dogs enjoying the beach (AI generated) Beach Dogs Allowed? Notes Newberry Beach ✔️ All year Quiet, great for walks, close to village Wild Pear Beach ✔️ All year Remote, steep, difficult access, stunning scenery Combe Martin Main Beach ❌ May–Sept ✔️ Oct–Apr Family‑friendly bay with seasonal rules, rockpools Watermouth Bay ✔️ All year 2 miles from village, on coast path, shingle, check tide times Combe Martin is one of North Devon’s most welcoming spots for dog‑loving beachgoers, and the mix of coves, rock pools, and the coast path makes it a brilliant place to explore with four paws in tow. This guide gives you a clear picture of where dogs are welcome, what the seasonal rules are, and why Combe Martin is such a great base for dog‑friendly adventures. Newberry Beach – dog-friendly, year‑round favourite Newberry Beach sits just east of the main bay and is a quiet, pebbly cove that locals love. Dogs are welcome all year Plenty of space at low tide Great rock pools and a relaxed atmosphere Easy access to the South West Coast Path for longer walks If visitors want a peaceful stroll without worrying about restrictions, this is the go‑to beach. Wild Pear Beach – remote and spectacular For adventurous walkers (and confident dogs), Wild Pear is a stunning, secluded cove reached via a steep coastal path. Dogs allowed all year Dramatic scenery and crystal‑clear water A proper “hidden gem” feel Naturist beach It’s not suitable for everyone due to the steep, difficult descent, but for fit walkers it’s unforgettable. Watermouth Bay – a sheltered, picturesque harbour Dogs are allowed year‑round. There are no seasonal restrictions. It’s a sheltered tidal cove, so space varies a lot depending on the tide. 2-mile drive from Combe Martin, or follow the South West Coast Path for a scenic walk. 🐕 Main Combe Martin Beach – seasonal dog rules The main beach is the centre of village life, with cafés, shops, and calm waters perfect for paddling. It’s also where the seasonal dog restrictions apply: Dogs allowed: 1 October – 30 April Dogs not allowed: 1 May – 30 September These rules help keep the beach family‑friendly during the busy summer months, but outside the holiday season it becomes a brilliant dog‑walking spot with stretches of sand at low tide. 🌞 Why dog owners love Combe Martin Miles of coastal paths straight from the village Rock‑pooling beaches that dogs find endlessly fascinating Dog‑friendly pubs and cafés nearby Sheltered coves ideal for relaxed walks Easy parking and facilities close to the shoreline Even in summer, when the main beach has restrictions, there are still great options within walking distance. 🌊Final thoughts Combe Martin strikes a lovely balance: a lively, family‑friendly main beach in summer, and peaceful, dog‑friendly coves all year round. Whether you want a gentle stroll, a wild coastal hike, or a quiet spot to sit and watch the waves, there’s always somewhere to explore with your dog by your side.

The 'Obby 'Orse and dancers in the procession A stay in Combe Martin over the May Bank Holiday puts you right at the heart of one of Britain’s most distinctive folk traditions: The Hunting of the Earl of Rone. This four‑day celebration is unique to the village and has deep roots in local legend and pre‑Christian seasonal rites. The official programme for 2026 confirms the full weekend of processions and ceremonies, all of which draw huge crowds and involve the whole community. 🌿 The Story Behind the Earl of Rone The custom centres on the mysterious “Earl of Rone”, long said to be based on the Earl of Tyrone who fled Ireland in 1607. But comparisons with European traditions suggest the ritual is far older, echoing ancient seasonal ceremonies marking renewal, rebirth, and the turning of the year. The tradition was celebrated annually until 1837, then revived in 1970 using written accounts from villagers who remembered the old ceremony. Today it is firmly re‑established as a living part of Combe Martin’s identity. 🎉 What Happens Over the May Bank Holiday? The Earl of Rone celebrations unfold across four days, each with its own character and rituals. In 2026, the dates fall from Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May. The Hunting of the Earl of Rone Friday – Drums Procession (7:00 pm) The weekend begins with a rhythmic procession through the village, led by the drummers who set the tone for the days ahead. Saturday – Children’s Day (11:00 am) A family‑friendly procession where local children take centre stage. It’s colourful, noisy, and one of the most joyful parts of the weekend. Sunday – Full Procession (1:30 pm) The main spectacle begins. The Grenadiers, Hobby Horse, Fool, villagers, and musicians parade through Combe Martin in search of the Earl. This is the biggest day for visitors. Monday – The Capture of the Earl (6:00 pm) The dramatic finale. The Earl is repeatedly “captured”, “shot”, and revived as the procession winds through the village, ending on the beach where he is finally sent into the sea. This closing ritual is one of the most iconic moments of the entire tradition. 👪 A Community Effort The event is organised by the Earl of Rone Council, with rehearsals, planning meetings, and village‑wide involvement. Even the children’s rehearsals are scheduled well in advance at the Village Hall. The whole village comes alive with music, costumes, and centuries‑old symbolism. For visitors, it’s a rare chance to witness a folk tradition that has survived, disappeared, and been lovingly revived. 🏖️ Why Visit During Earl of Rone Weekend? It’s one of the most distinctive folk customs in the UK. The atmosphere in Combe Martin is unlike any other time of year. The processions offer fantastic photography opportunities. Local businesses, pubs, and cafés join in the celebrations. It’s a perfect blend of history, myth, and community spirit.

Watersmeet, where East Lyn and Hoar Oak rivers meet 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.

A popular bus service running across the Exmoor National Park will return to Devon and Somerset at the end of May. The Exmoor Explorer (formerly the Exmoor Coaster) runs during the summer months, providing regular double-decker services between Blue Anchor and Ilfracombe via Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth and Combe Martin. Stagecoach South West says that the service will be back from Sunday, May 24 (just before the Spring Bank Holiday), with the full timetable expected to be published shortly. The double-deckers used on the Exmoor Explorer route are typically closed roof in May and June, with open-top services beginning in July and August. The Exmoor Explorer service will be subject to the government's bus fare cap, meaning that any single journey of whatever distance will cost a maximum of £3 per passenger. The entire route is dog-friendly and accepts English national concessionary travel passes. This service not only offers breathtaking views and a unique travel experience but offers residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of our region in a sustainable and enjoyable way. The Exmoor Explorer above Porlock Bay

This is a tale of love. Love that comes from the residents of a little coastal town called Combe Martin. As with all good stories this one starts with a tale of woe but keep reading and you’ll see how much a community who cares can give a story a happy ending. We have all heard how humans are polluting their sea with environmentally unfriendly products, waste and general hazards of modern day living. Well, Combe Martin had another pollution battle against the River Umber which flows down the valley gathering natural pollutants from the hills, farmers’ fields and grasslands all ending up in our bay and floating out to sea. Now you may not realise that the salt in seawater is the seas natural defence against these natural pollutants and when the tide was out in the bay the contents of the River Umber diluted the seas natural defence and the pollutants won. This made the residents sad, and they wanted to help the sea, but what could they do, fighting nature is a difficult thing, she’s a mighty force but when two natural things are duelling sometimes humans have to step in. As any organised person will tell you, the best thing to do is form a group and this one was called Combe Martin Water Watch Group, a catchy name. They called a public meeting in the Village Hall and the response was overwhelming, with standing room only. Their hearts were filled with joy to realise that other residents were concerned too, and they knew then that they would have a formidable army.   That was the start of a whole avalanche of organisations rushing to help our sea.  South West Water upgraded our sewage system and reconfigured their working practices. They gave out free smart water butts to residents that emptied themselves when rain was due so that they could collect more when it arrived…. How did this help you may ask… well the rain falls into our river, making the level rise and makes it flow faster, increasing the volume of pollutants arriving at the beach at the same time. By collecting some of that rain in smart water butts and letting it release gradually back into the rivers when no rain is due prevents this. Genius! Natural England got involved helping our farmers keep their cattle away from the sections of the river that flowed through their land. They also planted hundreds of trees to help reduce the speed of the fast-flowing water off the hillsides that surround our valleys. The children from Combe Martin School got involved by designing a sticker reminding people that only the 3 P’s (pee, poo and paper) should go in their loos.  South West Water paid for 10,000 to be printed and they were distributed to B&B’s, self-catering units and public toilets to raise awareness to people who visited. After all they come here because it is so beautiful, they needed to know we were doing all we could to keep our sea healthy. North Devon Biosphere Reserve Partnership arranged for students from Exeter University to monitor our rivers, highlighting key problem areas so that they can be swiftly dealt with. Then came the wonderful volunteers who make up the Combe Martin Clean Beach group. With over 30 members they go out daily collecting all manner of rubbish, some you wouldn’t believe! And finally, our wonderful council members arranged for the seaweed to be collected, as this can be harmful in large quantities as well as providing a safe place for those nasty plastic bits we all hear about on the news. It does however make great compost and that’s what the council do with it.  Finally, after several years of hard work and effort the residents of Combe Martin got the news they had longed to hear. Combe Martin now has one of the cleanest beaches in the southwest peninsular. This made them very happy, and they patted each other on the back for coming together and helping our bit of the sea be happy again. Now I know that not everyone believes in fairy tales with happy endings, so if you’re a facts and figures person here’s the link to the figures from the EA website https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/profile.html?site=ukk4304-34700 clearly show the improvements made over the last four years.  Our efforts will continue, and we are very hopeful that our rating will become ‘excellent’ for 2024. Philippa Shone Combe Martin Resident Please note: Pollution Risk Forecasts tend to be triggered by rainfall raising the flow in our river temporarily. They do not necessarily imply that our seawater is polluted, just less salty at certain states of tide.

Introduction: Nestled on the picturesque North Devon coastline, Combe Martin is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an action-packed getaway, Combe Martin has something for everyone. Here's our guide to the top 10 things to do when staying in Combe Martin: Explore Combe Martin Bay: Kickstart your visit by taking a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores of Combe Martin Bay. The scenic beauty of the coastline, complemented by the gentle waves, creates a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding and taking in the fresh sea breeze. Wildlife Safari at Exmoor Zoo: Just a short drive away, Exmoor Zoo provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with wildlife. From endangered species to exotic creatures, the zoo offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Coastal Walks along the South West Coast Path: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a journey along the South West Coast Path. The breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel and rugged cliffs make for an unforgettable hiking experience. Visit the Watermouth Castle: Immerse yourself in history by exploring Watermouth Castle, a Victorian castle that boasts beautiful gardens, a theme park, and a treasure trove of historical artifacts. It's a delightful attraction for families and history enthusiasts alike. Seaside Dining: Indulge your taste buds in the local seafood delicacies that Combe Martin has to offer. Many seaside restaurants and pubs serve fresh catches, providing a delectable dining experience with a view. Rockpooling at Newberry Beach: Engage in a hands-on experience with nature by exploring the rock pools at Newberry Beach. Discover fascinating marine life, from crabs to colourful sea anemones, making it an entertaining and educational activity for all ages. Water Sports at Combe Martin Beach: Thrill-seekers can take advantage of the various water sports available at Combe Martin Beach. From kayaking to paddleboarding, there's no shortage of aquatic adventures to be had. Discover the Wildlife at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park: For a family-friendly day out, visit the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Encounter life-sized dinosaur replicas, get up close with meerkats, and enjoy interactive exhibits that make learning about wildlife fun. Attend a Local Event: Check the local events calendar to see if there are any festivals, markets, or community events happening during your stay. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and connect with residents. Sunset at Hangman Hills: Conclude your visit by witnessing the breathtaking sunset from Hangman Hills. The panoramic views of the countryside and the sea create a magical moment that will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories. Conclusion: Combe Martin is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, offering a diverse range of activities for every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, this coastal village has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready to make the most of your stay in Combe Martin!

The sea temperature today at Combe Martin is 8°C – let’s swim! Are you a mad swimmer? On most days of the year, if you go to Combe Martin beach, especially at high tide, you will find a group of us ladies cavorting in the sea. Most mornings, in fact, I awake to the sound of my phone pinging me a WhatsApp message, “Is anyone swimming today?” And it’s so hard to resist the call. We are a hardy swimming group in Combe Martin, known as the Devon Belles, and we love to swim all year round. Yes, even when the sea temperature is 8°C! It’s addictive. And we Devon Belles love it. There is a real sense of community in our group – how can there not be? You can nearly always find another mad person who wants to swim. Whenever the sun shines, even on cold days, my phone goes crazy with requests to swim. The hardiest swimmers, however, do not need the sun – they just need to swim. And I’m very lucky as I live in Combe Martin, and I can throw my stuff in a bag and be in the sea within 10 minutes. In recent years, open-water swimming – or cold-water swimming or wild swimming, call it what you may – has become very popular all over the country. There are a whole raft of books detailing places to swim in lakes, rivers or the sea. And in fact many people now even have barrels in their gardens where they can dip their bodies into cold water in the open air; I think we can thank Wim Hof for that! For me and many others, Combe Martin bay is the ideal place to swim for so many reasons. It’s easy to access the beach, and if you’re visiting there is a really convenient, reasonably priced car park. In the winter, the car park is vital, as we can swim in the cold, get dressed and warm, and be back home in minutes. We have lovely clean water and the beach slopes very gently, so there are no surprises as you enter the water. Along the central part of the beach, there are no rocks to crash into or stub your toe on. The sea is different every day. Sometimes it’s flat and shimmers, sometimes there are small waves, and sometimes there are huge waves and it’s not a good idea to go in. At low tide, there is a lovely expanse of sand beyond the ‘weir’ and the water is shallow and beautiful. At high tide, the sea is high up the beach, and you can quickly be in water deep enough to swim in. There’s a webcam, so you can see what the sea is doing at any particular moment: https://www.camsecure.co.uk/combe_martin_webcam.html If you want to start open-water swimming, it’s a good idea to begin by swimming in the summer when it’s a little warmer and then continue on into the autumn and winter. If you swim often in the sea, your body does acclimatise, and you can stay in comfortably. It’s often advised that you should only stay in for 1 minute for every degree of temperature, so 8°C equals 8 minutes in the water. However, you can get the same exhilaration from just going in and splashing around for 2 minutes. When you first get into the water, it’s best to get in slowly, as diving in to cold water headfirst can cause problems. Go slowly. There’s no rush. Just enjoy the feeling. And if you’re a beginner, stay close to the shore and within your depth. When you get out, be aware of the phenomenon called ‘after-drop’. Your body will continue to cool down for at least 10 minutes after you’ve left the water, so it’s vital to not hang around, get changed into warm clothes and have a hot drink. Lots of us take a hot water bottle to warm us up too! The ‘after-drop’ also means you should get out of the water before you start feeling cold – it can be hard to do this if you’re enjoying the feeling, but remember those 10 minutes of continued cooling. You can find lots of advice on the precautions you should take on https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming# What do you need? Before and after swimming, we mostly wear dry robes, which are lovely and warm and keep the wind off you. In the water, some people wear a wetsuit, some a thermal vest and some just a regular swimming costume. It’s up to you! We all wear something, though; it’s a public beach and we don’t want anyone to be offended or frightened away. Most people take the precaution of wearing a tow float. You may have noticed them if you’ve been by the sea. The brightly coloured tow float attaches to your body and floats along behind you. You can hold onto it for a little rest, and it makes you visible in the sea to other users. The other great thing is that you can get one with a dry bag on to keep your snacks and phone in. Which means you can swim over to a rock and have a picnic! I always wear wetsuit gloves and boots to keep me cosy. Undoubtedly, one of the best things about swimming with a group is the chat and laughter afterwards … and the eating of cake. In the summer, all I need is a costume, a towel, some beach shoes and something to sit on. And a truly special experience is to swim in the evening, then have fish and chips on the beach as the sun goes down. Combe Martin is an ideal place to start your sea-swimming adventures, and it’s great for experienced swimmers too. At high tide, we might swim to the buoy in the middle of the bay, around 100 metres, or to the post on the weir, around 200 metres, or even further out to ‘Cheesy Rock’ and the ‘Camel’s Eye’. As the North Devon coast has the second highest tide in the world, however, at low tide things look very different. Swim with others We like to make sure we swim with at least one other person or that there is someone on the beach keeping an eye out for us. It’s vital to know what the tide is doing and to understand what that means for your swim. If you swim out when the tide is going out, it can all feel so easy. Then you turn round to come back in and immediately notice how much more effort is needed. That’s why you need to be careful to swim within your ability. The hour before and after high and low tide is called slack tide, when there is less water moving about, so that’s a good time to swim. Of course, you can always just swim close in parallel to the shore within your depth ... there are so many choices! If you like to swim, it really is worth trying year-round swimming. The feeling of gently swimming along in the Big Blue at Combe Martin surrounded by the beauty of the cliffs, rocks and natural landscape, the open sky above you, is addictive, exhilarating, exciting and adventurous. Whatever your swimming level, you can enjoy that feeling. So, if you’re visiting Combe Martin, whatever time of year it might be, give it a go. Dip your toes in, have a paddle, maybe break into a swim. You won’t regret it. It really is such fun, and you are guaranteed to laugh and feel alive! Barbara Nicolson-Martin Pictures show a Christmas Day swim. Check this out for more information on cold water swimming.

Combe Martin (Combmartin) Silver Mines produced such vast revenues for several of the British Monarchs and private individuals. You can visit us throughout the year. Come and learn what Charles I; Henry VIII; Elizabeth I; Dr John Dee; Adrian Gilbert; Bevis Bulmer and Thomas Bushell’s involvement was with Combmartin. The original Victorian powder house and reservoir, and many other associated buildings, still survive. We have carefully excavated items from the earth through many years of hard work, sometimes with just a trowel and buckets. What happened to the little 4-year-old boy on running an errand for his mother in 1845? You can look down William’s engine shaft and see diagrams of how it connects to several other shafts under the area stretching across the valley. We may surprise you on what we have found under our feet! Our museum displays many artefacts that we have found over the years, most on site. These include hundreds of pottery sherds and even some American Civil War rifleman’s tunic buttons. Don’t ask how they came to be buried in a reservoir in Combmartin, because we don’t know!! What we certainly know is the history of the three tankards all crafted from Combmartin silver. They now form part of the Mansion House silver plates in London and decorate the Lord Mayors table at functions. They must be a sight to behold. Several of our volunteers have, over the years, collected silver shawl pins and some spoons crafted by the esteemed Exeter silversmith H S Ellis and dated October 21st, 1847. They are marked ‘Combmartin silver’ and some can be viewed if we are given prior notice of your arrival. They are too valuable to keep on site. So, if you want to hear about and see this unique village asset come and pay us a visit on a Thursday 10am till 4pm or on a Sunday morning 8am till 12pm. We can arrange group visits on other days during the summer months. Picture shows a brooch made from Combe Martin Silver. https://www.combemartinmines.co.uk/

A great car-free day out around Porlock, taking in the town and the surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route. Highlights ¨ PorlockVillage and Vale of Porlock ¨ Porlock Marsh and shingle ridge ¨ GreencombeGardens ¨ St. Dubricius church ¨ Porlock Visitor Centre ¨ Scenic walks around Porlock ¨ Open-top bus ride to Lynmouth or Minehead and bus back ¨ Bus rides to local attractions Walk around Porlock Porlock and its neighbouring villages of Bossington, Allerford and West Luccombe nestle in the wide Vale of Porlock, protected on either side by Porlock Hill and Bossington Hill. Porlock Weir is tucked under Porlock Hill giving a sheltered harbour in a picturesque location. A walk along the village High Street will take you back in time with unique individual shops and inns and an attractive church with its unusual, truncated spire and wagon-roof. At the beginning of the road to Porlock Weir you will find the excellent Visitor Centre with the most welcoming staff and lots to browse around telling stories of the area. This also marks the end (or beginning) of the long-distance path from (or to) Nether Stowey in the Quantock Hills, called the Coleridge Way. This 36 mile walk normally takes about four days staying in B&B’s along the way. It was named after Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 -1834) who lived for a while in this area and was inspired by the stunning scenery which was reflected in his writings. Apart from this walk, Porlock is blessed with a wide selection of walks in all directions. A fairly easy walk takes you across the vale to visit the other villages and Porlock Marsh. The marsh is now a salt marsh since the shingle ridge was breached in 1996. For the more adventurous a walk into Exmoor brings beautiful oak woodlands and rivers rushing towards the sea. These follow a myriad of winding footpaths, so it is quite easy to make a walk that fits your stamina. Bus outings Take the open-top double-decker bus 300 from Porlock along the coast to Lynmouth or Minehead and back. We recommend you check bus times at the Porlock Visitor Centre or at Traveline, https://www.travelinesw.com/ Go to Porlock Hill on the 300 open-top bus for a 2.6 mile, 1.5 hour easy walk back to Porlock. Go to Porlock Weir on the 39 bus for a visit and something to eat. Go to Selworthy on the 39 or 300 bus, to visit the delightful thatched National Trust village and church. Refreshments are available. Attractions Exmoor Falconry, Bossington. An all-weather attraction in an old NT farmhouse. You will see owls and birds of prey giving displays, or join in an alpaca walk or horse-riding. This can be reached on the 39 bus or a 1.7 mile walk on footpaths through the vale. Greencombe Gardens, West Porlock. These gardens are a delight to wander around among the attractive natural planting. These gardens are on the 39 bus route or are an easy half mile walk along the Porlock Weir road. Allerford Museum of Rural Life. This museum will take you back in time, showing objects collected mainly from the Exmoor area. Based in the old schoolhouse, there is also an exhibit of the old Victorian school classroom. Allerford is on the 39 bus route, or the 300 with a short walk from the main road bus-stop. Opposite is a tearooms at the Post Office. You can also walk from the Exmoor Falconry along footpaths through the woods for just under a mile. Dovery ManorMuseum, Porlock. Positioned at the Minehead end of the High Street, this museum has a collection of artefacts, book and photos based on the local area. Other Car Free Days Out in this series ¨ Dunster ¨ Dulverton ¨ Combe Martin ¨ Lynmouth ¨ Exford ¨ Minehead Tourist Information Porlock Visitor Centre, West End, Porlock, 01643 863150 Public Transport For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/ Disclaimer Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.

A great car-free day out around Exford, taking in the village and the surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route. Highlights ¨ The River Exe ¨ St Mary Magdalene church ¨ Scenic walks in the surrounding countryside ¨ Bus ride to Porlock, Minehead and Dunster, in season ¨ Bus rides or drives to local attractions Walk around Exford Exford is in the heart of Exmoor, on the young River Exe. This delightful village still has the essence of a true English village. A large village green is central to the village, still with its shops, Post office, cafes, hotels and church on the hill. The village has been home to the Devon and Somerset Staghounds since 1875. It is common to see the hunt gathering with well-presented grooms and horses surrounded by hounds, ready to gallop into the country. Exmoor holds to the traditions of horse-riding, shooting and fishing and Exford makes the perfect centre for enjoying these outdoor pursuits. An enjoyable walk can start from the bus stop by the green, passing through the car park to follow beside the River Exe. At Court Farm turn left up the track. There are footpaths that then go to the left to Exford church with its medieval cross and beautiful screen. It then continuing behind the church to join another footpath back to the village. This walk can be extended to a 4 mile walk via Higher Combe, Stone Cross and Prescott Down. Bus outings Take the 400 from Exford on a circular journey that goes to Porlock, Minehead, Dunster, Wheddon Cross and back to Exford. We recommend you check bus times at the Exford Post Office or at Traveline, https://www.travelinesw.com/ Attractions Dovery Manor Museum, Porlock. Positioned at the Minehead end of the High Street, this museum has a collection of artefacts, book and photos based on the local area. Dunster Castle. A romantic turreted castle set high on a hill in its own deer park, overlooking the village. Owned by the National Trust with regular tours. Dunster Working Water Mill. Built in 1680, this mill is still producing flour from wheat. See the mill working and enjoy tea in the gardens. Other Car-Free Days Out in this series ¨ Dunster ¨ Lynmouth ¨ Dulverton ¨ Porlock ¨ Combe Martin ¨ Minehead Public Transport For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/ Disclaimer Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.

A great car-free day out around Dulverton, taking in the town and the surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route. Highlights ¨ 15th Century Church of All Saints ¨ The Town Hall ¨ The River Barle and bridge ¨ Lorna Doone statue ¨ Exmoor National Park Centre ¨ Dulverton Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre ¨ Scenic walks along the River Barle ¨ Bus ride to Dunster or Minehead and bus back ¨ Bus rides or drives to local attractions Walk around Dulverton Take time to discover this wonderfully untouched ‘county town’ on the edge of Exmoor. The town is far enough away from any large conurbations to still enjoy a wide range of small shops. Walk into any of them and you will be greeted in a way that is more reminiscent of the 1950’s. People have the time to talk and enjoy helping you decide on your purchase. As you stroll around the town, which feels much more like a village, visit the beautiful church overlooking the town. Bank Square beside the church still has a bank. Cobbled streets beside the church give an insight into the old town. In Fore Street you will find the old Town Hall with its unusual double outside stairs leading to the first-floor hall. Opposite is the National Park Centre and Dulverton Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre where you can get information about Exmoor and includes an interesting exhibition. As you walk on towards the river you will pass more fascinating specialist shops. On reaching the large five-arch bridge over the River Barle, turn right towards the National Park Authority headquarters which used to be the old workhouse. This is a good spot to have a break with sandwiches or something more exotic bought in one of the delicatessens in the town. The ducks will enjoy your leftovers. An enjoyable walk beside the river can be taken by crossing the bridge. Turn immediately right into Oldberry Lane and when the lane turns hard left, continue ahead down a track. Shortly bear right through woodland following above the river. This track eventually reaches Marsh Bridge, about 1.5 miles from the start. You could return along the roads, but I would advise returning the way you came. Bus outings Take the 398 from Dulverton High Street bus-stop. We recommend you check bus times at the National Park Centre or at Traveline, https://www.travelinesw.com/ Go to Wheddon Cross, return buses at 1318, 1518, for a pub lunch Go to Dunster to see the fairy-tale castle, the Yarn Market, the church and dovecot and the working mill. Attractions Exmoor Pony Centre, about 5.5 miles from Dulverton on the B3223 towards Exford and Lynton. It is signed to the left on Winsford Hill. Wimbleball Lake, for those who like outdoor activities, or an enjoyable walk by the lake. About 6.5 miles from Dulverton, follow Dulverton High Street away from the bridge to Vicarage Hill and Jury Road. On reaching the main road (A396) in 1.5 miles, turn right and then shortly left towards Brompton Regis. In 3 miles bear right in the village and follow the road for another half mile to Mill Cross, a small crossroads. Turn left here and follow this lane uphill for not quite a mile. Turn right signed to the lake and take the second left to the car park and café. Dunster Castle, Dunster Dolls Museum and Dunster Working Water Mill. You can reach Dunster on the 398 bus or by driving. Follow the directions above to the A396 and turn left to keep on this road for about 15.5 miles to reach Dunster. Other Car-Free Days Out in this series ¨ Dunster ¨ Lynmouth ¨ Combe Martin ¨ Porlock ¨ Exford ¨ Minehead Tourist Information Dulverton National Park Centre, Fore Street, Dulverton, 01398 323841 Public Transport For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/ Disclaimer Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.

A great car-free day out around Combe Martin, taking in the town and the surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route. Highlights ¨ The beach and rock pools ¨ Combe Martin Museum ¨ Pack o’ Cards ¨ 15th Century Church of St Peter Ad Vincula ¨ Combe Martin Wildlife Park ¨ Combe Martin Visitor Centre ¨ Scenic walks along the South West Coast Path ¨ Bus ride to Ilfracombe or Lynton and bus back ¨ Bus rides or drives to local attractions Walk around Combe Martin Combe Martin is a good example of early ribbon development. The village nestles in a long steep-sided valley in which the main road follows the lowest level with the houses clustering close by. Because of this one of its claims-to-fame is that the village has the longest High Street in the UK. The village has a sheltered beach which used to be a harbour but is now enjoyed by locals and holiday-makers. Excellent rock pools can be found during low tide along the raised walkway to the right of the beach. The village is on the western edge of the Exmoor National Park and many excellent walks start from here, either along the South West Coast Path, or inland along the valleys that radiate from the coastline. By the main car park above the beach, you will find the information centre and Combe Martin Museum. Walking inland along the main road one passes the shops and continuing on one reaches the unusual Pack o’ Cards, a Grade II Ancient Monument with 4 floors, 13 doors and fireplaces on each floor and the building is 52 feet square. Carrying on along the main road one reaches the impressive church of St Peter Ad Vincula. One of the largest churches in North Devon with a 99 feet high tower and impressive rood screen, demonstrates the wealth of the village in the 15th Century. High quality lead silver was mined on the north-eastern slopes of the valley, the strip-field system grew strawberries, and the town had an active harbour exporting wool, silver, hemp and strawberries and importing lime, coal and timber. At the top end of the village is the popular Combe Martin Wildlife Park with full-sized animated dinosaurs, animals, a train ride and much more for a full day of fun. Bus outings Take the 300 from Combe Martin at 0940 or 1255 to Lynmouth. We recommend you check bus times at the Combe Martin Information Centre or at Traveline, https://www.travelinesw.com/ Go to Parracombe on the 300 bus for a 8.9 mile, 5.5 hour walk back to Combe Martin along the South West Coast Path. Go to Ilfracombe on the 30 or 301, return buses about every half hour. Attractions Watermouth Castle, about 2 miles from Combe Martin on the A399 towards Ilfracombe and on the 30 and 301 bus routes. Ilfracombe Aquarium, about 6 miles from Combe Martin on the A399 to Ilfracombe. Situated on the harbour, discover the life of underwater inhabitants from high on Exmoor to the sea and Lundy. Lynton to Barnstaple Railway, Woody Bay, about 10 miles from Combe Martin on the A399 and A39 towards Lynton. A narrow-gauge railway used to run from Barnstaple to Lynton from 1898 till 1935. This attraction has rebuilt a section of line from the original Woody Bay Station with steam trains in this beautiful part of Exmoor. Arlington Court (NT) is about 6.5 miles from Combe Martin on the A399 to Easter Close Cross, then the B3229 to Kentisbury Ford to go ahead on the A39 before turning left to Arlington Court. Home of the Chichester family with a house, carriage collection, lake and grounds. Other Car-Free Days Out in this series ¨ Dunster ¨ Lynmouth ¨ Dulverton ¨ Porlock ¨ Exford ¨ Minehead Tourist Information Combe Martin Tourist Information Point, Cross Street, Combe Martin. 01271 883319 Public Transport For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/ Disclaimer Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.