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Come and Explore
Blog Date: July, 2025
Welcome to the Collections Team Blog
Combe Martin's local area museum covers social history, farming, market gardening, mining, and maritime themes.
We also showcase Combe Martin's silver mining heritage.
Combe Martin Museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1991, on the Strand in the building above Newberry beach.
We moved to our present location on Cross Street in 2009. There are 3 floors to explore.
What We Do
Our team collects the stories that shaped Combe Martin, preserves the objects that carry its legacy, and displays the heritage of the village and the surrounding area.
Here are some Objects from our Collection
The sea played a large part in the economy of Combe Martin in years gone by:
One boat that stands out is Combe Martin's SS Snowflake.
She was a Clyde Puffer, taking boatloads of mainly strawberries and vegetables over to Wales.
Snowflake would bring coal back on the return journey. Come and find out more about the history of this little boat.
Market Gardening:
In this vintage photo, locals are picking strawberries above Combe Martin's main beach.
The growing of strawberries was a booming business from the early 20th century until the 1970’s.
A New Exhibition for 2025:
"Getting About in Days Gone By" shows how 'Shammickites' used to travel around Combe Martin using all sorts of period vehicles.
The large photograph in this display shows local soldiers of the Devonshire Regiment, outside Combe Martin's Drill Hall, during World War One.
Combe Martin has lots of Military History:
Combe Martin has a long History of Mining and Quarrying:
Model of a Combe Martin Lime Kiln
This detailed model illustrates the rich tradition of local craftsmanship, and the industries that defined Combe Martin.
Once vital to rural industries, lime kilns transformed limestone into quicklime, fuelling agriculture and construction across this region.
Our Museum Pod
Explore our hands-on activity hub, equipped with fossils and information, microscopes and magnifying glasses.
There are drawers full of interesting things for all the family to view.
It's one of our most popular activities.
Find Out About Combe Martin Silver
Puffers, silver, strawberries, and lime kilns—just another day at Combe Martin Museum! We'll update this blog with more curious finds from our Collection cupboards. You never know what we’ll uncover next...
Last modified on July 18, 2025, 21:00 BST