Discover large holiday cottages in Combe Martin, a picturesque coastal village in North Devon, where towering cliffs, a sheltered beach and beautiful countryside meet on the edge of Exmoor National Park. With rock pools to explore, kayaking in the bay and some of the most spectacular coastal walks in Devon, Combe Martin is a fantastic destination for a holiday with extended family or a group of friends.

Find large holiday homes, spacious coastal houses and group accommodation sleeping eight or more, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations and seaside getaways. Whether you're planning summer days on the beach, walking holidays along the South West Coast Path or a relaxing break overlooking the North Devon coastline, Combe Martin offers plenty to enjoy together.

Choosing a Large Holiday Cottage in Combe Martin

Combe Martin is one of North Devon's most attractive coastal villages, stretching inland from its sheltered bay through a steep-sided valley surrounded by green hills. The village has a traditional seaside atmosphere, with pubs, cafés, independent shops and a beach that becomes a popular gathering place during the warmer months.

For larger families and groups of friends, staying in Combe Martin offers the chance to enjoy a coastal holiday with plenty of activities close to your accommodation. Spend the morning exploring the beach, try kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay, then return to your holiday cottage for an evening together.

When looking for a large holiday house in Combe Martin, consider how much space your group will need. Properties with generous dining areas, comfortable living rooms and enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone are especially useful for multigenerational family holidays. A garden, terrace or outdoor seating area can also be appealing when you want to make the most of warm summer evenings.

Location is an important consideration. A holiday home near the beach provides convenient access to the waterfront, cafés and local activities, while properties higher up the valley or in the surrounding countryside may offer beautiful views, larger gardens and quieter surroundings.

Combe Martin is a long village with some steep roads and footpaths, so it's worth checking the distance between your chosen accommodation and the beach. If several households are travelling together, parking arrangements and the number of available spaces are also worth considering.

Why Choose Combe Martin for a Large Group Holiday?

One of Combe Martin's greatest attractions is the variety of experiences available in and around the village. Its sheltered bay is ideal for traditional seaside holidays, while the surrounding cliffs and countryside provide excellent opportunities for walking and outdoor adventures.

At low tide, the beach reveals stretches of sand and fascinating rock pools filled with marine life. Families can spend hours exploring the shoreline, discovering small fish, crabs and sea anemones among the rocks. The bay is also popular for kayaking and paddleboarding when conditions are suitable.

For more adventurous groups, the South West Coast Path climbs onto the dramatic cliffs above the village, including the famous Little Hangman and Great Hangman. The views along this stretch of coastline are among the finest in North Devon.

Combe Martin is also well placed for family attractions, with Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park nearby and Watermouth Castle a short drive along the coast.

The village offers a good balance for groups with different interests. Some guests can enjoy a day at the beach, others can set off on a challenging coastal walk, and everyone can meet up again for dinner in one of the local pubs or back at their holiday house.

Things to Do in Combe Martin and the Surrounding Area

Spend a Day at Combe Martin Beach

Combe Martin Beach is one of the village's main attractions, offering a sheltered bay surrounded by rugged cliffs and wooded hillsides.

The beach changes considerably with the tide. At high tide, much of the sand is covered, while low tide reveals a larger stretch of sand, shingle and rocky shoreline, creating plenty of space for exploring.

Rock pooling is particularly popular here, with the pools around the edges of the bay providing habitats for crabs, anemones, small fish and other marine creatures. It's an excellent activity for families with children and a lovely way for different generations to enjoy time together.

The relatively sheltered waters also attract swimmers and paddlers, although it's important to check tide times, weather and sea conditions before entering the water.

With cafés, pubs and shops close to the beach, it's easy to spend a relaxed day around the waterfront, enjoying refreshments and the views across the Bristol Channel.

Explore Newberry Beach and the Rock Pools

Just along the waterfront from Combe Martin's main beach, Newberry Beach is another attractive place to discover.

This quieter, predominantly rocky and pebbly beach is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy rock pooling and exploring the shoreline. At low tide, the exposed beach areas connect, allowing visitors to discover a wider stretch of the bay.

Newberry Beach is also dog-friendly throughout the year, making it a useful option for families bringing their pets on holiday.

For groups with young children, exploring the rock pools can be one of the highlights of a stay in Combe Martin. Remember to wear suitable footwear, keep an eye on the incoming tide and leave marine creatures where you find them.

Try Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Combe Martin Bay

Combe Martin's sheltered position makes it a popular place for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Equipment hire is available near the beach, providing opportunities to explore the bay from the water. On suitable days, paddlers can enjoy views towards the surrounding cliffs, rocky headlands and secluded sections of coastline.

Kayaking is particularly appealing to groups looking for an activity they can enjoy together, whether you're trying it for the first time or have previous experience.

The coastline around Combe Martin features dramatic rock formations and sea caves, although exploring beyond the sheltered bay requires appropriate experience and careful consideration of tides, currents and weather conditions.

Larger groups should enquire about equipment availability and any guided sessions in advance, particularly during the summer holidays.

Walk to Little Hangman and Great Hangman

The cliffs east of Combe Martin provide some of the most dramatic scenery along the entire North Devon coastline.

The South West Coast Path climbs from the village towards Little Hangman, which rises to approximately 218 metres above sea level. From the hillside, walkers can enjoy sweeping views across Combe Martin Bay, the Bristol Channel and the surrounding Exmoor coastline.

Continuing further brings you towards Great Hangman, which reaches approximately 318 metres and is recognised as England's highest sea cliff.

These walks are particularly rewarding for active groups, with spectacular coastal scenery, open grassy hillsides and opportunities to spot seabirds and other wildlife.

The routes involve steep climbs and exposed sections, so they are best suited to visitors who are comfortable with more demanding walking. Families with younger children may prefer shorter walks to viewpoints closer to the village.

Visit Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is one of the area's most popular family attractions, located in a wooded valley towards the upper end of the village.

The park combines animal exhibits with a prehistoric theme, featuring wildlife encounters, dinosaur displays and activities designed to entertain younger visitors.

Families can discover a variety of animals, explore the dinosaur exhibits and enjoy the play facilities. The combination of wildlife and dinosaurs makes it particularly appealing for children with different interests.

It's a good choice for a multigenerational family outing, with plenty to see during a visit. The park occupies a steep valley, however, so some paths can be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.

Opening dates, animal experiences and individual attractions can vary, so check what's available before planning your day.

Enjoy a Family Day Out at Watermouth Castle

Located between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, Watermouth Castle is a popular attraction for families staying on the North Devon coast.

Set within attractive grounds overlooking Watermouth Cove, the castle combines unusual collections and displays with family rides, play areas and gardens.

Children can enjoy attractions such as the toboggan run, adventure play areas and themed rides, while other members of the group can explore the gardens, castle rooms and traditional amusements.

Watermouth Castle is particularly well suited to families with children of different ages, offering a mixture of gentle activities and more adventurous entertainment.

As opening times and ride availability vary throughout the year, it's worth checking arrangements and booking requirements before visiting.

Explore Exmoor National Park

Combe Martin sits on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, making it an excellent base for exploring the national park's dramatic coastline, wooded valleys and open moorland.

Exmoor is known for its beautiful landscapes, free-roaming ponies, red deer and picturesque villages. There are countless opportunities for walking, wildlife watching and photography, with routes to suit different abilities.

The Heddon Valley is a particularly attractive place to visit, with riverside paths winding through woodland towards the secluded beach at Heddon's Mouth. The National Trust manages much of the valley, which is a popular destination for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Further along the coast, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth offer a memorable day out, with dramatic scenery, independent shops and the historic water-powered Cliff Railway connecting the two settlements.

The Valley of Rocks, near Lynton, is another spectacular destination, with unusual rock formations, coastal views and feral goats often seen grazing on the hillsides.

For groups who enjoy exploring the outdoors, having Exmoor within easy reach is one of the biggest advantages of staying in Combe Martin.

Visit Ilfracombe and North Devon's Harbour

The Victorian seaside town of Ilfracombe is only a short drive west of Combe Martin and offers plenty to enjoy on a day out.

Its picturesque harbour is surrounded by shops, cafés and restaurants, with fishing boats and pleasure craft coming and going throughout the day.

One of the harbour's most recognisable landmarks is Verity, the large bronze sculpture by Damien Hirst overlooking the waterfront.

Visitors can explore the harbour, enjoy fresh seafood, discover the town's beaches or take a boat trip along the coast. Excursions to Lundy Island also operate from Ilfracombe during the sailing season.

Ilfracombe has a broader choice of shops, restaurants and attractions than Combe Martin, making it a useful nearby destination for larger groups looking for a change of scenery.

Large Family Holidays and Group Accommodation in Combe Martin

Combe Martin is particularly well suited to families who enjoy spending time by the sea and taking part in outdoor activities together.

For extended families, a large holiday cottage provides somewhere for several generations to share meals, relax and enjoy each other's company. Having plenty of communal space is particularly useful after a day at the beach, when everyone can return to the property, prepare dinner and spend the evening together.

Families with children will appreciate the variety of activities available nearby, from rock pooling and kayaking to wildlife attractions and family rides at Watermouth Castle. Teenagers and adults may enjoy more adventurous activities, including longer coastal walks and watersports.

For groups of friends, Combe Martin offers a fantastic combination of seaside relaxation and outdoor exploration. Spend the morning walking along the cliffs, enjoy lunch in a traditional pub and return to your holiday house for an evening overlooking the coast.

Large holiday homes can also provide a lovely setting for birthdays, anniversaries and family reunions. If you're planning a special occasion, look for accommodation with enough dining and living space for everyone, and check the property's rules regarding gatherings and additional visitors.

Dog owners will find plenty of places to explore, including countryside footpaths, the South West Coast Path and nearby dog-friendly beaches. Newberry Beach welcomes dogs throughout the year, while restrictions apply to the main Combe Martin Beach during the summer season.

Planning Your Stay in Combe Martin

Combe Martin is an attractive holiday destination throughout the year, although the experience changes considerably with the seasons.

Summer is the busiest period, with visitors making the most of the sheltered beach, watersports and family attractions. Longer evenings are particularly appealing for coastal walks and enjoying meals outdoors.

Spring and autumn are excellent times for walking holidays, with quieter footpaths, beautiful countryside and opportunities to explore Exmoor. Winter can also be appealing for groups looking for a peaceful coastal retreat, particularly when staying in a comfortable holiday home with views across the countryside or sea.

When choosing accommodation, remember that Combe Martin stretches for a considerable distance inland from the beach. Some properties are close to the waterfront, while others are located further up the valley or in the surrounding hills.

For groups planning regular beach visits, checking the property's distance from the shore can help avoid unnecessary journeys. Those looking for peace and countryside views may prefer accommodation away from the centre.

Parking is another important consideration, especially when several families are travelling in separate cars. Some properties may provide dedicated spaces, while others rely on public parking or have limited access.

It's also worth checking tide times before planning beach activities. The amount of sand available at Combe Martin varies considerably, and some of the best rock pooling opportunities are at low tide.