Combe Martin Beaches

Overview

Combe Martin offers a charming coastal escape in North Devon, known for its sheltered main bay and dramatic scenery. Visitors often ask about the local beaches; Combe Martin's primary beach features a mix of shingle and pebbles, becoming sandier towards the sea, especially at low tide when extensive rock pools are revealed. This makes it a popular choice for families seeking a traditional seaside experience with excellent rock pooling opportunities.

Beyond the village's main shore, the area boasts diverse coastal gems. Discover the vast, award-winning sands of Woolacombe Beach, renowned for surfing, or find picturesque seclusion at Broadsands Beach. Nearby Ilfracombe offers the unique Victorian-era Tunnels Beaches with their hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered tidal pools. For a truly quiet escape, the hidden Wild Pear Beach offers tranquility. Close by, Newberry Beach provides another option with pebbles and rocks, also known for its rock pools. Our guide features a longer list of beaches in and around Combe Martin for you to explore.

The sheltered waters within Combe Martin's main bay are generally calm and suitable for swimming. It's worth noting the significant tidal range here in the Bristol Channel; this dramatically alters the shoreline and is key to uncovering the area's famed rock pools. Besides swimming, the beaches are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and provide access to the scenic South West Coast Path, ensuring plenty of activities for visitors.

FAQ

Can you swim in the sea at Combe Martin?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Combe Martin. The main beach is in a sheltered bay, which means the water is often calm and protected from strong currents and waves, making it suitable for swimming. However, there is no lifeguard service, so caution is advised.

What is the water quality like at Combe Martin beach?

The bathing water quality at Combe Martin was classified as 'Good' in 2022 and 2023. Historically there have been fluctuations, but efforts by South West Water and local groups have led to improvements. It's always a good idea to check for any current advisories before swimming, especially after heavy rain, as runoff can affect water quality.

Are dogs allowed on Combe Martin beaches?

Dogs are not allowed on the main Combe Martin beach between 1st May and 30th September. However, they are welcome on the main beach from 1st October to 30th April. Newberry Beach, which is a short walk away, is dog-friendly all year round. Wild Pear Beach is also generally dog-friendly.

Newberry Beach

Wild Pear Beach

What are the beaches in Combe Martin like? Are they sandy?

Combe Martin's main beach is a mix of shingle and pebbles, especially at the top, but becomes more sandy towards the water, particularly at low tide. Newberry Beach is mostly pebbles and rocks. Both are known for excellent rock pools. Wild Pear Beach is also sandy.

Newberry Beach

Wild Pear Beach

Is Combe Martin good for a family beach holiday?

Combe Martin is considered a good destination for families. The main beach is sheltered, making it safer for children to paddle and swim (with supervision). The area is renowned for its excellent rock pooling, which is a popular activity for all ages. The village also has amenities like cafes and shops near the beach.

What is there to do at Combe Martin beaches besides swimming?

Besides swimming, Combe Martin beaches are great for rock pooling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment for watersports can be hired in the village. The coastline is also popular for coastal walks with access to the South West Coast Path.

Do I need to worry about tides at Combe Martin beaches?

Yes, the tides are significant in Combe Martin as it's in the Bristol Channel, which has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. Low tide reveals a much larger sandy area and extensive rock pools, but it's crucial to be aware of tide times to avoid getting cut off, especially if exploring coves or walking between beaches.

Is there parking near Combe Martin beach?

Yes, there is a large pay-and-display car park (Kiln Car Park) located above the main Combe Martin beach, with toilet facilities and access to the beach. There is also a smaller car park near Newberry Beach. Parking can be limited during peak season.

Newberry Beach

People Also Ask

Are there any quieter or secret beaches near Combe Martin?

Yes, besides the main beach, Newberry Beach is often quieter. For more secluded options, Wild Pear Beach and Broadsands Beach are nearby. Wild Pear Beach requires a steep walk and is known as a naturist beach. Broadsands also involves a steep descent with many steps but is very picturesque.

Newberry Beach

Wild Pear Beach

Broadsands Beach

What's the best way to get to Wild Pear Beach or Broadsands?

Both Wild Pear Beach and Broadsands are accessed via the South West Coast Path followed by steep descents. Wild Pear involves some scrambling, while Broadsands has over 200 steps. An alternative, more adventurous way to reach them is by kayaking or paddleboarding from Combe Martin's main beach.

Wild Pear Beach

Broadsands Beach

Is Combe Martin beach accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?

The main Combe Martin beach has 'Access for All' facilities. There is a ramp from the main car park (Kiln Car Park) and a slipway from the road providing access. The village also offers special beach wheelchairs. Newberry Beach access involves steps.

Newberry Beach

When is the best time of year to visit Combe Martin for a beach holiday?

The summer months, from June to August, are generally the most popular for a traditional beach holiday in Combe Martin, offering the warmest weather for swimming and sunbathing. However, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) can also be pleasant with fewer crowds. Dog restrictions on the main beach apply from May to September.

What are the rock pools like at Combe Martin?

Combe Martin is renowned for its excellent rock pools, particularly on the main beach, which are exposed at low tide. They are rich in marine life, and you can find various species of anemones, shellfish, crabs, and sometimes even starfish. Newberry Beach also has good rock pools.

Newberry Beach

How does Combe Martin beach compare to Woolacombe?

Combe Martin offers a more sheltered, traditional village cove experience with a mix of sand and pebbles, ideal for rock pooling and kayaking in calmer waters. Woolacombe is a much larger, exposed sandy beach, famous for surfing and vast expanses of sand. The choice depends on whether you prefer a smaller, quainter setting or a wide, surf-oriented beach.

Woolacombe Beach

Are there facilities like cafes and toilets at Combe Martin beach?

Yes, there are facilities readily available near Combe Martin's main beach. Public toilets are located in the main car park (Kiln Car Park). There are also various shops, cafes, and pubs within a short walking distance of the beach.