Explore the rich heritage and history of Combe Martin, a unique civil parish with a fascinating industrial and cultural heritage.

Featured Landmarks:

• 1. Pack o' Cards Inn
  A Grade II Star listed national monument, pub and hotel, dating back to around 1690. Incorporating bee boles on the north-west side. 'The Jewel' in the centre of Combe Martin was originally built as Squire George Ley’s townhouse after his big win at cards. The Pack o' Cards Inn, formerly The King's Arms, on the High Street, is famous for its unique architecture resembling a full pack of playing cards complete with Joker.
• 2. Combe Martin War Memorial
  Erected in 1921, this Grade II listed monument honours local men who served in the Great War and World War II. Find it near St Peter’s Church.
• 3. West Challacombe Manor
  A significant Medieval manor estate, originally the family seat of Prouse. Featuring a grand false-hammer-beam roof. The Cruck barn (‘A’ frame) dates to the first half of the 14th century. Probably begun by the Challacombe family in the fourteenth-century, it is a remarkably fine example of a small manor house from the Medieval period.
• 4. Higher Leigh Manor
  Now the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Constructed between 1851 and 1855, this manor has a rich history and was for a time repurposed into a convent.
• 5. Watermouth Castle
  A castellated former residence built in 1825, on the main A399 coast road midway between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. Once home to the Basset family, and known for its beautiful gardens. It is now the Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle.
• 6. Great Hangman and Little Hangman
  These towering sea cliffs are part of the North Devon Coast Areas of National Beauty, offering stunning views of Combe Martin, and the Bristol Channel to Wales. At over 1,000 ft and rich in folklore, Great Hangman is England’s highest sea cliff and the highest point on the South West Coast Path.
• 7. St Peter ad Vincula Church
  Combe Martin's Grade I listed Anglican parish church dates back to the 1200s. Featuring an original 15th-century Roodscreen, and memorials to prominent local parishioners. Located on Church Street near the Community Centre, the church has recently been restored.
• 8. Knap Down Mine Sett
  Historical remnants of silver lead mining can be found here, including a ruined engine house and chimney.
• 9. Combe Martin Silver Mine Tenement
  Open to visitors on certain days, the ‘Old Combe Martin Silver Mine Tenement’, on Bowhay Lane, showcases the village's mining heritage. Dated to the 13th century or earlier, it is one of the oldest working mines in Britain. The mine workings are spread over much of the floor and sides of the Umber valley in the middle of the village.
• 10. Fayes Mine Sett
  An important historical silver mine that highlights Combe Martin's mining legacy.
• 11. The Old Rectory on Rectory Road
  A Grade II listed manor house built in 1847, showcasing local architectural styles. The Old Rectory was in effect an ecclesiastical manor for the rector in charge of Combe Martin Parish, who also controlled the tithes.
• 12. Castle Inn
  A Grade II listed public house built in the early 19th century, known for its gault brick construction. On Castle Street, this pub was a favourite haunt of Combe Martin Sexton James Norman, Marie Corelli’s “Reuben Dale” in *The Mighty Atom* novel (1896).
• 13. Lime Kiln
  A near intact, Grade II listed structure on Kiln Field near Park Lane. Recently repaired, it represents the village's lime-burning heritage.
• 14. Seacroft Cottage
  A quaint building by the main beach. With unusual windows, it once served as Combe Martin’s Customs House and now functions as a shop.
• 15. Combe Martin Community Centre
  A Grade II listed building on Church Street, dated pre-1640. The complex was originally a medieval church hall and almshouse, and Combe Martin’s school house.
• 16. Combe Martin Village Hall
  Built as a Drill Hall in 1909 on the High Street. It has hosted local events, shows, dances, clubs, and meetings for over a century. It is still the central community hub.
• 17. Combe Martin’s Former Church Hall and Ale House
  A historical site that adds to the village's rich church heritage. It has been a Poor House and a Workhouse, and is home to Combe Martin Parish Council.
• 18. The Valley Lane Hotel at Combe Martin
  In 1877-1878, the "well-appointed" Valley Hotel was built in Combe Martin at the side of Valley Lane across from the Pack o' Cards Inn. Listed in White's Directory for 1878 and built on the expectation of renewed silver mining in the town, it soon went bankrupt.

Historic England’s List of Combe Martin Monuments and Protected Buildings:

View the list at the Historic England website >