What's On in Combe Martin

With an abundance of attractions, proximity to the Exmoor National Park and its host of activities and the coast giving you access to watersports, rockpooling and relaxing in the bay, you’re never short of things to do. This, combined with the extensive events calendar, means that whatever time of year you visit, there will always be something to amuse you.  

Hunting the Earl of Rone 

Perhaps one of the best known events that takes place in Combe Martin is the hunting of the Earl of Rone. This annual tradition has been taking place for centuries and was once even banned because it caused drunken behaviour! It was reinstated in the 1970s and has been going ever since!  

No one is quite sure how or why the tradition came to be, but it is certainly fun to watch! Basically, every year, the Earl of Rone is hunted over three days, eventually being captured on the final day where he is mounted on a donkey and paraded through the village before being shot by grenadiers and thrown into the sea. It is thought that perhaps the tradition was inspired by an actual Earl who was escaping his native Ireland and was shipwrecked just off the coast of Combe Martin, though how true that is, no one seems to know!  

Another tastier traditional event includes the Strawberry Fayre, which celebrates the start of the strawberry season. At one time, the village was one of the biggest producers of strawberries and to this day, the first Sunday in July sees a host of stalls on the Bowling Green selling food, drink and local crafts. And strawberries of course.  

Modern events 

It isn’t just traditional events you can find, the village has some modern events to enjoy too, including the village carnival which takes place in the summer and sees a parade of colourful floats and dancers. Another includes a grand tour of minis which usually features over 300 cars raising money for local causes.  

If you like the sound of local produce, make sure to be in the village on the 3rd Saturday of the month where you can attend the local farmers’ market. You can find it in the village hall and stalls offer everything from local meat, veg and eggs to artisan bread and cakes.  

In addition to these bigger, popular events, you’ll also find a host of smaller, local events including live music.