Last modified on August 13, 2025
Combe Martin Museum Blogs
- Come and read stories, insights and updates from our museum team.
- Stay up to date with news from management and volunteers.
- Contact us↗ for information on equal opportunity voluntary roles.
Delve into the world of museum management with our Chairman's Blog.
Discover the inner workings of Combe Martin Museum, from curating exhibits to preserving local heritage.
The museum is run by a dedicated team of trustees, managers and volunteers.
Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of keeping our museum thriving as a vital community hub.
The Work of Our Collections Team
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Preserving & Protecting: Caring for artefacts with conservation and safe handling practices.
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Organising & Recording: Cataloguing items, and managing detailed object histories.
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Displaying & Sharing: Preparing objects for exhibitions and loan, and supporting public storytelling.
Meet the heart and soul of Combe Martin Museum: our dedicated volunteers led by our volunteer-co-ordinator.
In their blog, they will share their experiences, stories, and passion for curating Combe Martin's history.
Learn about the diverse roles they play, from guiding visitors to researching artefacts.
Whether you’re passionate about history, community, or inclusion—there’s a place for you in our volunteer family.
Join our team of volunteers↗
Blog Post from Our Museum Team on 13th August 2025
LATEST NEWS!
We have been loaned a Millenium Limited Edition Combe Martin tea set! This came up for auction last week and the trustees made a bid for it which was far exceeded.
The successful bidders were Nicky Tossell and her sister Beverly (nee Waltho) who want to loan it to the Museum in memory of their parents.
We are so grateful for their generous gesture and it will be on display as soon as we are able.
Discover Combe Martin’s Hidden Gem
Combe Martin Museum isn’t just a building with exhibits and tourist information.
It’s a living archive of a village shaped by a unique social history, industries and innovation.
Tucked along North Devon’s rugged coast, our museum offers three accessible floors of local exhibits.
Our voluntary team is dedicated to preserving local heritage and sustaining our museum.
Whether you're walking the South West Coast Path or searching for family-friendly adventures in North Devon, our inclusive heritage centre welcomes everyone and their well-behaved dogs.
What You’ll Find at Combe Martin Museum:
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Interactive exhibitions spanning centuries of trade, farming, and maritime life.
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A curated gift shop with local crafts, artworks and mementoes; perfect for keepsakes.
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A dedicated Tourist Information Point with regional leaflets and free publications.
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Large and small maps, and a selection of postcards available for purchase.
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A library of pre-loved books, and historical literature about Combe Martin.
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How sea and land-based industries sustained Combe Martin over centuries.
Exhibits from Combe Martin's Earl of Rone Festival
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Every spring bank holiday in May, Combe Martin bursts into life as villagers and visitors come together for the celebrated Earl of Rone Festival.
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It's a unique blend of historical pageantry, costumed drama, and communal revelry.
📅 Events at Combe Martin Museum:
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Our Sail Loft hosts community events, school groups, and evening seminars.
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Coffee mornings, activities for children, and craft groups raising funds for the museum.
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Seashore Safaris in the summer holidays: planned for families to explore Combe Martin's rocky beach cove, eco-system and marine life.
🏭 Industrial History
From 13th-century silver mining to skilled trades, farming and modern horticulture. Explore the lives and multiple industries that shaped Combe Martin’s identity.
🧑🤝🧑 Social History
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Step back in time into the story of ‘Shammickite’ villagers through historic artifacts and photographs.
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View Combe Martin's old village shops, local schools and pupils, fraternal orders, and friendly societies.
⚓ Maritime History
Uncover a coastal heritage of shipbuilding, fishing, smuggling, and trade.
Combe Martin’s maritime past flows through the River Umber and echoes across the Bristol Channel.
🏛️ Local Architecture & Heritage
View models and tales of the Pack o’ Cards Inn (c.1690), our 13th century St Peter ad Vincula Church, and the legendary Combe Martin Silver Mines.
🦖 Sights & Attractions
From Higher Leigh Manor—now the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park—to the medieval West Challacombe Manor, and the nearby Victorian Watermouth Castle.
There's something for every explorer.
♿ Inclusive Experience
Accessibility isn't just an add-on—it’s central to our design. We offer a Lift to all floors, a talking pen, audio and sensory guides, and welcoming spaces designed for everyone.
⚓️ Coastal Connections
As a designated Passport Stamp Station for the South West Coast Path, we’re a popular waypoint for walkers exploring North Devon’s stunning coastline.
We hope you'll enjoy exploring this website - and your visit to Combe Martin Museum!
