Combe Martin

Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park and within easy reach of Ilfracombe, Woolacombe and the North Devon Coast National Landscape, Combe Martin is an ideal destination for day trips, family holidays and outdoor adventures.

Explore Combe Martin Village

Combe Martin stretches along a narrow valley leading down to the sea, creating a unique village layout unlike anywhere else in North Devon. You can enjoy wandering through the village centre, discovering independent shops, cafés, traditional pubs and local businesses. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning coastal setting make it a wonderful place to spend a day exploring.

Throughout the village, visitors are treated to impressive views of the surrounding hills, cliffs and coastline that make Combe Martin such a popular destination.

Relax on Combe Martin Beach

At the heart of the village lies Combe Martin Beach, a sheltered sandy and shingle cove popular with families throughout the year. The beach is ideal for paddling, swimming, rock pooling and kayaking, while the surrounding cliffs provide great scenery. At low tide, you can explore rock pools teeming with marine life, making it a favourite destination for families with young children. The beach's sheltered position and village location mean that cafés, shops and facilities are all within easy walking distance.

Watersports and Outdoor Activities

Combe Martin's sheltered bay makes it an excellent location for watersports and outdoor activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are particularly popular, allowing you to explore the coastline from a different perspective and access hidden coves and sea caves. Boat trips also operate nearby, offering opportunities to experience the dramatic coastline and local wildlife. The surrounding countryside provides excellent walking, cycling and outdoor adventure opportunities throughout the year.

Discover the South West Coast Path

Combe Martin is one of the best places in North Devon to access the South West Coast Path. Spectacular walking routes lead in both directions along some of the most dramatic coastline in England. Walkers can explore towering cliffs, hidden coves and breathtaking viewpoints while enjoying panoramic views across the Bristol Channel. Popular nearby highlights include Little Hangman and Great Hangman, the highest point on the South west Coast Path, as well as the beautiful coastline around Heddon's Mouth and Exmoor National Park. The area is particularly popular with walkers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Nature Around Combe Martin

The coastline around Combe Martin forms part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching. You may spot seals and dolphins offshore, while the cliffs provide nesting sites for seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and fulmars. The surrounding countryside and nearby Exmoor National Park are home to red deer, Exmoor ponies and a wide variety of bird species.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Combe Martin is a popular family destination thanks to its beach, outdoor activities and nearby attractions. The village is also close to several of North Devon's most popular attractions, including Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, Watermouth Castle and Ilfracombe Aquarium.

The History of Combe Martin

Combe Martin has a fascinating history stretching back many centuries. The village was once one of England's most important silver mining centres, with silver and lead being extracted from the surrounding hills during medieval times. It is said that silver from Combe Martin was used to help finance military campaigns during the reign of Edward I. Fishing and agriculture also played an important role in the village's development, and its sheltered bay provided a natural harbour for local fishermen and traders. Today, visitors can still discover reminders of Combe Martin's historic past throughout the village and surrounding landscape. The village is also famous for its unique annual Earl of Rone Festival, one of the oldest traditional celebrations in the country, attracting visitors from across Devon and beyond.

 

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