Combe Martin Beach
Combe Martin beach, on the North Devon coast is set in an attractive location just below the small resort village which gives it its name. It is flanked by some of the highest sea cliffs in England, which go towards earning its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The beach itself is a mixture of mostly shingle and pebbles, but it becomes more sandy as you approach the water. It’s a great location for swimming as its sheltered position means that it’s protected from particularly strong currents or waves. However, there is no lifeguard service so care should be taken.
Combe Martin is also a great place to come with children and there are many rock pools to either side of the beach that they will likely find interesting.
The beach is a good walk from the centre of Combe Martin but there is a large car park above the beach, which has a public toilet and stairs allowing direct access. There is another small car park by the adjacent Newberry Beach. Around the beach there are various shops and cafes.
Type of beach
Sand & rock
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1st May and 30th September, but are allowed during the winter months.
Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant
- Town centre nearby
- Shop
- Pub nearby
Nearest town
Postcode
EX34 0DJ
OS grid ref.
SS 5773 4730
Parking
Pay car parks in town
Water quality
Submit a correction
Combe Martin Beach Reviews
Thankfully very little parking!
Dicky
Jul 03rd 2020Quite a lot of stones and pebbles at the top of the beach, but lower down, in particular when the tide goes out beyond a pile of rocks called the Weir, there is a delightful sandy beach in a picturesque bay protected by the impressive cliffs of Little and Great Hangman to the east and the rolling headlands of Berrynarbour and Watermouth to the west. Despite what others would have you believe, the water quality is usually fine (so long as there hasn’t been a downpour the day before) and safe for swimming and kayaking, the latter supported by two fine shops in the village (they lead tours to distant coves and caves). Surrounding the bay are some of the most extensive and pretty footpaths in the North of Devon. As a resident, I’m thankful that this beach is never too busy because there is little parking and no noisy amusements arcades, just a very decent chip shop, family friendly pubs and other excellent food outlets.
Delightful village and beach!
CM Rhone
Nov 18th 2023Very friendly community situated in an AONB and bordering Exmoor. I visit every year and join in with local festivities.
Fab four days
Aldonna
Jun 15th 2023Went during covid had the best time so much going back this month for three days great place little gem
Edward T
Sep 24th 2019A lovely beach with lots to do that is overlooked by many because of misleading water quality reporting and minimal parking. Well worth a visit to the beach and surrounding countryside.
Don't believe the press!
A little gem in the heart of the beautiful North Devon coast that thankfully (I’m a resident) most will pass by. Yes, it has had some water problems in the past thanks to local water boards incompetancy, but thankfully this is all in the past. You can enjoy safe bathing, kayaking, rock pooling in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Plenty of places to eat and drink nearby but sparse car parking near to the beach.