So, you’ve booked a break to North Devon. You’ve seen the stunning pictures of our dramatic coastline and golden sands, but now you’re wondering how to fit all that beauty into one short trip. It’s easy to stick to the main tourist trails, but if you want to experience the real heart of this place—the wild crags, the hidden coves, and the cosy corners the locals cherish—you need an insider's plan.
Forget frantic, box-ticking tourism. This is our guide to a perfect 48 hours in and around Combe Martin. It’s a blend of iconic sights and quiet discoveries that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and truly connected to this special corner of the world.
Your Base: The View from Sandy Cove
First things first: a good itinerary needs a great base. From your vantage point at the Sandy Cove Hotel, you’re perfectly placed. You can wake up, draw the curtains, and see the sea state and the weather first-hand. It’s from here, with a coffee in hand overlooking the Bristol Channel, that your 48-hour adventure begins.
Day 1: Coastal Heights & Village Charm
Morning (9:30 AM): A Walk on the Wild Side
Forget the car for a morning. From the hotel’s doorstep, you have direct access to one of the most breath-taking stretches of the South West Coast Path. We recommend heading west towards Ilfracombe. The path will take you up to the majestic Great Hangman, the highest sea cliff in mainland Britain. It’s a rewarding climb, and the panoramic views from the top are simply staggering. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
- Local's Tip: Pack a flask of tea and some biscuits. There’s a perfect spot at the summit to sit and soak in the view before you head back down.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch and a Local Wander
After your walk, you’ve earned a hearty lunch. Head down into Combe Martin village and find a traditional pub for a ploughman's lunch or some fresh, local seafood.
Refuelled, it's time to explore the unique character of Combe Martin itself. Wander along the single, long street that the village is famous for. Pop into the local shops, visit the historic St. Peter ad Vincula church, and then make your way to the beach. At low tide, explore the incredible rock pools and hidden coves that give the village its name.
Evening (7:30 PM): Dinner with a View
You don’t need to travel far for the best seat in the house. After a day of exploring, retreat to the comfort of the Sandy Cove Hotel. The beauty of staying here is that a world-class dining experience is just a few steps from your room. Settle into our Seacliff Restaurant for an exquisite meal crafted from the finest Devon produce. As the sun sets over the ocean, casting a golden glow across the water, you can toast to a perfect first day.
Day 2: Epic Scenery & Artistic Harbours
Morning (10:00 AM): The Valley of Rocks
Today, we’re taking a short, scenic drive (around 25 minutes) to a place that looks like it belongs in a fantasy epic: The Valley of Rocks. This dramatic, dry valley on the edge of the coast is famous for its bizarrely shaped, towering rock formations and its resident population of feral goats who clamber fearlessly along the cliff edges. It’s a geological wonder and a fantastic place for a stroll and some truly impressive photos.
- Local's Tip: From the Valley of Rocks, continue on to the nearby twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Take a ride on the famous funicular Cliff Railway, a Victorian water-powered lift that connects the two. It's an unforgettable experience.
Afternoon (1:30 PM): Art and Harbourside Life
For the afternoon, head towards the vibrant harbour town of Ilfracombe (a short drive from Sandy Cove). It’s a fascinating contrast to the wild nature of the morning. Grab a casual lunch of fish and chips on the harbour wall, fending off the seagulls like a true local.
Then, explore the town's thriving independent art galleries and quirky shops. Your walk will eventually lead you to the pier to see ‘Verity’, the striking 66-foot bronze statue by Damien Hirst that holds a silent, powerful watch over the harbour entrance.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): A Final Devonshire Sunset
Head back to the Sandy Cove Hotel for one last dose of coastal tranquillity. Perhaps a pre-dinner swim in our pool followed by a final, spectacular sunset from the terrace, G&T in hand. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on your whirlwind 48 hours—the cliff-top views, the hidden treasures, and the peaceful moments.
This itinerary is more than a schedule; it's an invitation. It's a chance to see our home as we see it. Ready to discover it for yourself?
Book your 48-hour escape at the Sandy Cove Hotel and let your local adventure begin.
