Short answer: Combe Martin has the longest village street in England running down to a sheltered bay. The Focsle Inn on the beachfront and the Pack o' Cards both stay open, and the bay is sheltered enough to walk on in weather that closes the open coast.
Combe Martin's bay is small and sheltered, tucked between high cliffs, which makes it walkable in December when Woolacombe and Croyde are taking the full force of the Atlantic. At low tide it is one of the best rock-pooling beaches on this coast, and in winter you will have it.
The village runs about two miles down a valley to the sea — reputedly the longest village street in England. Worth knowing before you park at the wrong end in the rain.
Worth a visit for the building alone. Built in the 17th century by a gambler who won a fortune at cards, with four floors, 52 windows and 13 doors on each floor. Thick old walls, which is what you want in December.
2026 dates: switch-on evenings, markets and festive services are confirmed by councils and operators through October and November, and they move year to year. Check the organiser's own listing before travelling.
Little Hangman is a steep forty-five minute climb from the village to a summit with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Clear winter air gives you the best visibility of the year — but it is exposed at the top.
Ilfracombe is ten minutes west and copes with winter better than anywhere on this coast, with an aquarium and a museum that both run through.
Book Christmas and Boxing Day lunch in November. Devon's good pubs fill weeks ahead and the ones that do not take bookings have queues instead.
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