Attractions and Places To See around Combe Martin - Top 20

Combe Martin is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the dramatic Valley of Rocks, known for its unique geology and feral goats. The village is also situated near the towering Hangman Cliffs, including Great Hangman, England's highest sea cliff. The coastline features several beaches like Combe Martin Beach, Newberry Beach, and the secluded Broadsands Beach, all offering opportunities for rock pooling and enjoying the sea. The area is also part of the North Devon Coast Areas of Natural Beauty and borders Exmoor National Park.

Yes, Combe Martin offers several family-friendly attractions. The Combe Martin Beach is great for swimming and rock pooling. Nearby, you'll find the Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, which features exotic animals and animatronic dinosaurs. Watermouth Castle, now a family theme park, is also a popular choice for a day out.

Combe Martin has a fascinating history. You can explore the remnants of the Combe Martin Silver Mines, which date back to the 12th century, with a shaft visible from the beach at low tide. The unique Pack o' Cards Inn, a Grade II* listed building from around 1690, is famous for its architecture. St Peter ad Vincula Church, a stunning Grade I listed Anglican church from the twelfth century, is also a significant landmark. The Combe Martin Museum and Information Point offers further insights into local heritage.

The area around Combe Martin is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking along the South West Coast Path, with a particularly scenic stretch being the North Walk (South West Coast Path) near Lynton. For more extensive hiking, explore the fringes of Exmoor National Park. The beaches are suitable for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you're interested in cycling, there are various road cycling routes available; you can find more details on Road Cycling Routes around Combe Martin.

Yes, you'll find a range of hiking trails. Easy walks include loops around Combe Martin Beach and Little Hangman. Moderate trails often explore the Combe Martin and Great Hangman area within Exmoor National Park. For more challenging hikes, consider the South West Coast Path section from Combe Martin to Ilfracombe. You can discover more options on Easy hikes around Combe Martin and Hiking around Combe Martin.

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a unique Victorian water-powered funicular railway built in 1888. It connects the two picturesque villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, offering stunning views of Exmoor and the North Devon coastline as it ascends 500 feet. It's a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two settlements.

Lynmouth, often twinned with Lynton, is renowned for its high sea cliffs and unspoiled landscape. It serves as an excellent base to access the inner moor of Exmoor National Park, where you might spot red deer and wild Exmoor ponies. From Lynmouth, you can easily reach the Valley of Rocks and the spectacular South West Coast Path.

Yes, Combe Martin Bay and its adjacent coves are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their unique fossil and ore exposures. The area is considered a 'fossil hunter's paradise,' with remnants of brachiopods, corals, and ancient reef structures. The Valley of Rocks also features highly fossiliferous Devonian rocks and periglacial formations from the last Ice Age.

Combe Martin is enjoyable throughout the year, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the coastline, with fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for beach activities and water sports, though it can be busier. The natural beauty, including the dramatic cliffs and coastal paths, can be appreciated in all seasons.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking natural beauty, especially the dramatic coastal scenery and the unique geology of places like the Valley of Rocks. The opportunities for scenic walks along the South West Coast Path, such as the North Walk, are highly valued. The blend of historical sites, family-friendly activities, and the charm of the village itself also contribute to a memorable experience.

Yes, Combe Martin Beach is generally considered a good spot for swimming. Its sheltered position provides protection from stronger currents and waves. The beach is a mix of shingle and pebbles, becoming sandier closer to the water. However, it's important to note that there is no lifeguard service, so care should always be taken.

While Combe Martin Beach may have some restrictions or be busy, Newberry Beach, located next to Combe Martin Beach, is known to be dog-friendly year-round, making it a great option for visitors with pets.