Last modified on October 12, 2026
Combe Martin Museum Blogs
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- 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 and equal opportunity voluntary roles↗
- We are open Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 16:00. Call +44 (0)1271-889031.
Blog Post: October 12, 2026
The Edge of Exmoor: Great Hangman at Combe Martin
Where the wild, heather-clad moorlands of North Devon meet the Bristol Channel lies one of the UK’s most dramatic coastal settings.
Tucked into a sheltered cove at the very western edge of Exmoor National Park, the village of Combe Martin acts as the gateway to the coast.
The Gateway Village: Discovering Combe Martin
Take time to wander through Combe Martin itself. Renowned for having one of the longest village streets in England, this picturesque coastal spot cradles a sheltered bay, framed by dramatic green headlands.
Steeped in rich local history—from medieval silver mining to lime burning heritage, smuggling and maritime trade—Combe Martin offers the famous Pack o' Cards Inn, cozy village pubs, cafes and shops. A perfect welcoming starting point for your Exmoor coastal adventure.
Find out more from Combe Martin Museum & Information Point, on Cross Street near the Kiln Car Park and Combe Martin Harbour Beach.
The Ascent: Little Hangman (218 m / 716 ft)
Following the South West Coast Path out from the harbour, the route climbs up towards Little Hangman.
Rising to 218 m (716 ft), this headland provides a panoramic perspective over Combe Martin Bay. Across the Bristol channel and usually visible on fine days: the Welsh coastline rises up in purple clouds.
Little Hangman is also an ideal shorter walk if you're hiking with younger family members, pressed for time, or looking for an easier route.
England's Highest Sea Cliff: Great Hangman
Pushing eastward along the ridge leads to the main summit: Great Hangman. At 318 m (1,044 ft), it is the highest point on the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path.
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Its dramatic cliff plunges roughly 244 m (800 ft) directly into the sea below, making it the highest sea cliff in England.
Practical Hiking
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Distance & duration: A circular walk covering both headlands is roughly 4.5 to 5.5 miles (7–9 km), taking between 2.5 and 3.5 hours.
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Terrain: Steep in sections over rocky paths; sturdy footwear with ankle support is strongly recommended.
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Weather: High coastal weather changes rapidly. Walkers often carry a windproof and waterproof layer, sun protection, and plenty of water.
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Waymarking: Follow the acorn signs along the South West Coast Path.
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Before or after your walk, don't forget to visit Combe Martin Museum near the seafront. Learn more about the unique geology, heritage, and walking routes of our coastline.
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.
Find out about volunteering at Combe Martin Museum↗
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.
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Latest Item on Display: A rare Countryman's Harvest Smock.
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↗
More Museum News for October 2026
New events confirmed for this month - see our events schedule which is constantly updated as timings are confirmed.
Newsletters are now available on this site↗
We have new additions to our collections and displays. Our fabulous harvest smock is now housed in its own new cabinet on the mezzanine floor.
There has been an exciting addition to the cottage on the ground floor. Come along and have a look.
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 Gift Shop stocks a range of unique souvenirs and Crafts.
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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Our museum calendar is bursting with exciting events—from heritage talks to hands-on craft days. Fun for the whole family, and cozy coffee mornings every other week.
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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.
📅 What's On 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.
🏭Combe Martin's 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 are open Monday to Friday: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Call 01271-889031. We hope you'll enjoy exploring this website - and your visit to Combe Martin Museum!
