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Lynton & Lynmouth Accommodation
Rockpools galore at Combe Martin near Lynton & Lynmouth
Chill out at one of the many delightful pubs and inns at Combe Martin
Family friendly North Devon Coast at Combe Martin, near Lynton
The Combe Martin Coast - sublime viewsCombe Martin Tourist Information, West Exmoor National Park, North Devon UK
Combe Martin is simply idyllic. To the east of Ilfracombe on the coast, and further into the Exmoor National Park sits Combe Martin, a charming little coastal village base. Here you'll see some of the most breath-taking coastal views in the UK, no joke. And so convenient for Exmoor as well. It's a walker's paradise round here, with ample charming pubs and specialist shops.
Combe Martin offers a choice of accommodation in it's sheltered harbour, with two main headlands - Great and Little Hangman. There's a lovely little picture postcard cove beach and numerous secluded bays off the main beach. If you're looking for quiet, serene coastal beauty, superb walking, charming pubs and easy access to Exmoor head to Combe Martin!
Combe Martin - Gateway to Exmoor
There's a very well stocked tourist information centre in Combe Martin, serving as the gateway tourist information point for Exmoor. You'll find plenty of information here on both the North Devon Coast and Exmoor National Park. They've some old traditions here. If you happen to be staying in Combe Martin on the Spring Bank Holiday watch out for the annual ceremony of 'Hunting of the Earl of Rone Festival'. Great fun involving the reinactment of an old legend. Locals get dressed up as grenadiers or drummers and musicians and parade through the streets behind a Hobby Horse in hunt of the Earl, who sits backwards on a donkey! When the Earl is found he's shot (not really!), put back on his donkey and plonked in the sea!
With a nod to it's history of strawberry production, Combe Martin also holds a Strawberry Fayre in mid-June every year in celebration of the strawberry season. There are a selection of farms in the area which grow strawberries still, and you can go along and pick your own! Other Festivals include the Combe Martin Music and Comedy Festival in the first week of July every year and a carnival in August. Get all the details and dates on this choice range of festivals from Combe Martin's Tourist Information Centre.
Two thirds of Exmoor National Park is in Somerset, but one third is in Devon and Combe Martin sits on the western tip of Exmoor. What you've got in Combe Martin then is a spectacular cliff coastline, backed on by beautiful moorland and valleys or combes (hence Combe Martin's name!). Combe Martin then is the perfect walker base, with access to the spectacular North Devon Coast and South West Path Way, and bonus, the Tarka Trail passes through Combe Martin. You can take various walks into Exmoor National Park itself, and you're less than an hour's drive to Malmesmead and Oare, the areas where R.D. Blackmore set his famous novel 'Lorna Doone'!
Combe Martin's main street which is said to be just over two miles long is crammed with attractive inns, cafes and shops, including the 17th century inn the 'Pack O' Cards Inn. Combe Martin is famous for it's history of both hemp and strawberry growing, plus much mining took place round here including silver mining in the 16th century. Check out both the small local museum in Combe Martin's centre, plus the 12th Century parish church.
Berrynarbor Near Combe Martin
If time, there's a beautiful little village, Berrynarbor, just near Combe Martin in the Sterridge Valley. There's plenty to see and do here, especially for fans of gardens. There's a 15th century Manor Hall and a 12th Century Church to visit and of course the hub is an old village put which is very popular with both visitors and locals. There's lots of free parking too!
Watermouth Castle, and the delightful Watermouth Cove with it's many rockpools is nearby and easily accessible from Combe Martin via the South West Coast Path.
Combe Martin Pubs and Attractions
Watermouth Castle Family Theme Park, Watermouth Castle, Nr Ilfracombe. Tel: 01271 867474
The Pack O'Cards Family Pub & Museum, High Street, Combe Martin, North Devon. EX34 0ET. Tel: 01271 882300. Check their weblink also the the right for full details. Great food and ale, and vegetarians are very well catered for! Check out also The Roya Marine, overlooking Combe Martin Bay, Tel: 01271 882470. Offers excellent food and real ales, keg beers and stout. The Castle Inn, High Street, Combe Martin has been listed in the CAMRA Good food guide and has a large adjacent car park, beer garden and offers an extensive menu with Sunday Roasts. Tel: 01271 883706, and check out their website to the right!
Ye Olde Globe, Berrynarbor dates back to 1674, and is open all year, 7 days a week offering superb food and ale, with a family room and play area. Tel: 01271 882465
There are a number of Toy Museums across the country, notably Cockermouth in the Lake District, and there's another excellent one here in Combe Martin. There's an excellent selection of toys here dating back to the 1950s. Wonder Years Toy Museum, Seaside, Combe Martin, EX34 0AW. Tel: 01271 889277. For a great cafe, call in at The Harbour House Cafe in Combe Martin, Tel: 01271 882918 for some great Devonshire cream teas, plus a full menu every day and Sunday roasts served. It's licensed as well, plus children welcome.
Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre
Combe Martin Tourist Information and Visitor Centre, Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon. EX34 0DH. Tel: 01271 883319
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