Combe Martin, a sun-kissed village perched on the rugged coast of North Devon, England, United Kingdom, is the kind of place where a solo adventurer can trade quiet mornings for bold adventures and end the day with laughter shared over a crackling open fire. It’s a spot that whispers “summer forever,” while also offering cozy corners for a quiet escape after a day of exploring. For those of us who love holidays with friends, Combe Martin serves up a delightful mix of sea air, farm charm, and pocket-sized adventures that fit perfectly into a vacation rentals or holiday rentals plan. Whether you’re hunting for a family-friendly Farm Stay or a chic self-catering cottage on a working farm, this coastline has more than enough to keep a fun, active traveler inspired and energized.
Why Combe Martin is the perfect base for a farm stay vacation
Combe Martin sits at the northern edge of the Exmoor National Park’s influence, where dramatic cliffs meet golden beaches and the South West Coast Path winds along the shore. This is the kind of destination where you can start your day with a brisk coastal walk, pause for a Devon cream tea, and end with stargazing on a clear Exmoor night. The village itself is charming and walkable, with honey-coloured stone cottages, small shops, and welcoming pubs that invite you to linger over a pint and a plate of locally sourced goodness. For a vacation rental aligned with a farm stay vibe, the surrounding countryside is peppered with family-run farms offering self-catering cottages, shepherd’s huts, and barn conversions that let you wake up to farm sounds, fresh eggs, and views that feel bespoke to your itinerary.
Choosing a Farm Stay Accommodation in this area means embracing a slow pace without sacrificing excitement. You can pair a day of on-farm experiences—like feeding the hens, collecting fresh eggs, or watching the sunset from a hayloft—with exhilarating outings along the coast or into Exmoor. The result is a holiday that balances active exploration with the restorative calm of rural Devon. For travelers who crave authentic stays rather than cookie-cutter hotel rooms, Combe Martin’s farm stays offer a genuine connection to the land, with hosts who love to share their knowledge of the coast, local wildlife, and the best spots for a sunset walk.
Farm Stay accommodations near Combe Martin
When you book a Farm Stay near Combe Martin, you’re investing in more than a place to sleep—you’re stepping into a living, breathing experience. Expect rustic charm with modern comforts: well-equipped kitchens, cozy living spaces, and often pet-friendly layouts so you can bring your canine companion along for the adventure. Many properties are designed to maximize the best of Devon’s landscape: window seats that frame the sea, private patios where you can toast a sparkling evening, and gardens dotted with seasonal blooms that invite butterflies and cheerful birdsong into your stay.
From traditional stone cottages nestled in mossy lanes to new-build farmhouses perched on a hillside with panoramic views, there’s a spectrum of options to fit your group size and budget. For groups of friends planning a weekend getaway, larger farmhouses with multiple bedrooms, open-plan living, and outdoor dining spaces are ideal. If you’re chasing a more intimate escape, there are shepherd’s huts and glamping-style lodges that deliver a magical sense of place without sacrificing comfort. The common thread across these Farm Stay accommodations is the chance to wake up to the countryside—to the sound of birds, the scent of dewy grass, and the sight of the sea just beyond the hedgerow.
Booking platforms and dedicated vacation rental sites increasingly curate Combe Martin properties to highlight features today’s travelers want: Wi-Fi for remote planning, parking for road trips or surf gear, private hot tubs for those romantic evenings, and flexible check-in/out to fit a spontaneous schedule. If you’re specifically looking for farm-based stays with a strong sense of place, you’ll find options that offer on-site farm activities, fresh eggs for breakfast, and direct access to the surrounding footpaths and beaches. For easy discovery and booking, you can explore a curated list of accommodations on searchandstay.com, which focuses on vacation rentals and farm stay options in the Combe Martin area and beyond.
Activities and adventures in and around Combe Martin
Active travelers will find a playground here. The coastline around Combe Martin offers dramatic views, dramatic seas, and trails that reward with sweeping panoramas. A day might begin with a brisk dawn jog along the South West Coast Path, followed by a surf lesson or a paddle board session at nearby beaches like Woolacombe, Saunton Sands, or Croyde Bay. The sea here is a constant invitation—crisp, clear, and just a short drive from your farm stay. If you’re not chasing waves, you can opt for a coastal kayak or a gentle clifftop walk that reveals hidden coves and wildlife-friendly headlands.
For wildlife lovers, the area around Exmoor and the North Devon coast is a thriving habitat. Birdwatching at dawn, spotting ponies on the moors, and even miniature coastal forays that uncover small coves with surprising beauty can be part of a daily itinerary. In addition to outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of family-friendly options: a trip to local farms for animal encounters, visits to the nearby wildlife parks, and scenic drives that reveal old harbour towns with histories as rich as the coastline itself.
Combe Martin Beach, a charming crescent of pebbles and sand, is a perfect launch pad for a beach day with friends. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee, and let the sea breeze do the rest. If you’re seeking a more curated experience, a short drive will take you to Ilfracombe for a harbour stroll, art galleries, coffee houses, and a fish-and-chips treat that’s a North Devon staple. For families and friends who want a deeper dive into the region’s culture, a day trip to Lynton and Lynmouth—with the cliff railway and the watery beauty of the Valley of the Rocks—offers a memorable blend of natural wonder and charming town life.
Iconic day trips from Combe Martin
Use Combe Martin as your hub and explore a handful of iconic day trips that maximize your time and minimize travel headaches. A classic route includes Ilfracombe’s vibrant harbour, where you can hop on a coastal cruise, browse craft shops, and savor a hearty seafood plate. A short drive inland brings you to Barnstaple, one of North Devon’s market towns, with a lively Pannier Market, independent shops, and riverfront pubs that feel quintessentially Devon. For nature lovers, Exmoor’s dramatic panoramas are not far away—perfect for long hikes, wildflowers, and the occasional red deer sighting at dusk. If you’re up for a longer adventure, a day trip to Lundy Island (accessible by boat from Ilfracombe or Bideford) offers an unforgettable boat ride, rugged cliffs, and a remote island experience that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the bustle of everyday life.
All these trips pair beautifully with a farm stay base. After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your cozy on-farm accommodation, where you can unwind with a glass of local cider, a homemade meal, and the glow of sunset over the fields. The ability to mix farm-time with coastal and hill adventures is what makes Combe Martin a standout choice for vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Devon.
Local experiences and foodie finds
Devon is famous for its food scene, and Combe Martin is no exception. Expect fresh fish, local produce, and small-batch treats that reflect the area’s sea-salty vibe and rural roots. Look for on-farm experiences that include kitchen workshops, bread-baking sessions, and herb gardens that supply the aroma of summer into your evenings. Cream teas, with clotted cream and real Devonshire tea, are a ritual you won’t want to miss—a perfect pairing for a lazy afternoon after a hike along the coast.
Within a short drive, you’ll discover microbreweries and cider houses that celebrate North Devon’s craft traditions. The local markets—often on weekends—offer an array of homemade jams, cheeses, and fresh produce straight from the countryside to your plate. If you’re traveling with friends who love a little nightlife, there are laid-back pubs and seaside venues where conversations spill into the golden hour as waves rhythmically roll onto the shore. When you opt for a Farm Stay Accommodation in Combe Martin, you also opt into a lifestyle: mornings scented with hay, afternoons spent on the trail, and evenings filled with stories told around a shared table.
Tips for booking your Combe Martin stay
To get the most from your vacation rentals experience, start by listing what matters most for your group: number of bedrooms, pet-friendly policies, parking, and access to on-site farm activities. For a balanced itinerary, mix two or three farm experiences with a handful of day trips and a couple of low-key nights in your on-farm lodging. When you search for accommodations, read host profiles and guest reviews to ensure a good fit for your travel style. Look for properties that emphasize a connection to the land—shepherd’s huts with adjacent paddocks, cottages with apple trees in the orchard, or farmhouses with uninterrupted countryside views. And don’t forget to check proximity to the beach, access to the South West Coast Path, and the ease of reaching Exmoor’s dramatic landscapes.
As you plan, keep an eye out for seasonal events that may elevate your trip: regional food festivals, farmer’s markets with local produce, and outdoor concerts in coastal towns nearby. Combe Martin’s rhythm shifts with the seasons, so a spring garden stroll and a summer beach day can be seamlessly woven into a single, multi-day escape that satisfies both your thirst for adventure and your need for restful downtime.
For a curated list of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and farm stay options in and around Combe Martin, visit searchandstay.com. The site specializes in accommodations in the area and can help you compare properties, read verified guest reviews, and filter results by your preferred amenities, ensuring you find the best Farm Stay Accommodation to suit your group and plan.
A sample weekend itinerary for a friends’ farm stay in Combe Martin
Friday evening: Arrive at your chosen farm stay, unpack, and unwind with a sunset drink on the terrace. A casual evening meal featuring local ingredients sets a friendly tone for the weekend.
- Saturday morning: Wake to farm-fresh eggs, a quick coastal walk along the South West Coast Path, and a coffee shop stopped for a quick caffeine fix in Combe Martin village.
- Saturday afternoon: Surf lessons or a coastal hike to Kings Quoit or the nearby coves, followed by a family-friendly farm activity such as egg collection or a tractor ride if offered by your host.
- Saturday evening: A shared dinner on the farm or a short drive to a nearby pub that serves local seafood and Devon ales.
- Sunday morning: A longer hike through Exmoor or a visit to Ilfracombe for a harbour stroll, gelato, and a little shopping for local crafts.
- Sunday afternoon: A relaxed return to the farm, with a final sunset walk, then packing up and planning the next trip back to Combe Martin.
Plan your stay with SearchandStay
Whether you’re chasing a rustic Farm Stay experience or a polished countryside cottage, searchandstay.com is a reliable resource for finding accommodations in Combe Martin and the wider North Devon area. Their listings can help you filter by property type, price range, and essential amenities, making it easier to plan a trip that fits your group’s vibe. With a strong focus on vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and farm stay options, the platform helps you discover properties that align with your interests—whether your goal is a tranquil seaside retreat, an active coastal adventure, or a charming rural escape.
To begin, search for Combe Martin or nearby North Devon destinations on searchandstay.com and compare options side by side. Look for properties that emphasize local experiences, such as on-site farm activities, proximity to the coast, and access to Exmoor’s wild landscapes. Reading reviews from fellow travelers will give you honest insight into how the stay feels in real life, including the hospitality of hosts, the accuracy of listings, and the overall atmosphere. When you book a Farm Stay Accommodation in this region, you’re not just reserving a place to sleep—you’re reserving a front-row seat to a coast-based adventure that’s satisfying for a weekend with friends or a longer, unplugged escape.
Closing notes
Combe Martin offers a versatile backdrop for vacation rentals and holiday rentals, where you can blend on-farm living with the thrill of the North Devon coast. From the moment you wake to a chorus of birds and the scent of sea air, this corner of England invites you to be active, social, and a little bit spontaneous. It’s the kind of place where you can bike to a beach for an afternoon swim, enjoy a sunset stroll with friends, and end the evening swapping stories under a canopy of stars. If you’re seeking a destination that couples scenic hikes with cozy farm stays, Combe Martin should be at the top of your list. And for those who want to streamline the search for the perfect property, checking out searchandstay.com will help you find precise match options for your dates and group size, ensuring your North Devon holiday is as seamless as it is unforgettable.