Local Area Information

Secluded sandy beaches, great rock pools, dramatic coastal scenery and a nearby Dinosaur Park

Combe Martin nestles in the most scenic countryside, with Exmoor National Park's border to the east and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to the west.

Come to Combe Martin and you’ll have all the ingredients for a perfect North Devon holiday – secluded sandy beaches, dramatic coastal scenery and lots to do nearby.

For fans of the great outdoors, hike along to Great Hangman (the tallest sea cliff in mainland Britain), or follow the 230 hidden steps down to Golden Cove for some spectacular views. Situated on the South West Coast Path, Combe Martin is also home to several dog-friendly pubs and local stores; great for provisions along your journey. If you fancy getting out on the water,hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board in the village and take to the calm waters in the bay.

If you’re bringing the kids, they’ll love the unique experience of the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, where you can swim with sea lions, meet the meerkats and see the animatronic dinosaurs in action! Or wait for the tide to go out and investigate some of the best rock pools along this coast. The kids will also love the local Watermouth Cove and Castle theme park. 

The newly refurbished Combe Martin museum is also well worth a visit, with a regular programme of exciting activities, creative workshops and fascinating talks planned throughout the year.

 Top Highlights include

• Combe Martin Beach & Centre for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding
• Safe beach often with seals and occasionally dolphins
• Great Hangman
• South West Coast Path
• Watermouth Cove and Castle
• Combe Martin Dinosaur Park
• Exmoor Zoo
• Great local pubs, shops, tea rooms, bakery, general stores all within the village
• Woody Bay Station for steam train rides
• Cliff Railway at Lynton and Lynmouth 
• Beautiful local beaches 
• 10 minute drive to Ilfracombe
• Cycle along the Tarka trail  
• Clovelly Village

Local Events

• Hunting the Earl of Rone  - May bank Holiday (Combe Martin)
• Strawberry Fayre - June (Combe Martin)
• Gold Coast Oceanfest 18th to 20th June 2021 (Croyde Bay)  
• Combe Martin Carnival - Mid August
• Exmoor Dark Skies festival- Oct/Nov (Exmoor National Park) 

Within a short 10 minute drive is the seaside town of Ilfracombe. Alternatively you can catch the bus into Town that runs through the village. Ilfracombe has a lovely harbour where you can take numerous different boat trips including a trip to Lundy Island. The seaside town is home to renowned artist Damien Hirst’s famous 20m high sculpture, Verity. The artist himself lives in the village of Combe Martin.

Woolacombe lies to the west of Combe Martin and is under 10 miles away and a twenty minute car ride. 

Woolacombe Beach has this year been voted one of the best beaches in the world by travellers on TripAdvisor.

As well as beating famous coastlines in Turkey, Florida and Costa Rica to be voted the 13th best beach globally, Woolacombe Beach came fourth across Europe and made the top spot in the UK.

To the east of Combe Martin is the lovely towns of  Lynton & Lynmouth which is also a 20 minute drive away.  The two towns are separated by The Cliff Railway. You can experience the highest and the steepest fully water powered railway in the country.

If you are bringing a dog with you the cottage is dog friendly and so is the village. A few minutes walk from the cottage is an open area for exercising. All of the local pubs are dog friendly as are some of the local eateries.

We have produced a useful Guidebook linked to our Air bnb page which you may also find useful.