Combe Martin: Coast, Nature and Living History

Combe Martin combines a varied coastal landscape with nature experiences, walking trails and an unusually rich history. At Combe Martin Beach, extensive sandy and rocky areas alternate depending on the state of the tide. The beach is generally suitable for families as well as for people interested in marine nature. Relaxation, exploring rock pools and fishing are among the possible activities, as are learning to stand-up paddleboard or kayak.

Coast, Geology and Plant Life

Combe Martin Beach lies within the Site of Special Scientific Interest Hele, Samson’s and Combe Martin Bays. The diversity of the exposed rocks, as well as their faults and folds, gives the area national importance. This makes the beach not only a place for a day by the sea, but also an interesting destination for observing nature.

Above Combe Martin Beach, you can see spotted orchids, betony, heather and bush vetch in June and July. Characteristic hedge patterns from old field systems also shape the southern slope of the village of Combe Martin. Those who enjoy combining their stay with a walk will find distinctive landscape impressions here between the coast, grassland and historically shaped cultural landscape.

Practical features are also part of the beach experience: several beach-friendly wheelchairs are available free of charge, including a wheelchair for use in the sea. This option is an independent reason to include beach planning in your trip at an early stage.

Walking and Orientation on Site

The Combe Martin and Great Hangman route leads from Combe Martin to the highest point of Exmoor’s 34-mile coastline and back to the village via the paths of Knap Down. The route is 7.5 km long and takes approximately two to three hours. This information helps you plan a walking day realistically without overloading the outing with other lengthy activities.

A new quarter-mile-long section of the Coast Path also runs on the outskirts of Combe Martin, high through Cobbler’s Park. This section is called Seldon’s Way. The Combe Martin Museum provides maps, bus timetables, walking routes and materials about the South West Coast Path. For travel by public transport, bus route 301 operates between Barnstaple and Combe Martin.

Museum, Traditions and Historic Buildings

The Combe Martin Museum presents archaeological finds, historical artefacts, historical photographs and changing exhibitions about the heritage and culture of the area across three floors. It is therefore particularly well suited to trip planning that combines nature and the coast with a cultural programme item.

A distinctive local tradition is The Hunting of the Earl of Rone. The custom is unique to the village of Combe Martin and takes place every year over the four days of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. The tradition was reconstructed in 1970; to this day, it continues as a living custom.

The Church of St Peter ad Vincula also tells of the area’s long history. It is designated as a Grade I listed building, and the south transept, chancel and nave contain fabric dating from the 13th century. The Combe Martin Silver Mines were first mentioned in the late 13th century and were worked intermittently until the beginning of the 20th century. The Pack o' Cards Inn was built in 1626 and has 52 windows, four storeys and 13 doors on each floor.

Excursions for Different Day Plans

The Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park features sea lions, Amur leopards, primates, wolves and reptiles. The park includes 28 acres of gardens in the Combe Martin valley, as well as dinosaur models and the Dinosaurus Playzone. When planning, bear in mind that the park has steep sections, including the route from the main car parks. This makes it easier to match the outing sensibly with your own day plans and the interests of your travel group.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Combe Martin, it is therefore worth deciding on the focus of your trip: coastal days with rock pools and water sports, a walk on the Combe Martin and Great Hangman route, museum and history experiences, or an outing to the Wildlife & Dinosaur Park. Accommodation in Combe Martin can bring these different travel ideas together under one place name, while you compare the specific options according to your own requirements.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would also like to compare other destinations, you can visit Modbury, Beaworthy, Ottery Saint Mary, Torrington, North Tawton, Winkleigh, Postbridge and Lamerton.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.