Combe Martin
A steep valley village 10 miles east of Woolacombe, with a sheltered bay, rock pools and a wildlife park — worth a half-day from your Woolacombe base.
Day trip
A different side of North Devon
Combe Martin is a linear coastal village where the main street runs down a valley to a small sheltered bay. It feels very different from Woolacombe: less open-sand resort, more old North Devon village, with a harbour feel, cliffs, rock pools and landmarks that suit a slow wander.
For Woolacombe visitors, Combe Martin works best as a half-day trip, or as one stop in a coastal day with Ilfracombe. Woolacombe is the place for wide sand and surf. Combe Martin is better for a compact village walk, a family attraction, low-tide rock-pooling and a glimpse of the tighter coast towards Exmoor.
Village
Pack o' Cards and the village walk
The Pack o' Cards is Combe Martin's best-known landmark: a distinctive historic building on the village street, built around 1690 by George Ley after a successful run at cards. Local history records its design as reflecting a pack, with four floors for the suits, 13 rooms per suit and 52 windows or stairs for the cards in a pack.
Treat those card-number details as part of the local story rather than the main reason to visit. The useful point is that the building gives Combe Martin a memorable landmark away from the beach and hints at the village's older, quirkier character. A short walk along the village street gives a clear sense of the valley sides and the way the settlement drops towards the sea.
Main attractions
Wildlife park or beach: plan your visit around both
Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is the main family draw inland from the bay. The park runs a full season with daily opening from late March 2026. Check the park's current page before travelling as times, ticketing and seasonal details change.
For families staying around Woolacombe, the park is the clearest reason to make Combe Martin more than a quick beach stop. It gives the trip a planned anchor, especially for children who want animals, dinosaurs and play areas rather than another viewpoint. Decide whether the park is your main event, then add the bay before or after depending on tide, weather and energy levels.
Beach and rock pools
Combe Martin beach is a small sheltered cove rather than a surf beach. At high tide it is more pebbly and compact. At low tide, more sand appears and the rocky edges become the interesting part, with excellent rock pools in the outcrops on the right-hand side.
Rocks can be slippery and children need close supervision around the pools and slipway. If rock-pooling is the main aim, check tide times before leaving Woolacombe and use the rock-pooling guide for what to bring and when to go.
Getting there
From Woolacombe to Combe Martin
The drive from Woolacombe to Combe Martin is about 15.8 km (just under 10 miles) and takes around 18 to 19 minutes in free-flowing conditions. The route uses the B3343 out of Woolacombe, then the A3123 towards Combe Martin, before dropping into the village on Ridge Hill and Rectory Road.
In real visitor time, allow about 20 minutes before parking, summer traffic or slow village sections. If you are new to North Devon lanes, leave a buffer rather than stacking the day too tightly. Toilets, shops and parking are close behind the beach at the village end.
Plan your day
Pairing Combe Martin with a North Devon day
Combe Martin is strongest as part of a varied North Devon day rather than a full replacement for Woolacombe. One easy plan is Woolacombe in the morning, Combe Martin for the park or rock pools, then Ilfracombe for a harbour walk. Another is to start with Ilfracombe, continue east to Combe Martin, then return to Woolacombe for an evening beach walk if the weather holds.
If you are staying for several days, group trips by direction: Braunton and the dunes one day, Ilfracombe and Combe Martin another.
- Day trips from Woolacombe for a full overview of options
- Ilfracombe guide, which pairs naturally with a Combe Martin visit
- Nearby beaches explains why Combe Martin feels different from Croyde and Saunton
- Woolacombe for walkers covers coast-and-village holiday planning
- Braunton for the western side of a two-direction North Devon itinerary
FAQ
Common questions
Is Combe Martin worth visiting from Woolacombe?
Yes, if you want a quieter coastal village, a sheltered bay, rock pools and a different feel from Woolacombe. It is not a substitute for Woolacombe's wide sandy surf beach, but it is a worthwhile short day trip that suits most itineraries.
How far is Combe Martin from Woolacombe?
About 15.8 km (just under 10 miles), with an estimated drive time of around 18 to 19 minutes before traffic and parking. Allow 20 minutes in practice, especially in summer.
Is Combe Martin beach good for surfing?
No. Combe Martin is a sheltered cove suited to beach pottering, rock-pooling and harbour views. For surf, Woolacombe is the right choice. See the surf guide for conditions and beginner options.
What is the best thing to do with children in Combe Martin?
For many families, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is the main planned attraction. If the tide is suitable, add a short rock-pooling stop at the beach before or after. Check tide times before you go.