Guidebook for Combe Martin
Food Scene
Good food. Friendly, cosy bar. Interesting, quirky, historical building. Lovely carvery. Nice beer garden with good play area for kids (little ones will need supervision as it backs onto the river). Look out for Shammick Acoustic nights (2nd Saturday in the month for open night where all can join in, 4th Saturday for concert style, ticketed but low key events). 10 mins walk from us.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pack O'Cards Inn
High StreetGood food. Friendly, cosy bar. Interesting, quirky, historical building. Lovely carvery. Nice beer garden with good play area for kids (little ones will need supervision as it backs onto the river). Look out for Shammick Acoustic nights (2nd Saturday in the month for open night where all can join in, 4th Saturday for concert style, ticketed but low key events). 10 mins walk from us.
Nice pub right down by the beach with great food. Feels very maritime with bits of ships and divers' suits scattered around. Popular all year round with locals. Manager/chef has taken it on fairly recently and is doing great things with the menu - both traditional and new - and keen to organise events - music and other. Recent additions have been oyster nights and laver! Great carvery and well priced pub lunches and dinners. 20 to 30 minutes walk from us.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Dolphin Inn Bar & Bistro ltd
Seaside HillNice pub right down by the beach with great food. Feels very maritime with bits of ships and divers' suits scattered around. Popular all year round with locals. Manager/chef has taken it on fairly recently and is doing great things with the menu - both traditional and new - and keen to organise events - music and other. Recent additions have been oyster nights and laver! Great carvery and well priced pub lunches and dinners. 20 to 30 minutes walk from us.
Nice starting or finishing point for a walk along Heddon's Valley
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Hunters Inn
Jose's LaneNice starting or finishing point for a walk along Heddon's Valley
Great fish and chips and more. Good value and lovely people. Just opposite the beautiful old Peter Ad Vincula Church set against the rolling green hills - one of the best views I've had waiting for my dinner. If it's a nice evening there are a couple picnic tables on the green across the road with lovely backdrop. Less than 5 minutes walk from us.
TOP CHIPPY
High StreetGreat fish and chips and more. Good value and lovely people. Just opposite the beautiful old Peter Ad Vincula Church set against the rolling green hills - one of the best views I've had waiting for my dinner. If it's a nice evening there are a couple picnic tables on the green across the road with lovely backdrop. Less than 5 minutes walk from us.
Drinks & Nightlife
Busy pub popular with locals but will accept visitors! This is the place to go to watch sport I believe. I haven't eaten here but I believe they do a very nice Sunday carvery and basic pub grub other evenings. Lots of live music especially in holiday periods. Quite a nice beer garden at the back. It backs onto their car park but beyond that a lovely green, the beautiful Peter Ad Vincula Church which dates back to 13th century and the rustling River Umber. There's a very small childrens' play park a short walk away. 5 to 10 minutes walk from us.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The castle inn
High StreetBusy pub popular with locals but will accept visitors! This is the place to go to watch sport I believe. I haven't eaten here but I believe they do a very nice Sunday carvery and basic pub grub other evenings. Lots of live music especially in holiday periods. Quite a nice beer garden at the back. It backs onto their car park but beyond that a lovely green, the beautiful Peter Ad Vincula Church which dates back to 13th century and the rustling River Umber. There's a very small childrens' play park a short walk away. 5 to 10 minutes walk from us.
Entertainment & Activities
Great day out for families with young kids or anyone who likes animals dead (plastic animatronic dinosaurs) or alive (everything else from meer cats to lions) and cheesey train rides. It's set in a beautiful lush valley that feels about as jurassic as some of its residents. Some steep hills though so be prepared. They have great up close sessions in the various enclosures with lots of interesting information from passionate keepers. My favourite is probably getting into the meercat enclosure and having them scuttle around your feet during the talk. Great indoor softplay for rainy (or sunny) days too. 1 mile from us but narrow country road so best drive or bus it.
94 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Vida Silvestre y Dinosaurios de Combe Martin
Great day out for families with young kids or anyone who likes animals dead (plastic animatronic dinosaurs) or alive (everything else from meer cats to lions) and cheesey train rides. It's set in a beautiful lush valley that feels about as jurassic as some of its residents. Some steep hills though so be prepared. They have great up close sessions in the various enclosures with lots of interesting information from passionate keepers. My favourite is probably getting into the meercat enclosure and having them scuttle around your feet during the talk. Great indoor softplay for rainy (or sunny) days too. 1 mile from us but narrow country road so best drive or bus it.
Difficult to describe or classify this one but it's definitely a must do if you have kids, like kitch, enjoy manicured gardens and/or nostalgia. Inside the castle itself is a kind of victoriana plus museum with scenes of daily life as well as lots of fairground games and exhibits. Some slighty eerie dungeons and fairtale animatronics and lots of 2p slot machines. Old fashioned rides and curiosities for kids and grown-ups. Crazy gold, a maze, toboggan ride and lots more. The light and water show is truly unique! If you're here for a while or coming back you can pay a couple of quid and get re-entry for a much reduced fee (around £5 )for the whole season. 5 minute drive or bus ride from us.
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castillo de Watermouth
Difficult to describe or classify this one but it's definitely a must do if you have kids, like kitch, enjoy manicured gardens and/or nostalgia. Inside the castle itself is a kind of victoriana plus museum with scenes of daily life as well as lots of fairground games and exhibits. Some slighty eerie dungeons and fairtale animatronics and lots of 2p slot machines. Old fashioned rides and curiosities for kids and grown-ups. Crazy gold, a maze, toboggan ride and lots more. The light and water show is truly unique! If you're here for a while or coming back you can pay a couple of quid and get re-entry for a much reduced fee (around £5 )for the whole season. 5 minute drive or bus ride from us.
Hire kayaks and SUPs and hire/buy all the gear. Lessons and group outings too. They even have kennels for your less adventurous four legged friends.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Outdoor Shop & Kayak Centre
Borough RoadHire kayaks and SUPs and hire/buy all the gear. Lessons and group outings too. They even have kennels for your less adventurous four legged friends.
Hire kayaks and SUPs and hire/buy all the gear. Lessons and group outings too. I have not hired from here but have chatted to them about taking my son out. They are very friendly and helpful.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Surfside Kayak Hire
Borough RoadHire kayaks and SUPs and hire/buy all the gear. Lessons and group outings too. I have not hired from here but have chatted to them about taking my son out. They are very friendly and helpful.
Not too busy, lots to do for younger kids, good value and fun.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Not too busy, lots to do for younger kids, good value and fun.
La Gran Oveja.
Abbotsham RoadThe Ilfracombe Aquarium
The QuayExmoor Zoo
I love this cinema. It gets all the main films and a few more. It's REALLY reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly. Pop over to Jonny C's Diner opposite for pancakes and milkshake and that's your rainy afternoon sorted.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Embassy Cinema Ilfracombe
134 High StI love this cinema. It gets all the main films and a few more. It's REALLY reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly. Pop over to Jonny C's Diner opposite for pancakes and milkshake and that's your rainy afternoon sorted.
Parks & Nature
Great beach. At its best when the tide is out in my opinion as the shoreline is nicer sand, views slightly more stunning than when the tide's in. Also it reveals the causeway and hundreds of rockpools - some deep enough to jump in and others just for exploring. Tide in or out though it's a very family friendly beach that's nice and sheltered for swimming (no big waves like woolacombe etc) with sand, some stones in areas, lots of rocks for climbing or admiring. Kayaking and SUP/paddleboarding are extremely popular from here and there are 2 really good hire shops just back from the beach. Possibly better for beginners when tide is in. 20 to 30 minutes walk from us or a few minutes drive/bus.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park
WoodlandsGreat beach. At its best when the tide is out in my opinion as the shoreline is nicer sand, views slightly more stunning than when the tide's in. Also it reveals the causeway and hundreds of rockpools - some deep enough to jump in and others just for exploring. Tide in or out though it's a very family friendly beach that's nice and sheltered for swimming (no big waves like woolacombe etc) with sand, some stones in areas, lots of rocks for climbing or admiring. Kayaking and SUP/paddleboarding are extremely popular from here and there are 2 really good hire shops just back from the beach. Possibly better for beginners when tide is in. 20 to 30 minutes walk from us or a few minutes drive/bus.
Stunning section of the South West Coast path. Takes in Little Hangmans - highest sea cliff in England - and much more. Green as a green thing ! (can't tag this section of the South West Coast Path on here)
Little Hangman
Stunning section of the South West Coast path. Takes in Little Hangmans - highest sea cliff in England - and much more. Green as a green thing ! (can't tag this section of the South West Coast Path on here)
Stunning long sandy beach with a lively surf break and impressive dunes. Has been voted tripadvisor's favourite beach in the UK a couple of times within the last 5 years. The beach itself is thankfully buidling-less although in summer there are a couple of mobile food stalls allowed on. Plenty of eateries nearby though. Not a lot of shops here but one or two to browse local art work and surf attire, etc. There's a very small amusement park too with crazy golf, go carts and the like. One section of the beach is open to dogs in the summer but the whole place is dogwalkers heaven off-season. Area near carparks (and lifeguards) gets really busy on bank holidays and hot summers day.
177 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Woolacombe
Stunning long sandy beach with a lively surf break and impressive dunes. Has been voted tripadvisor's favourite beach in the UK a couple of times within the last 5 years. The beach itself is thankfully buidling-less although in summer there are a couple of mobile food stalls allowed on. Plenty of eateries nearby though. Not a lot of shops here but one or two to browse local art work and surf attire, etc. There's a very small amusement park too with crazy golf, go carts and the like. One section of the beach is open to dogs in the summer but the whole place is dogwalkers heaven off-season. Area near carparks (and lifeguards) gets really busy on bank holidays and hot summers day.
Lovely sandy beach and dunes famous for surfing. Nearby (Ruda) holiday park with fun swimming pool (Cascades) and other facilities open to public.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Croyde Beach
Lovely sandy beach and dunes famous for surfing. Nearby (Ruda) holiday park with fun swimming pool (Cascades) and other facilities open to public.
Great if you're looking for a beach with a twist. You have to pay to access this beach through the old and beautifully renovated victorian tunnels but it's not too expensive and worth it for a change. There's a tidal pool left over from the days of victorian bathing and you will see where they had seperate gentleman's and ladies beaches. I like spending a few hours here so you can see how it changes with the incoming or outging tide. Lots of rock pools and rocky outcrops to explore too. You can hire deckchairs and there's a nice cafe and toilets there too.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playas de Túneles
Bath PlaceGreat if you're looking for a beach with a twist. You have to pay to access this beach through the old and beautifully renovated victorian tunnels but it's not too expensive and worth it for a change. There's a tidal pool left over from the days of victorian bathing and you will see where they had seperate gentleman's and ladies beaches. I like spending a few hours here so you can see how it changes with the incoming or outging tide. Lots of rock pools and rocky outcrops to explore too. You can hire deckchairs and there's a nice cafe and toilets there too.
Broadsands Beach
Sssh this is a secret one
There's a beach and then there's another - sometimes hidden - beach. Lush black sand and rocky when the tide's out. The second one is more easily accessed when the tide is out so bear that in mind if you plan to stay for a while. Seals are often sighted here but probably not so much in the summer. Lee is a lovely village and the beach is a nice short and gentle walk through a shady meadow from the village 'centre' (church, village hall, pub, post office) or a more impressive but manageable 3 mile walk along South West Coast Path from ilfracombe. We did it with my 8 year old reluctant walker of a son and it was do-able and very rewarding to get to the end and jump in the sea.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lee Bay Beaches
There's a beach and then there's another - sometimes hidden - beach. Lush black sand and rocky when the tide's out. The second one is more easily accessed when the tide is out so bear that in mind if you plan to stay for a while. Seals are often sighted here but probably not so much in the summer. Lee is a lovely village and the beach is a nice short and gentle walk through a shady meadow from the village 'centre' (church, village hall, pub, post office) or a more impressive but manageable 3 mile walk along South West Coast Path from ilfracombe. We did it with my 8 year old reluctant walker of a son and it was do-able and very rewarding to get to the end and jump in the sea.
Just stunning. Connections with the Romantic Poets...and the Lynton Goats
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Valle de las Rocas
South West Coast PathJust stunning. Connections with the Romantic Poets...and the Lynton Goats
A beach full of bolders....with a river running and jumping through it. Very beautiful. Not for swimming though. Nice at the end of the very manageable 1 mile or so walk along the river starting from Hunters Inn / Heddon Valley National Trust shop.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Heddon's Mouth
A beach full of bolders....with a river running and jumping through it. Very beautiful. Not for swimming though. Nice at the end of the very manageable 1 mile or so walk along the river starting from Hunters Inn / Heddon Valley National Trust shop.
Exmoor
Where do I start...
Not sure if this is a beach or a hiking trial but it's certainly got lots of dunes, very big ones. Really nice walks with interesting wildlife. It's not uncommon to spot adders here and I'm sure they'll be lots of other critters if you look hard enough. You can get to the beach this way but I've never made it that far!
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Braunton Burrows
Not sure if this is a beach or a hiking trial but it's certainly got lots of dunes, very big ones. Really nice walks with interesting wildlife. It's not uncommon to spot adders here and I'm sure they'll be lots of other critters if you look hard enough. You can get to the beach this way but I've never made it that far!
I've never actually been to this apparently stunning stretch of beach but I've heard it is well worth it and do intend to get there soon! Sand, sea, surf....
195 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saunton Sands
I've never actually been to this apparently stunning stretch of beach but I've heard it is well worth it and do intend to get there soon! Sand, sea, surf....
Everything Else
Combe Martin Osteopathy
Victoria StreetThis is me!
Getting Around
Nearest train station. It's about 1/2 drive from us by car/taxi and about an hour by bus.
Rail Station
Nearest train station. It's about 1/2 drive from us by car/taxi and about an hour by bus.