Big Cottages Combe Martin: Your Group Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Combe Martin gives you a stunning coastal base on the North Devon coast with the kind of space and freedom that hotels simply can't match. This historic village sits between dramatic cliffs and wooded valleys where Exmoor meets the sea.
The area works brilliantly for large groups because you get proper beach access at Combe Martin Beach and Wild Pear Beach plus easy reach of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. We find groups love the mix of coastal walks and traditional village pubs alongside proper outdoor adventures.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties on Snaptrip or other rental sites. Set your budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly from cheap basic accommodation to massive villas with hot tubs and indoor pools.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles from shops whilst beach houses put you right on the sand. Consider whether you want dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens or adults-only spaces for hen parties and stag dos.
Think hard about bedrooms versus bathrooms. A 10 bedroom property might only have three bathrooms which creates morning chaos. We always recommend at least one bathroom per four guests for comfortable group accommodation.
Modern lodges offer different vibes to rustic cottages to rent. Cabins suit outdoor enthusiasts whilst spacious holiday homes with cinema rooms work better for families wanting indoor entertainment.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate realistically. Properties that sleep 10 might include sofa beds which aren't ideal for week-long stays. Look for genuine 5 bedroom or 8 bed configurations where everyone gets proper sleeping space. Holiday cottages that sleep 12 or sleeps 14 options give breathing room.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. We suggest couples with young children or the person organizing everything gets first pick. For family reunions consider giving grandparents the best room. Sort this early to avoid weekend tension.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the rental cost divided equally or by room size. Some groups charge more for en-suite rooms. Factor in whether children pay full shares. Be transparent about everything from the start.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and collects money from others. Set clear deadlines for payment. Use banking apps for easy transfers. Remember that holiday lets often require deposits months ahead for Christmas and New Year bookings.
Hidden fees
Check what's included. Some self-catering properties charge extra for heating or hot tub use. Pet fees add up for dog friendly cottages. Linen might cost extra. Last minute bookings sometimes avoid these charges but limit choice.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big Cottages in Combe Martin often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Properties with hot tubs create natural social spaces. Some large cottages feature cinema rooms or indoor pools for all-weather entertainment. Gardens with BBQ areas work brilliantly for big groups in summer.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared group chat weeks before arrival. Suggest three activities and let people vote. Don't over-schedule because groups need downtime. Coastal walks from the village suit most fitness levels.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with relaxed ones. Morning beach trips followed by afternoon pub lunches work well. Split into smaller groups for different activities then regroup for evening meals in your holiday rentals.
Think about how far it is to activities - Combe Martin sits 4 miles from Ilfracombe and 8 miles from Woolacombe. The Exmoor Zoo is practically on your doorstep. Watermouth Castle provides family entertainment nearby. Factor in parking at attractions for multiple cars.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - North Devon gets proper rain. Book houses to rent with substantial indoor space. The nearby town of Barnstaple offers shopping and cinema options. Ilfracombe Aquarium works for families. Keep board games and cards handy.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby - Combe Martin village has convenience stores and several pubs but stock up in Barnstaple for big groups
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars - Confirm exact parking spaces before booking especially for cottages for 10 or more guests
- Who organizes everything - Rotate responsibility for meals and activities to avoid one person doing everything
- Who's responsible if something breaks - Read the rental agreement carefully and take photos on arrival
- Managing different sleep schedules - Choose properties where bedrooms are separated from living areas so early risers don't wake everyone
Top 5 group attractions in Combe Martin
Combe Martin and the surrounding North Devon coast offers brilliant options for large groups wanting mix of outdoor adventure and traditional seaside experiences. The area combines Exmoor National Park with dramatic coastal scenery and proper sandy beaches.
#1 Combe Martin Beach
This sheltered sandy beach stretches along the village with rock pools at low tide and calm waters for swimming. The beach works perfectly for groups because there's space to spread out and facilities including cafes and toilets right by the sand. Coastal path walks start from either end.
#2 Exmoor Zoo
Located just outside the village this conservation zoo houses over 175 species across beautiful wooded grounds. Groups can split up to explore at different paces then meet for lunch. The zoo focuses on endangered species and runs keeper talks throughout the day which work well for mixed-age parties.
#3 Watermouth Castle
This Victorian folly combines castle tours with theme park attractions and gardens overlooking Watermouth Harbour. Large groups appreciate the variety because there's something for everyone from dungeon tours to water slides. The grounds include crazy golf and adventure playgrounds.
#4 South West Coast Path
The section between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe ranks among the most spectacular coastal walking in Britain with dramatic cliff scenery. Groups can tackle the full 5-mile route or do shorter sections. Wild Pear Beach provides a stunning halfway point accessible only on foot.
#5 Ilfracombe Harbour and Town
This working harbour town sits 15 minutes drive away with boat trips to Lundy Island and Damien Hirst's controversial Verity statue. The town offers proper restaurants and independent shops. Groups can take coastal boat trips or visit the tunnels beaches carved through cliffs.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Exmoor Zoo | Conservation zoo with endangered species across woodland setting with keeper talks and feeding demonstrations | Flexible timing lets groups explore independently then regroup. Works for all ages and abilities. |
| Watermouth Castle | Victorian castle with mechanical music collection, dungeons and indoor amusements alongside outdoor attractions | Indoor sections provide wet weather backup. Variety means different interests are covered. |
| Ilfracombe Aquarium | Small traditional aquarium showcasing local marine life in Victorian building with touch pools | Compact size suits quick visits. Easy to coordinate meeting times for large groups. |
| Tunnels Beaches | Hand-carved Victorian tunnels leading to private beaches with tidal pool and cafe facilities | Sheltered beaches work in most weather. Group rates available for larger parties. |
| The Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe | Modern theatre and cinema showing current releases plus live performances in striking clifftop building | Evening entertainment option. Group bookings possible for shows and films. |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Combe Martin?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak summer weeks and Christmas breaks. Large holiday houses that sleep 20 get snapped up quickly. One night or weekend breaks offer more flexibility for last minute bookings outside school holidays.
What size property do we actually need?
Count adults and children separately. A sleeps 14 property might be tight for 14 adults but perfect for 8 adults and 6 children. Always check the bedroom configuration not just the total sleep number. Consider whether you want an 8 bed with all doubles or mixed room sizes.
Are properties genuinely by the sea?
Combe Martin village properties sit within walking distance of the beach. True beachfront coastal cottages are rare and expensive. Most beach accommodation means 5-10 minutes walk. Check exact distances and whether there are steep hills between property and sand.
What about properties with pools and hot tubs?
Holiday homes with hot tubs are increasingly common but properties with indoor pools remain rare and command premium prices. Hot tub running costs sometimes get charged separately. Check whether the hot tub is private or shared with other holiday lets on the same site.
Can we bring multiple dogs?
Many large cottages accept dogs but usually limit numbers to 2-3. Some properties with enclosed gardens welcome more for an additional fee. Always declare exact dog numbers when booking. Pet-free guests and dog friendly groups need different properties so be clear about requirements.
Making the most of your group break
Combe Martin delivers that rare combination of proper beach access and Exmoor wilderness within a traditional Devon village setting. The range of accommodation from cheap cabins to massive villas with pools means every budget finds something suitable.
We reckon the key to successful group holidays is choosing properties with enough space that people can spread out. Look for large groups accommodation with multiple living areas not just bedrooms. Properties to hire with gardens and outdoor space reduce that cabin fever feeling.
The village location means you're never far from shops and pubs but still feel properly away from it all. Whether you're planning a family reunion or organizing a hen party the combination of coastal beauty and practical facilities makes Combe Martin work for groups of all types.