn't your typical pie-and-mash pub. Tables are separated into several rooms for a cosy feel to each group. There are rooms for hire, too, each fancy with four-poster beds and some with sea views. It's a worthwhile special treat stop along a beautiful coastal drive.
The dining here is exceptionally fine, though. Check out Exmoor Venison, English Confit Fondant, Sweet Red Onion Puree With a Blackberry and Game Fume Demi-Glace or Fillet of Wild Boar braised in Cognac, Sugar poached New Potatoes With roast Chestnuts and Salsify and you'll know that this isn't your typical pie-and-mash pub. Tables are separated into several rooms for a cosy feel to each group. There are rooms for hire, too, each fancy with four-poster beds and some with sea views. It's a worthwhile special treat stop along a beautiful coastal drive.
