Combe Martin Beach

Combe Martin is a village beach: a sheltered cove with shingle at the top and sand lower down, shops and cafes around it, and rock pools to search at low tide. It suits a half-day with children or a stop on the South West Coast Path rather than a full day on open sand. The village of Combe Martin is about four miles east of Ilfracombe, on the north-west edge of Exmoor National Park.

The beach

The beach is mostly shingle and pebbles that become more sandy towards the water. There are many rock pools on either side, and the sheltered position protects it from particularly strong currents or waves. The village sits within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the Hangman hills just east of the bay.

Swimming

There is no lifeguard service at Combe Martin Beach. Take extra care before entering the water, and avoid swimming in rough or unfamiliar conditions. If you want RNLI cover, Woolacombe has seasonal lifeguard patrols.

Dogs

Combe Martin is a privately owned beach with site-specific dog controls, restricting access between 1 May and 30 September. The landowner is Combe Martin Parish Council. Those controls are enforceable under the council’s Public Spaces Protection Order, so signs at the beach are the guide for your dates. A dog-friendly holiday here works best outside that window.

Parking and facilities

A large car park sits above the beach, with a public toilet and stairs for direct access to the sand. A second, smaller car park serves the adjacent Newberry Beach. There are shops and cafes around the beach.