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The Orchard Retreat, Combe Martin

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The Orchard Retreat is a spacious barn conversion in North Devon that sleeps up to 10 guests. This property works brilliantly for larger groups wanting coastal access and countryside peace. The open-plan living space brings everyone together whilst separate lounges give you room to spread out.

You're in North Devon here, close to Exmoor National Park. The coast sits just minutes away. Rolling hills and dramatic moorland surround you. This part of Devon mixes beaches with wild landscapes.

The property sleeps 10 people total. You'll find bathrooms across the accommodation. The main living area flows from kitchen to dining to sitting room. A separate snug gives groups extra space.

About The Orchard Retreat

The Orchard Retreat is a spacious barn conversion in North Devon that sleeps up to 10 guests. This property works brilliantly for larger groups wanting coastal access and countryside peace. The open-plan living space brings everyone together whilst separate lounges give you room to spread out.

You're in North Devon here, close to Exmoor National Park. The coast sits just minutes away. Rolling hills and dramatic moorland surround you. This part of Devon mixes beaches with wild landscapes.

The property sleeps 10 people total. You'll find bathrooms across the accommodation. The main living area flows from kitchen to dining to sitting room. A separate snug gives groups extra space. Off-road parking for multiple vehicles makes arrival straightforward for larger parties.

Woolacombe Beach (4 miles, 10 minutes) offers three miles of sand. Exmoor National Park (5 miles, 12 minutes) provides walking routes. Watermouth Castle (7 miles, 15 minutes) entertains families. Combe Martin Wildlife Park (6 miles, 14 minutes) houses exotic animals.

The Orchard Retreat suits multi-family groups wanting Devon's coast and countryside combined. Everyone gets proper sleeping space whilst communal areas keep the group connected.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Orchard Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Combe Martin, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

15°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:13am

🌡️
15.10°C
Temperature
💨
16 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
94%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Orchard Retreat sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

139m

(456 feet above sea level)

The Orchard Retreat sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
139m
Elevation
📍
Combe Martin
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Combe Martin are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.1940260° N | Longitude: 3.990566° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Combe Martin (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:21am

Sunrise

6:13pm

Golden Hour

7:13pm

Sunset

🌅
5:21am
Sunrise
🌇
7:13pm
Sunset
📸
6:13pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:13pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Combe Martin, you have approximately 13.86 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Orchard Retreat.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.1940260, -3.9905660

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Orchard Retreat

Spacious Five-Bedroom Layout

Five separate bedrooms sleeping 10 guests give larger groups and multi-family parties the space they need without feeling cramped or compromised.

Open-Plan Living Areas

The flowing kitchen-dining-lounge layout keeps groups together for meals and socialising whilst a separate snug provides overflow space when needed.

Multiple Bathrooms

Three bathrooms across the property mean morning routines run smoothly even with 10 guests staying, eliminating the usual holiday house bottlenecks.

Coastal Location

Woolacombe's award-winning beach sits just 10 minutes away, giving groups easy access to Devon's finest surfing and swimming spots throughout their stay.

Exmoor Access

The National Park boundary lies 12 minutes from your door, offering groups immediate access to moorland walks and wildlife spotting without lengthy drives.

Ample Parking

Off-road parking accommodates multiple vehicles, essential for larger groups arriving separately or wanting flexibility to explore Devon at different paces.

Getting To The Orchard Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Orchard Retreat by car, follow the A361 towards Ilfracombe then take the turn for the property near Combe Martin. Off-road parking for multiple vehicles awaits your arrival, essential for larger groups.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, approximately 12 miles away. From there, taxi services or car hire will complete your journey to this North Devon countryside location.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (12 miles)
Accessible from A361 via Combe Martin

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Woolacombe Beach
Distance: 4 miles
EX34 7BT
Watermouth Castle
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 9SL
Combe Martin Wildlife Park
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 0NG
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 5 miles
EX35 6LD
South West Coast Path
Distance: 4 miles
EX34 7BT
Heddon Valley
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 4PY
Ilfracombe Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 9ED
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 1BG
Combe Martin Village Shops
Distance: 3 miles
EX34 0DW
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 1LE
Ilfracombe Harbour
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 9EQ
Combe Martin Village
Distance: 3 miles
EX34 0DW
Woolacombe Beach
Distance: 4 miles
EX34 7BT
Watermouth Castle
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 9SL
Combe Martin Wildlife Park
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 0NG
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 5 miles
EX35 6LD
South West Coast Path
Distance: 4 miles
EX34 7BT
Heddon Valley
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 4PY
Ilfracombe Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 9ED
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 1BG
Combe Martin Village Shops
Distance: 3 miles
EX34 0DW
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 1LE
Ilfracombe Harbour
Distance: 6 miles
EX34 9EQ
Combe Martin Village
Distance: 3 miles
EX34 0DW

Is The Orchard Retreat Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Woolacombe Beach provides three miles of sand for building castles and learning to surf. Watermouth Castle offers dungeons, gardens and mechanical displays. Combe Martin Wildlife Park houses lions, wolves and sea lions with daily feeding shows. The property's spacious grounds give children outdoor play space. Exmoor offers pony spotting and gentle family walks through moorland scenery.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living space forms the social heart of this barn conversion. Kitchen, dining and sitting areas flow together, letting groups of 10 cook, eat and relax in one connected space. A separate snug provides overflow seating when some want quieter activities. This layout works brilliantly for multi-family groups where adults can supervise children whilst preparing meals together.
Pet Friendly
The Orchard Retreat welcomes dogs, letting you bring pets on your North Devon break. The surrounding countryside provides immediate walking routes from your door. Woolacombe Beach permits dogs year-round on certain sections. Exmoor National Park offers miles of dog-friendly trails across moorland and through wooded valleys. The property's rural setting gives dogs space to explore safely.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Orchard Retreat

The Pack O' Cards Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX34 0PS

The Dolphin Inn Ilfracombe

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX34 9EQ

Red Barn Woolacombe

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX34 7DF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Orchard Retreat

How many people does The Orchard Retreat sleep?
The property sleeps 10 guests across five bedrooms, making it suitable for larger family groups or friends travelling together. Three bathrooms serve the accommodation.
Is The Orchard Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, the property welcomes pets, allowing you to bring your dogs along on your North Devon break. Check specific pet policies regarding numbers and any additional charges.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The barn conversion features five bedrooms distributed across the property to give groups privacy and space. Specific bed configurations should be confirmed when booking.
How far is Woolacombe Beach from the property?
Woolacombe Beach sits 4 miles away, roughly a 10-minute drive from The Orchard Retreat. This three-mile stretch of sand is one of Devon's most popular beaches.
What facilities does the property have for groups?
The open-plan living space combines kitchen, dining and sitting areas for group gatherings. A separate snug provides additional relaxation space away from the main living area.
Is there parking at The Orchard Retreat?
Yes, off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles, which is particularly useful for larger groups arriving in separate cars. Space accommodates several vehicles comfortably.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Exmoor National Park (5 miles), Watermouth Castle (7 miles), Combe Martin Wildlife Park (6 miles) and Woolacombe Beach (4 miles) all sit within easy driving distance. Each offers different activities for varied group interests.
Can we access Exmoor National Park easily?
The National Park boundary lies approximately 5 miles away, around 12 minutes by car. Numerous walking trails and viewpoints become accessible from this proximity.

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