The Best Attractions Within 30 Miles of Combe Martin
- Bryan Cath
- May 1
- 3 min read
Staying in Combe Martin puts you right between the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park and the dramatic North Devon coastline. With beaches, moorland, gardens, wildlife parks, and family attractions all close by, it’s one of the best bases for exploring the region. Every place listed below is within roughly a 30‑mile drive — perfect for day trips during your stay.
Explore Exmoor National Park
Exmoor begins just outside the village, offering rugged landscapes, deep valleys, and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the UK. For more walking ideas, see our Walking section.
Valley of Rocks (20 mins)
A dramatic coastal valley near Lynton, famous for its towering rock formations and resident feral goats. Great for short walks and photography.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway (20 mins)
Britain’s only water‑powered cliff railway links the harbour at Lynmouth with the clifftop village of Lynton. A must‑do for views over the bay.
Watersmeet (25 mins)
A beautiful National Trust gorge where two rivers meet. Woodland trails, riverside walks, and a tearoom make it ideal for a peaceful half‑day out.
Heddon Valley (15 mins)
A deep wooded valley leading to a rocky cove. Excellent for walking, wildlife spotting, and cream teas at the Hunter’s Inn.
Dunkery Beacon (35 mins)
Exmoor’s highest point, offering panoramic views across the moor and the Bristol Channel.
North Devon’s Best Beaches
Woolacombe Beach (20 mins)
Three miles of golden sand, excellent surf, and plenty of space for families. Regularly voted one of the UK’s best beaches.
Croyde Bay (25 mins)
A favourite with surfers, with a lively village atmosphere, coastal walks, and great pubs.
Saunton Sands (30 mins)
A vast, sweeping beach backed by the UNESCO‑protected Braunton Burrows dune system. Perfect for long walks and sunsets.
Ilfracombe (10 mins)
Explore the harbour, see Damien Hirst’s Verity, visit Tunnels Beaches, or enjoy the town’s growing food scene. See our Videos pages for more ideas.
Family-Friendly Days Out
You’ll find plenty of options for all ages. See our Attractions page for more ideas.
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park (5 mins)
A local favourite with animals, dinosaur trails, indoor play, and a beautiful valley setting.
Exmoor Zoo (20 mins)
Home of the famous “Exmoor Beast” along with a wide range of animals and daily keeper talks.
The Big Sheep (35 mins)
Sheep racing, rollercoasters, indoor play, and seasonal events — great for younger families.
The Milky Way Adventure Park (40 mins)
A full day out with rides, shows, birds of prey, and soft play.
Gardens, Heritage & Culture
For more gardens and historic sites, see our Gardens and Attractions sections.
Arlington Court & Carriage Museum (15 mins)
A National Trust estate with a Victorian house, formal gardens, woodland walks, and one of the world’s largest collections of historic carriages.
Marwood Hill Gardens (20 mins)
A peaceful 20‑acre private garden with lakes, rare plants, and a lovely tearoom.
RHS Rosemoor (35 mins)
A world‑class garden near Torrington with seasonal displays, woodland walks, and events throughout the year.
Dunster Castle & Village (40 mins)
A medieval village with a castle perched above it, plus a working watermill and charming independent shops.
Outdoor Adventures
Combe Martin is a dream location for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
South West Coast Path
From the village you can walk east toward the Hangman Hills — the highest sea cliffs in England — or west toward Ilfracombe. Both routes offer unforgettable scenery.
Lundy Island (via Ilfracombe, 10 mins)
Take a day trip by boat to this wild island sanctuary known for puffins, seals, and dramatic cliffs. Check our Videos page for footage of the coastline.
Why Combe Martin Makes the Perfect Base
Within a short drive you can reach beaches, moorland, gardens, wildlife parks, historic villages, and some of the most dramatic coastline in the UK. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a walking break, or a peaceful coastal escape, Combe Martin puts everything within easy reach.
