Our personal guide to the village and the surrounding North Devon coast — the places we return to time and again.
Café
Our absolute favourite spot for morning coffee in the village. The Harbour Café is everything a good seaside café should be — relaxed, friendly, and reliably excellent. Perfect after a stroll down to the beach.
Our go-to. Grab a table outside on a sunny morning.
Bakery
Combe Martin's beloved village bakery, lovingly restored in 2025. Fresh bread, pastries, pasties and treats baked daily — one of the great pleasures of a morning in the village. Well worth making part of your daily routine.
Get there early — the best things sell out fast.
Bakery
A wonderful seasonal treat — Bobbies Bakes pops up in the warmer months selling gorgeous pastries and sweet treats. Keep an eye out for it; it's always a good sign when it's open.
Seasonal only — a happy surprise when you find it open.
Pub
One of Devon's most eccentric and beloved pubs, built in the early 18th century to resemble a pack of playing cards. A proper Devon pub with real ales and a roaring fire — the story behind the building alone makes it worth a visit.
Ask about the original builder — the history is fascinating.
Pub
A friendly local at the heart of the village with a sunny beer garden. Good food and a welcoming atmosphere for families and dogs alike.
The garden catches the afternoon sun beautifully.
Pub & Restaurant
A popular seasonal pub and restaurant in the village. Fresh Devon cooking in a relaxed setting — worth booking ahead in the summer months.
Seasonal only — check they're open before you head over.
Pub & Restaurant
Another great seasonal option in the village — The Dolphin is a pub and restaurant with a warm atmosphere. A good choice for an evening meal when it's open.
Seasonal only — worth checking ahead.
Restaurant
A short drive from the village, The Saw Mills is a proper all-year-round restaurant and a welcome option when the seasonal places are closed. A reliable and enjoyable choice for a proper sit-down meal.
Open all year — great to know in the quieter months.
Takeaway
Excellent fish and chips — proper Devon seaside fare. The Black & White chippy is a firm favourite and exactly what you need after a day on the beach.
One of the best chippies in the area. Don't miss it.
Shop
The village Co-op is further up the hill and is perfect for topping up on essentials for a weekend stay — bread, milk, basics and more. Handy to know it's there.
Further up the hill from the cottage — easy to spot.
Shop
For a more substantial shop — stocking up for a full week's stay — the Tesco in Ilfracombe is the sensible choice. A quick drive away and has everything you need.
The go-to for a big weekly shop.
Beach
The village beach, just five minutes from Mirabelle. It has two sections: a main sandy and pebble beach, and a quieter pebbled stretch that is dog-friendly year-round. The tidal range here is spectacular — at low tide the beach extends dramatically. In summer, dogs are restricted to the pebble area between May and September; the dog beach is available at all times.
Check the tide times — the difference between high and low is remarkable. The dog beach is the pebbled section towards the rocks.
Beach
A truly impressive beach — one of those spots that genuinely surprises you when you first arrive. Broadsands is a wide, open expanse of sand in a beautiful sheltered bay, and it's one of the finest beaches in North Devon. Well worth the short journey.
Genuinely one of the best beaches in the area — don't skip it.
Beach
A small, quiet cove tucked just east of Ilfracombe — sheltered, peaceful and lovely for a gentler beach day. Popular with families and a nice contrast to the wider open beaches.
Quieter than the main beaches — great for a relaxed afternoon.
Beach
A beautiful, sheltered cove just east of Combe Martin with calm, clear waters and stunning scenery. The bay has a real sense of seclusion and is perfect for a peaceful afternoon swim or simply taking in the view. Watermouth Harbour sits at its head — well worth exploring on foot.
One of the most peaceful spots on the North Devon coast — lovely at low tide.
Beach
Two of the finest beaches in the UK, side by side on a magnificent stretch of North Devon coast. Woolacombe is a wide, Atlantic-facing surfing beach with a bustling village behind it. Putsborough, at the southern end, is quieter and more sheltered — a favourite with families. Together they form one of the most spectacular bays in England.
Putsborough is the quieter, more sheltered end — great for families. Woolacombe is the place to surf.
Walk
The famous 630-mile coastal path passes directly through Combe Martin. Even a short stretch — heading towards Ilfracombe or Wild Pear Beach — offers stunning views over the Bristol Channel.
The walk to Wild Pear Beach (about 30 minutes) is quiet, spectacular and rarely crowded.
Nearby
The nearest town, just 10 minutes away. Victorian seafront, Damien Hirst's striking 'Verity' statue on the harbour, independent shops, a Tesco for bigger shops, and a lively harbour to explore.
The harbour at dusk is a lovely evening outing.
Nearby
North Devon's main town, only 25 minutes away. If you fancy some proper shopping, a trip to the cinema, or just a change of scene, Barnstaple has it all — high street shops, a great indoor market, and a cinema.
25 minutes and worth it for a rainy day or a shopping fix.
Nearby
North Devon's famous surf beach. A proper Atlantic swell, a great surf school if anyone fancies trying it, and a beautiful bay to enjoy even if you're not on a board.
Park early in summer — it gets very busy.
Attraction
A brilliant day out for all ages — Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is right on the doorstep and always a hit with families. Life-size dinosaur models, live animal encounters, sea lion shows and a great atmosphere. One of Devon's most popular family attractions for good reason.
Book ahead in peak season. A full day out for the family.
Attraction
A fascinating Victorian castle just along the coast at Watermouth Bay, packed with indoor and outdoor attractions, rides, dungeons, and classic amusements. Great fun for children and entertaining for adults too — a proper slice of old-fashioned British seaside entertainment.
Hugely popular with kids. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Attraction
A wonderful small aquarium in the heart of Ilfracombe's historic harbour. Showcasing the incredible marine life of the Bristol Channel and the local North Devon coast, it's an engaging and educational visit — and surprisingly impressive for its size.
A perfect rainy-day option — and fascinating even on a sunny day.
Attraction
A charming local museum dedicated to the history and heritage of Combe Martin village and the surrounding area. Run with great love by local volunteers, it is a wonderful window into the village's silver mining past, agricultural traditions and Victorian life. Well worth an hour of your time.
Free entry. A real hidden gem — the volunteers are knowledgeable and welcoming.