Beaches don't come any bigger than this – Woolacombe's sands stretch beyond the horizon in a perfect yellow arc. Surfing is the main activity here and this bay is a great place to learn, with consistent swell and a gently shelving beach. The town has a classic seaside feel, with ice cream parlours, surf shops and cafes serving fresh local seafood. There's an unhurried pace of life here that just begs you to unwind.
Designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, Barricane Bay is a pretty little sandy bay surrounded by stunning rocky outcrops. Tucked away about half a mile away from Woolacombe beach, Barricane is popular with surfers and perfect for rock pooling. The beach disappears at high tide, forming a large natural pool.
A 17th century village pub offering freshly cooked food served in either the fireside bar or conservatory. Food is sourced locally including pork from rare breed Engish pigs and free range chickens who provide eggs for both the kitchen and for guests to buy.
A network of hand-carved tunnels leading to unique, sheltered beaches and a Victorian bathing pool.
Found in the heart of Woolacombe, The Jube is a vibrant pub, recently renovated and traditionally furnished with exposed brickwork and old timbers. Call in for locally sourced food, a great selection of wines and beers and for al fresco dining in the courtyard.
Combe Martin is on the edge of Exmoor and claims to have the longest village street in England. Visit the Pack of Cards Inn, built to celebrate a large win at cards by George Lay in 1626; it has 52 windows, one for each card in the pack, and four floors, each with 13 doors. The beach is perfect for the whole family with rock pools, cliffs, caves and pebbles plus lots of soft sand when the tide is out.
A great family eatery offering outside seating in summer and a warming log fire to keep you toasty in winter. Food is creative and inspirational and the menu offers a wide variety of options including tapas, nachos, steaks and salads. "Big Bertha" the charcoal fired oven helps out with the cooking!
This route is along the highest of the sea cliffs in the Exmoor National Park. Starting at Combe Martin take the coast path around Wild Pear Beach, then a stiff climb to Little Hangman (715 feet high). Climb on - more gradual this time - up to 1046 feet and the summit of Great Hangman to get the best of the panorama across Combe Martin Bay.
This stunning beach has extensive dunes and three miles of flat, wide sand. Even on the busiest days, if you're happy to take a stroll along the beach, you'll find a quiet spot. Popular with kayakers, swimmers and surfers, this beach has life guard cover during high season and dog restrictions apply.
Quad bike courses for children as young as six years old, a 4x4 off-road course, paintball and pony trekking.
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
13 September 2026
Beaches don't come any bigger than this – Woolacombe's sands stretch beyond the horizon in a perfect yellow arc. Surfing is the main activity here and this bay is a great place to learn, with consistent swell and a gently shelving beach. The town has a classic seaside feel, with ice cream parlours, surf shops and cafes serving fresh local seafood. There's an unhurried pace of life here that just begs you to unwind.
13 September 2026
Designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, Barricane Bay is a pretty little sandy bay surrounded by stunning rocky outcrops. Tucked away about half a mile away from Woolacombe beach, Barricane is popular with surfers and perfect for rock pooling. The beach disappears at high tide, forming a large natural pool.
24 August 2026
A 17th century village pub offering freshly cooked food served in either the fireside bar or conservatory. Food is sourced locally including pork from rare breed Engish pigs and free range chickens who provide eggs for both the kitchen and for guests to buy.
22 March 2026
A network of hand-carved tunnels leading to unique, sheltered beaches and a Victorian bathing pool.
22 February 2026
Found in the heart of Woolacombe, The Jube is a vibrant pub, recently renovated and traditionally furnished with exposed brickwork and old timbers. Call in for locally sourced food, a great selection of wines and beers and for al fresco dining in the courtyard.
28 August 2023
Combe Martin is on the edge of Exmoor and claims to have the longest village street in England. Visit the Pack of Cards Inn, built to celebrate a large win at cards by George Lay in 1626; it has 52 windows, one for each card in the pack, and four floors, each with 13 doors. The beach is perfect for the whole family with rock pools, cliffs, caves and pebbles plus lots of soft sand when the tide is out.
26 August 2023
A great family eatery offering outside seating in summer and a warming log fire to keep you toasty in winter. Food is creative and inspirational and the menu offers a wide variety of options including tapas, nachos, steaks and salads. "Big Bertha" the charcoal fired oven helps out with the cooking!
18 July 2008
This route is along the highest of the sea cliffs in the Exmoor National Park. Starting at Combe Martin take the coast path around Wild Pear Beach, then a stiff climb to Little Hangman (715 feet high). Climb on - more gradual this time - up to 1046 feet and the summit of Great Hangman to get the best of the panorama across Combe Martin Bay.
16 July 2008
This stunning beach has extensive dunes and three miles of flat, wide sand. Even on the busiest days, if you're happy to take a stroll along the beach, you'll find a quiet spot. Popular with kayakers, swimmers and surfers, this beach has life guard cover during high season and dog restrictions apply.
16 July 2008
Quad bike courses for children as young as six years old, a 4x4 off-road course, paintball and pony trekking.