Torquay Beaches
Information and photographs courtesy of Torbay Council
Anstey’s Cove
Anstey’s cove nestles between high cliffs and a thickly wooded hillside and is operated by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. This is a perfect base for walks along the coastal paths, leading to Hopes Nose, affording impressive views across the bay. Anstey’s Cove is situated between Babbacombe and Torquay near to the Palace Hotel. There is convenient parking in a car park at the top of the steep path that leads down to the beach. Aerial view of Ansteys Cove
Babbacombe Beach
Babbacombe is a delightful small beach set beneath the cliffs at Babbacombe Downs and is operated by a private company. The promenade on Babbacombe Downs is known as the highest in England and has spectacular views. An interesting place to explore with rock pools, cliffs and walks. The beach is popular with local families and holiday makers, diving groups and fishing enthusiasts. It is also a favoured haven for weekend sailors. The picturesque lane down to the beach is very steep with limited parking. However it is level adjacent to the sea. It is next to Oddicombe Beach, accessible from the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, and Oddicombe Beach Road. Aerial view of Babbacombe Beach
Beacon Cove
Beacon Cove is a perfect haven away from the main beach of Torquay, close to the new Living Coasts, a part of the award winning Paignton Zoo. There is good disabled access down to the small promenade above a tiny shingle beach. Its sheltered position makes it a warm sunny spot even out of season. Beacon cove is a short walking distance from Torquay harbour side, adjacent to the Living Coast attraction. There is a car park situated close by providing convenient access to a gentle slope leading down to the beach.
Corbyn Head Beach
This lovely little sandy beach lies to the south of Torre Abbey Sands, close to Abbey Meadows. With colourful beach huts and interesting rock pools, this beach is very popular with families. Close to the town centre of Torquay it is an easy walk from some of the main areas of accommodation. Bus services are available adjacent to the promenade, Bus no 12 Belgrave Road. There is a pay car park a short distance away. Aerial view of Corbyn Head
Hollicombe Beach
For a quiet day on a beautiful beach Hollicombe can not be beaten. Set below high sandstone cliffs this sheltered beach is a real suntrap. At low tide interesting rock pools are exposed at both ends of this fine red sand beach. This delightful little bay provides the perfect setting to get away from the hustle and bustle of Torquay. Hollicombe is on the main coast road and is easily accessed from both Paignton and Torquay. There is some on street parking close to the beach, but it is in walking distance from nearby Preston. There is a regular local bus service no 12 (Hollacombe Gardens). Aerial view of Hollicombe Beach
Institute Beach
Institute Beach is a quiet little cove backed by red sandstone cliffs, tucked away behind the Livermead Cliff Hotel. At low tide there are rock pools. The beach is located behind the Livermead Cliff Hotel on Torquay’s seafront road. Access is via a set of steps off Cliff Road. Ariel View of Institute Beach
Livermead Sands
The beach is a long stretch of red sand parallel to the main seafront road between Torquay and Preston. There is a designated water-skiing area and the beach is largely used by water-sports enthusiasts during the summer months. The beach is located to the South of Corbyn’s Head on the seafront. Access is via a set of steps from the pavement. Ariel View of Livermead Sands
Maidencombe Beach
The coastal farm land and woodland around the village of Maidencombe has changed very little over time with the thatched cottages and a pub being a picturesque feature of the village. After a short walk from the car park the path opens up over a delightful little cove, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs. Well within reach of Torquay. Good access to the coastal paths giving excellent views of the rugged coastline. Lots of rock pools at low tide. The nearest town is Torquay. Maidencombe is on the main bus route to Teignmouth. Bus Nos.85. Access is via a footpath and steep steps. There is a small pay and display car park at the entrance to the path to the beach. Aerial view of Maidencombe Beach
Meadfoot Beach
A small stretch of shingle beach nestled below an array of spectacular cliffs provides a perfect setting for those who prefer a quieter environment in which to relax. The impressive crescent shaped Osbourne Hotel overlooks the beach and the spilt level promenade backs onto a tree covered hillside. The nearest town is Torquay. There is main road access and a local bus service. Bus Nos. x85 and 32. Parking is available on street and also in a small car park above the beach. Aerial view of Meadfoot Beach
Oddicombe Beach
Nestled at the bottom of red sandstone cliffs Oddicombe beach is a sheltered haven for those looking for a relaxing day out. This attractive stretch of shingle beach is perfect for simply hiring a deck chair, lying back and enjoying the spectacular views. For a bit more action there is a choice of water sports. Away from the beach, a steep walk to the cliff top is well rewarded with magnificent views across the bay. For those who want the breathtaking views without losing breath, there’s access to the cliff top via the cliff railway. At the top there is a café offering a wide selection of food and drink where you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful backdrop. The nearest town is Torquay. There is main road access and local bus services. Bus no. 32. Parking is ½ mile from the beach. Access is via a steep foot path or the very popular Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Aerial view of Oddicombe Beach
Peaked Tor Cove
Peaked Tor is a tiny pebbly cove down a set of 150+ steps from the coast path behind the Imperial Hotel.In the late 19th century this beach was designated as a ‘gentleman’s bathing cove’. At the top of the steps above the beach is an old wartime Mine Watcher’s post from where mines protecting Torquay Harbour would have been remotely detonated. The old pill box now provides a secure roost for a local colony of Horseshoe Bats. Either via a road which leads through the car park of the Imperial Hotel or via the South West Coast Pathfrom Daddyhole Plain. Ariel View of Peaked Tor Cove
Torre Abbey Sands
This delectable beach is part of the English Riviera and it lives up to its name with its stunning sands, views and sunshine. This is the main beach for Torquay, being popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals. A favourite for the young holidaymakers who take the opportunity to use nearby Abbey Meadow. Close to the town centre of Torquay it is an easy walk from some of the main areas of accommodation. Bus services are available adjacent to the promenade, Bus no. 12 Belgrave Road. There is a pay and display car park a short distance away. Aerial view of Torre Abbey Sands
Watcombe Beach
The beautiful sandy beach of Watcombe is an idyllic spot surrounded by cliffs and wooded hillsides. The steep path that leads down to the beach passes through mature woodland and opens out to reveal a small cove, with spectacular scenery. Nearest Town is Torquay. Watcombe is on the main Bus route to Teignmouth Bus No. 85 . Access is down a steep footpath from the car park to the café and beach. Aerial view of Watcombe Beach
