Combe Martin Parking: Park at the Bottom End

Short answer: Combe Martin has the longest village street in England, running about two miles down a valley to the bay. Park at the bottom end for the beach and the pubs; parking at the top means a proper walk down and back up.

Park at the right end

This is the one thing to get right here. Combe Martin runs roughly two miles down a valley to the sea — reputedly the longest village street in England — so where you leave the car decides your day.

For the beach, the harbour and the Focsle Inn, aim for the bottom. The Castle Inn and the top of the village are a long walk back up if you have been in the sea.

The bay

Small, sheltered between high cliffs, and at low tide one of the best rock-pooling beaches in north Devon. Parking near the seafront fills in summer but the village is quiet by Devon coastal standards.

Parking for the walks

• Little Hangman — the coast path access from King Street, a steep 45-minute climb to views across to Wales.
• Wild Pear Beach, half a mile north — a secluded naturist cove reached along the coast path. No parking of its own.
• The coast path east towards Ilfracombe, which starts from the village.

Worth knowing

The Pack o' Cards Inn is a 17th-century building designed around a deck of cards, with 52 windows and four floors. It is in the village and worth a look whether or not you drink.

Nearby

Ilfracombe is ten minutes west, where parking is cheaper than the surrounding villages all year and the harbour end is level. Exmoor Zoo is a short drive inland with its own car park.

Charges are reviewed every year and seasonal tariffs change in March and November. Treat any price here as a guide and check the machine on the day.