Last modified on May 30, 2026

About Combe Martin Museum & Information Point

Accredited & Award-Winning 

Open for Spring & Summer 2026 

Monday to Friday | 10:30 am to 4:00 pm

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Home of The Earl of Rone Exhibition↗

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Explore, Experience, Learn

A Remarkable Place

Combe Martin is a small North Devon village with a surprisingly large historical footprint — a place whose people, from medieval barons to Victorian artists and modern entrepreneurs, authors and public figures, have shaped local identity and contributed to national heritage.

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Overview: A Leading Community Museum on the North Devon Coast

A modern, fully accessible visitor attraction set in a picturesque valley, offering an inclusive cultural experience that blends local heritage, community engagement, and coastal scenery.

Combe Martin Museum is also the home of the historic Earl of Rone Exhibition, where visitors can explore costumes, a festival video, traditional paraphernalia, and photographs from this unique annual May Bank Holiday celebration.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

  • An accredited modern heritage centre welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities, including neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive guests.
  • Guide dogs and well‑behaved dogs are welcome at Combe Martin Museum.
  • Step-free entry suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids, pushchairs, and those with limited mobility.
  • Inclusive visitor tools, including audio-assisted displays, Makaton signage, and a Talking Pen system for enhanced learning and engagement.
  • Steward-operated lift to all floors, ensuring full access to every gallery and exhibition space.
  • Quiet, low-stimulation areas available on request to support accessible and comfortable visits.

Highlights

  • A welcoming year-round programme of Special Events, talks, exhibitions, and family activities.
  • Regular friendly Community Coffee Mornings designed to support social connection and local engagement.
  • Situated in a scenic seaside setting on the edge of Exmoor National Park, offering striking natural landscapes.
  • Easy access to the beach and the South West Coast Path, ideal for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Rotating exhibitions showcasing local history, maritime heritage, and community stories.

Facilities and Services

  • Copy Shop offering A3/A4 printing, photocopying, scanning, and laminating at affordable community rates.
  • Museum Shop with free Wi-Fi and internet access for visitors needing digital support or research facilities.
  • A curated selection of pre-loved and new books, maps, and local history titles, with a focus on regional heritage and education.
  • Friendly staff available to assist with enquiries, local information, and accessibility support during visits.

Location

Cross Street, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, EX34 0DH. Conveniently located beside Kiln Car Park and public restrooms, with nearby pedestrian access routes and local transport links.

Official Opening Times (Seasonal Variations)

Monday–Friday: 10:30 am–4:00 pm

Sundays (July & August): 11:00 am–3:00 pm to be confirmed, subject to seasonal scheduling and volunteer availability.

Admission

Adults: £3.00 | Concessions: £2.00 | Accompanied Children: Free entry (under 16s).
Special Events: are priced individually.

Contact

Tel: +44 (0)1271 889031 during business hours for enquiries, bookings, and accessibility support.

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Combe Martin Museum Downloadable Files

Combe Martin Museum June 2026 Newsletter Pdf

PDF – 5.2 MB 3 downloads

Combe Martin Notable Figures Connected With The Village V 6 Pdf

PDF – 213.8 KB 2 downloads

Combe Martin Museum 2026 Events Programme Pdf Pdf

PDF – 108.6 KB 3 downloads

  • Combe Martin Museum and Information Point is an award-winning independent museum, accredited under the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme.

  • Conveniently located in a scenic valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park and the Bristol Channel.

  • Public WC and parking, including disabled parking and accessible facilities, on Kiln Car Park (Hangman Path).

  • A bright, accessible and inclusive heritage centre providing a high‑quality visitor experience for all.

  • We first opened in 1989, in the building above Combe Martin Newberry Beach.

  • In 2009, the museum moved to its present home on Cross Street, close to Combe Martin Seaside and the Kiln Car Park.

Discover Combe Martin Museum

Our Museum Team

  • The museum is run by dedicated local trustees and volunteers.

  • Keep up to date with our monthly newsletter posted on our website footer section. 

  • The museum would not run without its experienced and friendly team of volunteers. Their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm support the museum, collections and visitors. 

  • Our local people's roots and ties to the village create a welcoming and authentic atmosphere.

Accessibility Information

  • Our 'Talking Pen' (OCR) provides audio guidance for our collections.

  • The museum is very child friendly and it's also accessible to wheelchair users. 

  • Visitors can enjoy videos and sound recordings as part of an immersive sensory experience.

Highlights for Visitors

  • Displays and Information, showcasing Combe Martin's rich industrial and agricultural heritage.

  • Large 3d map models and interactive landscapes.

  • Explore our activity hub, equipped with fossils and information, microscopes and magnifying glasses.

  • A walk-in copy shop and print facilities for customers.

  • Free wi-fi and use of the museum laptop.

Local Travel and Tourist Information

  • Throughout its long history, Combe Martin has been shaped by a diverse cast of famous, influential and controversial personalities.

  • Bus and rail link timetables available.

  • Brochures for attractions and accommodation, and details on local events and activities.

Combe Martin Heritage Displays

  • A life‑size period Cottage.

  • Sail Loft with model boats, and maritime artefacts detailing local seafaring.

  • Get in the Earl of Rone spirit with dressing-up boxes for kids. 

  • Detailed exhibits on Combe Martin's social history, pictorials, lime burning heritage, and the remarkable strawberry industry.

Activities for all the Family

  • Hands-on activities include kids colouring books and games.

  • A seaside laboratory, for exploring Combe Martin's unique local geology, and marine life.

Book an Adventure with Combe Martin Museum

  • Planned Beach Safaris and rock-pooling sessions are led by museum volunteers, and advertised by the museum.

  • There are also planned educational workshops, and craft activities for children. We'll post these on our Events page.

Combe Martin's Community and Educational Hub

  • This museum is also a community hub, hosting popular fortnightly coffee mornings, with a raffle.

  • Activities and educational visits for schools, by arrangement.

  • The ideal space for families, and where kids are admitted free of charge!

  • Crafty Ladies meetings raise funds for the museum.

Seminars and Fundraising Events

  • Daytime and evening activities, as advertised.

  • Guest presenters and slide shows.

Collection Highlights

  • Unique Local Stories and Artifacts: The museum showcases Combe Martin’s distinctive customs and 'Shammickites'.

  • The famous “Earl of Rone” festival, and the village’s Guinness World Record for the longest street party in 2002.

  • Indenture documents for 19th century local apprenticeships. 

  • Displays include mining tools, farm implements, and historic photographs.

Supported by Local and Regional Collaboration

  • Active partnerships with Exmoor Zoo, Coastwise, AONB North Devon

  • Supported by the Exmoor National Park Authority

  • Cultural development supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

  • Supported by regional organisations

Support Combe Martin Museum and Information Point

Registered Charity No.1167141 | Accredited Museum

Website Version v3.0.0 | Updated in May 2026 

Changelog: Editorial refinements and accessibility upgrades

Our Changelog

Kiln Car Park and Accessible Toilets

Maintained by North Devon Council, this central village facility (near the harbour beach) includes designated disabled bays and unisex RADAR‑enabled accessible toilets. Standard council car park tariffs apply, and visitors should check the local tariff boards upon arrival.

View Kiln Car Park Info ↗