Combe Martin

Combe Martin is an attractive village set in a long valley, or combe, where the Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty meet, so the approach along the coastal road, from Ilfracombe, offers views of amazing scenery.

The history of Combe Martin, goes back a thousand years, and when William the Conqueror gave Martin de Tour the manor, the village received its name. The area was blessed with fertile soil and a mild climate, making it ideal for growing strawberries and hemp, which was spun into shoemakers’ thread. Silver was mined here, on and off for several centuries, and evidence of these mines is still present, even now.

Today Combe Martin is a flourishing holiday resort, and its main village street is reported to be the longest in the country, over 2 miles long, meandering inland from the beach, with plenty of pubs, shops and cafes dotted along the way, plus a 12th century parish church.

The Village of Berrynarbor is close to Combe Martin and forms part of the Sterridge Valley, itself part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This 5 times winner of the ‘Best Kept Village Award’, with its whitewashed cottages and its 12th century Church, is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Enjoy a pub lunch or evening meal, with free parking, right at the heart of this pretty village.

Activities

Combe Martin itself is an ideal centre for walking, with the South West Coastal Path, as well as the Tarka Trail, and it is less than an hour's drive from 'Lorna Doone' country. There is much to occupy the whole family, including the amazing Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, and Watermouth Castle. The beach offers opportunities for the usual pursuits, and you will find parks and play areas in the village, too. Bird-watching and fishing are also popular pastimes, here.

The ‘Pack o' Cards’ Inn, one of Britain's most unusual follies, is a unique Grade II ‘Ancient Monument’, built with each of its architectural features, both practical and otherwise, relating to a deck of cards. With free car parking, and less than 10 minutes walk from the sea, a large playground and summer barbeques, it’s a must for all visitors, whether you’re staying or just passing through.

Watermouth Cove, nearby, is a very beautiful, sheltered, natural harbour for sailing boats.

With the bustling seaside town Ilfracombe just four miles to the West, offering many activities, the Gold Coast just beyond, and Exmoor on your doorstep, you will not be at a loss for interesting and relaxing ways to spend your holidays.

Food & Drink

Combe Martin is a village of pubs and inns, offering a range of cuisines, both daytime and evening. Cream teas, lunches, snacks and ice creams are on offer from seaside cafes to cosy tea rooms, the length of the valley.

Accommodation

There are many guesthouses and B&Bs in and around the village, plus self catering accommodation, including holiday parks and campsites.

Travel

By road, take the M5 to juntion 27, then follow the A361 west for approx 20 miles, where you take the A399, north into Combe Martin. There are also buses from Ilfracombe and Barnstaple into the village.

Holiday anytime of year!

Spring
Combe Martin relaxes in Autumn as it bids farewell, and revitalises in the Spring, as it welcomes its many visitors. However, most of the activities are still available in the Spring and autumn, when, in this mild climate, coastal walks too can be just as rewarding as in mid Summer.

Autumn and Winter
Much of the accommodation is open during the Winter months, when all is tranquil, parking is easy and there are no queues. So treat yourself to a Winter break and enjoy North Devon at your leisure.

Click here for more information about Combe Martin and a map of North Devon.