There’s a special kind of magic that lives in the space between the land and the sea. It’s a world of miniature marvels and forgotten treasures, revealed twice a day by the rhythm of the tides. For families visiting North Devon, there’s no better way to connect with the coast than by exploring this ever-changing world. Forget the tablets and screens; a day of rock pooling and beachcombing in Combe Martin offers an unforgettable adventure that will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.
This is your guide to unlocking the secrets of our shoreline, turning a simple day at the beach into a treasure hunt of epic proportions.
The Hidden Universe inside a Rock Pool
What is rock pooling? When the tide retreats from our craggy coastline, it leaves behind countless little pools of seawater in the rocky hollows. These are not just puddles; they are vibrant, miniature ecosystems, teeming with fascinating creatures that have adapted to this tough environment. Peering into a rock pool is like looking through a window into another world. With a little patience, you’ll be amazed at what you can find clinging to the seaweed and scuttling under the rocks.
What you might find:
- Crabs: Look out for the common shore crab, easily identifiable by its serrated shell, or the more elusive hermit crab, which makes its home in discarded snail shells.
- Anemones: These beautiful, flower-like animals are often found attached to rocks. Gently touch a beadlet anemone's tentacles and watch them retract in a flash!
- Prawns and Shrimps: Watch closely for the almost-transparent flash of a prawn darting through the water. A small net is perfect for a closer look before releasing them back.
- Small Fish: Tiny blennies and gobies are common residents, perfectly camouflaged against the rocks.
Starfish: A truly magical find! While less common, brittle stars and common starfish can sometimes be found clinging to the underside of rocks in larger pools.
The Thrill of the Hunt Beachcombing Treasures
Beachcombing is the art of searching the shoreline for natural and man-made treasures washed in by the tide. The 'strandline' – the line of seaweed and debris left at the high tide mark – is the perfect place to start your hunt. Every tide brings a fresh delivery, so you never know what you might discover.
Treasures to look for:
- Sea Glass: Often called "mermaids' tears," these are pieces of old glass bottles that have been smoothed and frosted by decades of tumbling in the sea. Finding a rare colour like blue or red is a real triumph.
- Shells: North Devon's coast is home to a beautiful variety of shells. Look for the iridescent mother-of-pearl inside a mussel, the spiral of a whelk, or the delicate fan of a scallop shell.
- Mermaid's Purses: These are not purses at all, but the empty egg cases of sharks and rays! They look like small, black or dark brown leathery pouches.
Driftwood: The sea sculpts wood into fascinating, gnarled shapes. A beautiful piece of driftwood makes a wonderful natural souvenir of your trip.
Your Adventure Kit: What to Bring
You don’t need much to become a master explorer, but a few key items will make your adventure safer and more successful.
- Sturdy Footwear: Wellies or old trainers are a must. Rocks are incredibly slippery and sharp.
- A Bucket: Essential for temporarily holding your finds for a closer look. Fill it with fresh seawater to keep any creatures happy.
- A Net: A small, child-friendly net is great for catching faster-moving creatures like prawns.
- A Magnifying Glass: To get a super-close-up view of your discoveries.
- A Tide Times Guide: This is the most important item. Always check the tide times before you go. Start exploring as the tide is going out and be sure to head back to the main beach well before it starts to turn. You can easily find tide times online for Combe Martin.
- A Camera: To capture the memories and the amazing things you find!
Top Local Spots Near Combe Martin
While our own Combe Martin beach has a fantastic collection of rock pools at low tide, especially towards the western side, a short trip offers even more opportunities. Just a few minutes' drive away, Hele Bay is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, renowned for its geology and sheltered rock pools that are perfect for younger children. Further afield, the vast, open sands of Woolacombe and Croyde reveal incredible rock formations and pools at their northern and southern ends when the tide is out.
Your Perfect Basecamp for Coastal Exploration: The Sandy Cove Hotel
After a day spent clambering over rocks with windswept hair and pockets full of shells, there's no better feeling than returning to a warm and welcoming base. The Sandy Cove Hotel is perfectly positioned not just for its breath-taking sea views, but as the ultimate sanctuary for your family's coastal adventures.
Perched on the cliff top, you can watch the tide ebb and flow from the comfort of our hotel, planning the best time to head out. We are just a stone's throw from the very best rock pooling and beachcombing spots in North Devon, making us the ideal launchpad for your daily expeditions.
Once you return, kick off your sandy wellies and relax. Our comfortable, family-friendly rooms provide the perfect space to unwind and examine the day's treasures. Let the kids spread out their finds while you soak in the views from your balcony. Then, join us in our restaurant for a delicious, locally sourced meal – a well-earned reward after your seaside safari, where you can chat excitedly about the day's discoveries and plan for tomorrow's.
Ready to uncover the secrets of the shoreline? Book your family adventure at the Sandy Cove Hotel and create memories that will last a lifetime.
