Beaches in The English Riviera

Beaches in Torquay

Along the 22 miles of English Riviera coastline are 20 beaches and coves.

Some are wide, sandy beaches, others are smaller and more secluded. Many of the beaches hold coveted awards for cleanliness and quality.

Whilst exploring Torquay's beaches, you'll find that many are linked by the South West Coast Path. Stretching from the south side of Brixham to Maidencombe, this walk around the Bay offers excellent and varied walking with spectacular sea views. 

You will find beach cafes and watering holes for the thirsty and a wide variety of flora and fauna for naturalists.

If you like water sports, fishing, boating, or just lazing the day away, the coastline of Torbay has a wide variety on offer.

Maidencombe Beach, Maidencombe

Type - Sand / Shingle
Access - Generally easy, but steep in places.
Bus No - 85 (Maidencombe Cross)
Facilities - Ample parking near , dogs allowed, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets above Maidencombe beach, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone, disabled access.

Watcombe Beach, Watcombe

Type - Sand
Access - Moderate, but steep in places
Disabled - Difficult access
Bus No - 85 (Maidencombe Cross)
Facilities - Ample parking, dogs allowed, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets by Watcombe beach, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.

Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe

Type - Sand / Shingle
Access - Moderate (cliff lift)
Disabled - Difficult access
Bus No - 32, 122 (Furrough Cross)
Facilities - Parking - 1/2 mile from Oddicombe beach, dogs banned, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, first aid post, toilets by Oddicombe beach, baby changing facilities, cafe / refreshments, beach shop, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.

Babbacombe Beach, Babbacombe

Type - Sand / Shingle
Access - Moderate
Disabled - moderate access
Popular For - Fishing off breakwater, and for sailing
Bus No - 32, 85, 122 (St Annes Road)
Facilities - Limited parking near Babbacombe beach, dogs allowed, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets by Babbacombe beach, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.

Ansteys Cove, Torquay

Type - Shingle / Rock
Access - Moderate, but steep in places
Disabled - Moderate access.
Bus No - 32, 122 (Palace Hotel)
Facilities - Parking 1/4 mile from Ansteys Cove, dogs allowed, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets near Ansteys Cove, cafe / refreshments, beach shop, deck chair / sun bed hire, chalet hire, public telephone.

Meadfoot Beach, Torquay 

Type - Pebble / Sand
Access - Easy
Disabled - Moderate access.
Bus No - X80 (Hesketh Crescent, Kilmorie end)
Facilities - Ample parking near Meadfoot beach, dogs allowed, swimming, safe with care, life saving equipment, toilets by Meadfoot beach, baby changing facilities, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, chalet hire, public telephone.

Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay

Type - Sand
Access - Easy
Disabled - Easy access.
Bus No - 2, 3, 12, 118 (Belgrave Road)
Facilities - Ample parking, dogs banned, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, first aid post, toilets near Torre Abbey Sands, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.

Corbyn Head, Torquay

Type - Sand / Shingle
Access - Easy
Bus No - 2, 3, 12, 118, 122 (Torquay Rail Station)
Facilities - Parking 1/4 mile from Corbyn Head, dogs banned, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets nearby, deck chair / sun bed hire, chalet hire, toilets near Corbyn Head.

Hollicombe Beach, Torquay

Type - Sand
Access - Moderate
Disabled - Moderate access
Bus No - 3, 12, 118, 122 (Hollicombe Gardens)
Facilities - Parking 1 mile from Hollicombe beach, dogs banned, swimming, safe with care, life saving equipment, toilets by beach, toilets near Hollicombe beach.

Paignton Beach, Paignton

Type - Sand
Access - Easy
Disabled - Easy access
Bus No - All services to Paignton Bus Station
Facilities - Ample parking near Paignton beach, dogs banned, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, first aid post, cafe / refreshments, restaurant, beach shop, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone, toilets near Paignton beach.

Goodrington Sands, Goodrington

Type - Sand
Access - Easy
Disabled - Easy access
Bus No - 4, 118 (Torbay Leisure Centre
Facilities - Ample parking near Goodrington Sands, dogs allowed, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, toilets near Goodrington Sands, cafe / refreshments, restaurant, beach shop, deck chair / sun bed hire.