Adam Burton Photography

Woody Bay

Woody Bay, Exmoor

Ref: BB039817
Gallery: Exmoor

In the late 19th Century Woody Bay was being groomed as the newest Victorian seaside resort to rival its neighbour Lynmouth.  To attract visitors new roads and a railway station were built on the clifftops, while a pier was built below to accommodate coastal steamers.  Despite the best intentions of the planners, the location was always going to be prohibitive for such a venture.  The small bay which lies at the base of a steep cliff is barely visible at high tide, while at low tide the pier was not long enough to permit landings.  After only a few years, bad weather destroyed the pier, and, like the plans for the resort any thoughts of rebuilding it was abandoned.