At Combe Martin Beach, expanses of sand and rock alternate depending on the state of the tide. The beach is generally suitable for families and people interested in marine nature; typical activities include relaxing, exploring rock pools and fishing. To help you decide whether Combe Martin is right for your trip, its attractions can be divided into three main themes: the coast and marine nature, an Exmoor walk, and village history.
Coast, Geology and Nature
Combe Martin Beach is located within the Hele, Samson’s and Combe Martin Bays Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The variety of rocks exposed there, together with their faults and folds, gives the area national geological significance. If you are interested not only in the changing tides but also in the landscape, the beach offers a special perspective on the geology of the coast.
The conditions at the beach are also suitable for learning to stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Several beach wheelchairs are available free of charge, including one suitable for use in the sea. These facilities add different ways to engage with the coastal environment to a visit to the beach.
The landscape above the beach also has seasonal features: spotted orchids, betony, heather and bush vetch can be seen in the grassy areas in June and July. The south-facing slope above the village is shaped by distinctive hedgerow patterns from old field systems. This means a visit to the seaside can also include nature-watching and views of the historic landscape, though the same things cannot be seen in every season.
Walking and Getting Around
The Combe Martin and Great Hangman route leads from the village to the highest point on Exmoor’s 34-mile coastline, then returns to the village along the paths of Knap Down. It is 7.5 kilometres long, and the walk is estimated to take around two to three hours. These details can help with planning your time, without making any statement about the difficulty of the route.
The Combe Martin Museum provides maps, bus timetables, walking routes and materials about the South West Coast Path. Across three floors, it displays archaeological finds, historical artefacts and photographs, as well as changing exhibitions about Combe Martin’s heritage and culture. It therefore offers both practical information and ways to learn about the village beyond the beach and walking route.
Bus route 301 runs between Barnstaple and Combe Martin. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the current route before your journey.
Village History and Culture
The Hunting of the Earl of Rone is a tradition unique to the village. It takes place every year over the four days of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend in late May. The tradition was revived in 1970 and continues to be practised as a living custom today. Its fixed place in the annual calendar sets this cultural experience apart from the landscape and historical themes described as available year-round.
The Church of St Peter ad Vincula is listed as a Grade I building. The south transept, chancel and nave retain fabric dating from the 13th century. The Combe Martin Silver Mines also point to a long history: they were first mentioned in the late 13th century and were worked intermittently until the beginning of the 20th century.
Another striking historic building is the Pack o’ Cards Inn, built in 1626. Its dimensions give the building an unusual numerical pattern: it has 52 windows, four storeys and 13 doors on each floor. Together with the historic mines, the church and the annual tradition, the village’s history offers several different ways to explore Combe Martin’s past.
Animals and Dinosaur Models
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is situated in the Combe Martin valley and covers 28 acres of gardens. Visitors can see sea lions, Amur leopards, primates, wolves and reptiles, as well as dinosaur models and the Dinosaurus Playzone. When planning your visit, bear in mind the park’s steep sections, including the path from the main car parks.
Discover more destinations: Kingsteignton, Lympstone, Seaton, Bigbury-on-Sea, Stoke Canon, Appledore, Brixton, Bottreaux Mill
For the wider travel overview: Devon.
