BEACHES IN TORBAY
Beaches in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham & throughout Torbay
BEACHES
Beaches
The beaches in Torbay are rich in diversity and there are plenty to choose from. We have quiet and secluded beaches which are off the beaten track, and sometimes tricky to get to. We have some really sandy beaches for the kids, and we even have surfing beaches here (when the winds have some east in it).
We have compiled a comprehensive list of beaches in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, and the surrounding area's of Torbay. If you wish to venture out and explore more of Devon, we have added some of our favourite beaches worth a visit further a field. We have started with the closest beaches to Treacle Valley Campsite.
For further information about beaches in and around Torbay, please follow the direct links we have provided.
Watcombe Beach is just up the road from St. Marychurch in Torquay and is really easy to walk to from Treacle Valley campsite.
From St. Marychurch, the walk takes you along the South West coast path which is just at the end of Petitor Road, where Watcombe Beach is signposted. Along the coast path, there are lots of different routes to take to the beach. I would suggest you take the long way around and take a right turn down into the woodland, as the path hugs the edge of the cliffs, and the views are amazing.
When you arrive at Watcombe Beach, you’ll find a lovely little enclosed cove that is surrounded but red cliffs and woodlands. If you choose to go by car, there is a car park at the top of the hill. The walk down to the beach from the car park is quite steep and sometimes slippery.
Watcombe Beach is a dog-friendly beach and dogs are allowed all year round.
For free parking, turn left into Moor Lane (postcode TQ2 8NU) opposite Watcombe Beach Road.
Watcombe Beach Watcombe Beach Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4SH
Oddicombe Beach is one of the closest beaches to Treacle Valley campsite and is within easy walking distance from St. Marychurch in Torquay.
For those who don’t want to tackle the hill up and down to the beach, you can jump on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. You can also drive down to drop everyone off, but please note there is no parking available during the holiday season.
Oddicombe Beach has the Blue Flag, Seaside Award, and Good Beach Guide. The beach is attended during the holiday season and there are life buoys, first aid, and a lost child centre. Toilets and showers, a small beach shop, and a licensed café are also available on the beach. It’s also possible to take your BBQ, as there is a dedicated BBQ area on the right-hand side of the cliff railway.
For entertainment, there are various water sports available for hire.
Oddicombe Beach Cliff Edge, Cliffside Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LB
Babbacombe beach is about a 15-minute walk along the coast path from Oddicombe beach.
Babbacombe beach can also be reached from Babbacombe Downs by foot down through natural woodlands. This path can be a bit tricky as it’s steep in places and sometime slippery, or the beach can also be reached by car, down a very steep hill, but parking is limited.
Babbacombe beach is very sheltered, and provides a safe haven for seafarers and is a popular anchorage in summer. The beach is made up of pebbles and is rocky at low tide, which is ideal for looking for crabs. There is a café and the Cary Arms pub. The pub has been gentrified and in my opinion, and has lost its character, but it has got amazing views looking out over Babbacombe Bay and beyond to Shaldon, Teignmouth, and Lyme Bay. There are public toilets and water sports available.
Babbacombe Beach Beach Hill, Babbacombe, Devon TQ1 3LX
Maidencombe beach is further along the coast path from Watcombe Beach and towards Shaldon.
Maidencombe Beach is similar to Watcombe Beach in that it’s a little cove with coarse sand. Lifebuoys and a café are on the beach, and the toilets are at the top of the path. Dogs are allowed all year round. If you wish to drive, there is a pay-and-display car park available.
If you fancy a pub lunch in a country pub, The Thatched Tavern is about 200 yards from the beach in Maidencombe Village. Free parking is available in and around Maidencombe village.
Maidencombe Beach Steep Hill, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4TS
Ansteys Cove Beach is tucked away below the high cliffs of Walls Hill and dense woodlands of Bishop’s Walk, which is part of the S. W. coast path. Ansteys Cove is very quaint and has a small promenade and beach. The beach is very sheltered and made up of pebbles and rocky when the tide is out. As a boy, I used to rock-hop around the bay at Ansteys. Beware of the tide if you like rock hopping!
There’s a great café next to the beach which is perfect for breakfast or a beer if you fancy that. Kayak hire is also available and there are public toilets. You can reach Ansteys Cove on foot along Babbacombe Downs, and over Walls Hill, which should take you about forty-five minutes from St. Marychurch. Or by car there is parking up the road from the beach.
Anstey’s Cove Beach is a dog-friendly beach and dogs are allowed all year round.
Ansteys Cove Beach Anstey’s Cove Road, Torquay, Torbay TQ1 3YY
Redgate Beach is officially closed to the public which is a real shame, as I, and many other people believe that Redgate Beach is one of the finest beaches in Torbay. Redgate Beach is between Long Quarry and Ansteys Cove. You can see the beach from the coast path at Walls Hill and the end of the promenade at Ansteys Cove. Plans have been drawn up and submitted to regenerate the beach and access, which is great news, so watch this space.
Redgate Beach Anstey’s Cove Road, Torquay, Torbay TQ1 3YY
Beaches In & Around Torbay
If you are camping or glamping at Treacle Valley campsite, throughout Torbay there are plenty of beaches to choose from, to visit, explore and enjoy!
Meadfoot Beach is a popular local beach and is the preferred beach for local people in Torquay. Although Meadfoot beach is made up of pebbles, there is sand to be found in places, particularly after a big easterly sea. The views at Meadfoot are timeless and amazing. On the left-hand side you can see Thatcher Point and Thatcher Rock, and to the right, you can see right across to Brixham, on the other side of Torbay.
At low tide, there are some great rock pools and some good rock hopping to be found at both ends of the beach. Beach managers are available, along with supervision, warning flags, life buoys, first aid, a lost child centre, and a patrol boat. Water sports are also available for hire. There are toilets and a great beach café.
As meadfoot beach faces due east, this is a very special place for breakfasts. It’s not impossible to walk to Meadfoot from St. Marychurch and depending on which way you take, the walk should only take you about an hour or so. By car, there is plenty of free parking along Ilsham Valley or up the other end around Meadfoot Sea Road.
Meadfoot Beach Meadfoot Sea Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2EL
Peaked Tor Cove Beach is a very small beach which is located between Meadfoot Beach and Torquay harbour.
To reach Peaked Tor beach you can join The South West Coast path at Daddy Hole Plain or by the Imperial Hotel in Park Hill Road.
The Beach is really sheltered from the North and East winds, and it’s a lovely place to sit and relax. In the late 19th century, the beach was used as a gentleman’s bathing beach. Peaked Tor Cove is now managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and is a place of natural beauty. There is a life buoy but no other facilities.
Peaked Tor Cove The South West Coast Path, Park Hill Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2DG
Beacon Cove is right next to Torquay harbour and is the closest beach to Torquay town centre. Beacon Cove is a very sheltered beach, and a real sun trap as it’s only exposed to the southern and easterly winds.
Beacon Cove Beach is also protected from Torquay’s south-westerly, prevailing winds. Beacon Cove has been awarded the Good Beach Guide and there is a diving platform that can be used at high tide, and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Beacon Cove Park Hill Road, Torquay Devon TQ1 2BG
Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay’s most popular main beach. Torre Abbey sands is located along the sea front between Torquay and Paignton.
Torre Abbey beach is a very sandy beach and very popular with families. The beach is supervised, and it has life buoys, first aid, a lost child centre, warning flags and a patrol boat. You can also participate in water sports and hire various water craft including pedalo’s, kayaks, wind surfers, and stand-up paddle boards. Adjacent to the beach there are more local attractions and things to do like visit Princess Pier, Rock Walk, Princess Gardens, the Italian Sunken Gardens.
Over Torbay Road opposite Torre Abbeys Sands are Abbey Meadows and park, and facilities that include the Torbay Leisure Centre, bowling, tennis, crazy golf and pitch and putt.
There are several places to eat, including traditional fish and chips, which can be purchased from the chippy opposite the slipway, or The World Cafe in Abbey Park is also an interesting place to eat.
Free parking is a bit tricky as it gets pretty busy during the summer but if you try just off Walnut Road (postcode TQ2 6HS) somewhere, which is not far away from the beach just behind the Grand hotel, and Torquay train station.
Torre Abbey Sands Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5JE
Corbyn Head Beach is adjacent to Torre Abbey Sands beach opposite The Grand hotel.
Nestled under Corbyn Head, this beach has everything a beach should have and is very popular with families. Corbyn Head beach is very sheltered from Torquay’s south-westerly and westerly winds, it also has sand and rocks to play about on. Beware of the tides though if you decide to go around Corbyn Head, as the coast guard are always getting called out to rescue people from being cut off by the tide.
The beach has supervision, life buoys, first aid, lost child centre, warning flags and a patrol boat. It also has a café and toilets.
Free parking is a bit tricky as it gets pretty busy during the summer but if you try just off Walnut Road (postcode TQ2 6HS) somewhere, which is not far away from the beach just behind the Grand hotel, and Torquay train station.
Corbyn Head Beach Torquay Seafront, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 6NT
Livermead Sands beach is next to Corbyn Head between Torquay and Preston.
Livermead Sands is made up from sand, shingle and rocks. There is a life buoy and dogs are allowed on the beach. At low tide it’s possible to rock hop around the rocks from Corbyn Head beach, but beware of high tide the Livermead Sands beach completely disappears.
The beach has a dedicated water-skiing lane and is a popular with water sports enthusiasts.
For free parking near the beach, the closest place in on Seaway Lane (postcode TQ2 6PS) which is about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the beach.
Livermead Sands Beach Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 6RQ
Institute Beach is right next to Livermead Sands beach and is tucked in behind the Livermead Cliff Hotel.
To get to the beach, head down Cliff Road past the hotel, and go down the steps on the left.
Institute beach is made up of sand shingle and rocks, and it’s really sheltered from westerly winds. There is a life buoy, but no other facilities are available. Dogs are allowed.
For parking, if you are very lucky limited parking can be found on Cliff Road, otherwise free parking is available in Wheatridge Lane (postcode TQ2 6QZ), which is about a 5 to 10-minute walk.
Institute Beach Cliff Road, Torquay Devon TQ2 6RE
Hollicombe beach is also called Gasworks beach by the locals. Once there, you will notice the familiar remaining shapes of a disused gas works. Today we have Hollicombe park and Hollicombe beach. Hollicombe park is a recreation area, and is sometimes used for local festivals and events.
To get to the beach, go through the park and under the railway bridge.
Hollicombe beach is a really sheltered beach and is a real sun trap. The beach is made up from fine red sand and rocks.
There are life buoys but no other facilities.
For free parking, go to Tarraway Road (postcode TQ3 2DU)
Hollicombe Beach Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon TQ3 2DN
Preston Sands beach is one of Torbay’s most popular beaches and is favoured by local families. Preston Sands also has a green that runs the length of the beach, which is ideal for knocking a ball about or for just lazing about in the sun.
Preston Sands is renowned for its many painted beach huts. The beach is made up of sand and rock pools. It has a beach manager, supervision, life buoys, warning flags, first aid, a lost child centre and a patrol boat.
Free parking can be a bit tricky nearby, so I would suggest, as with Hollicombe beach, park near Tarraway Road (postcode TQ3 2DU). Go down the Southwest Coast Path and around the headland to the right of Hollicombe beach. It should take you about 10 to 15 minutes to walk.
Preston Sands Marine Parade, Preston, Paignton, Devon TQ3 2NU
Beaches Further Afield
Throughout Torbay and beyond, whether it's a day trip by boat, or out and about on family fun days out, there is a huge selection of fantastic beaches to choose from.
Paignton Sands is probably Torbay’s most popular family beach. Paignton Sands is literally right in the middle of Torbay and Torbay’s coastline.
Paignton Sand beach has many award including the Blue Flag, Good Beach Guide and Seaside Award. The beach is made up of fine sand, it has all the safety amenities including beach managers, supervision, warning flags, life buoys, first aid, a lost child centre, and a patrol boat. Water sports hire is also available.
There are plenty of things to do and places to go at Paignton Sands, amongst all the local attractions there is a traditional pier Paignton Pier which is also a popular local attraction, particularly at sunset. The geopark, crazy golf, and even donkey rides are here on Paignton Green.
Free parking is a bit of a walk away from the beach. I would suggest driving towards Paignton harbour and finding a parking place in or around St. Andrews Road (postcode TQ4 6HA) which is about a 5 to 10-minute walk away.
If you’re looking for ‘what’s on & entertainment in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham‘ then please follow the link to Treacle Valley campsite’s ‘what’s on’ page.
Paignton Sands Esplanade Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6BJ
Fairy Cove beach is tucked away behind Paignton harbour. To get to Fairy cove go to Paignton harbour seaward facing pier end and go down the steps, or the beach can be accessed via a set of steps from the gardens on Roundham Head.
Fairy Cove is very well sheltered from Torbay’s prevailing Southwesterly winds and is popular with local families. The beach is made up of sand, shingle and rocks. There is a life buoy available on the harbour wall and dogs are allowed on the beach.
For free parking I would try finding a place in or around St. Andrews Road (postcode TQ4 6HA) which is about 5 to 10 minute walk away.
Fairy Cove Cliff Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6DQ
Goodrington Sands beach is a very popular beach in Torbay as there are lots of local attractions and things to do there for all the family.
The beach is made up of sand and rocks, and Goodrington Sands has the Seaside Award. For safety, it has a beach manager, supervision, life buoys, warning flags, first aid, lost child centre and a patrol boat.
Whilst on the beach, there are various places to eat and drink, and water sports are available for hire.
For a fun day out for your family or group, close by are some arcades, the Quaywest Splashdown Water park and the popular Seasure Centre.
Free parking can be a bit of a hike away but if you plan to park around St. Andrews Road (postcode TQ4 6HA), if you join the walk around The South West Coast at Roundham the walk is worth it.
For more information about things to do and places to go in Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham follow the link and go to the ‘Treacle Valley Campsite‘ home page.
Goodrington Sands Tanners Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6LN
Oyster Cove is known locally as one of the ‘Three Beaches’, and is very popular with the locals.
The beach is made up of sand, shingle and rocks and there are no facilities. Oyster Cove is run by The Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, and can be reached along the Southwest Coast Path towards Brixham from Goodrington Beach. Dogs are allowed.
For free parking, I would try around The Saddle (postcode TQ4 6NQ) and go along the coast path.
If you are planning a day out, then why not take the ferry from Torquay to Paignton?
For more information about boat trips in & around Torquay, Paignton & Brixham, please follow the link to Treacle Valley Campsite ‘Boat trips’ page.
Oyster Cove Oyster Road, Paignton, devon, TQ4 6NL
Saltern Cove beach is a designated SSSI site in the English Riviera Geopark and a local nature reserve, and is run by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.
Saltern Cove is a lovely little cove which is known locally as one of the ‘Three Beaches’ which can all be accessed from Goodrington Sands along The Southwest Coast path.
The Beach is made up from sand, shingle and rocks, and at low tide some great rock pools and rock hopping are to be found.
Free parking can be a bit tricky, but it can be found if you don’t mind a little walk. I would suggest around The Saddle (postcode TQ4 6NQ), and then walk along the coast path.
Saltern Cove The South West Coast Path Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6JF
Broadsands is a lovely-enclosed beach. Broadsands has several beach awards including, The Blue Flag, Seaside Award and Good Beach Guide and as a result can get quite busy in the summer holidays.
The beach is made up of sand and rock pools at low tide. It has beach managers, supervision, warning flags, life buoys, first aid, lost child centre and patrol boat, and toilets. There is also deck chair hire, a promenade, a pitch and putt golf course and a café/restaurant. Water sports are available for hire.
Free parking is a bit difficult due to the surrounding countryside. You can try around Broadsands Avenue if you get to the beach early enough (postcode TQ4 6JJ).
Broadsands Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LL
Elberry Cove Beach is very sheltered and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
You can reach Elberry Cove along the coast path from Broadsands beach, or the other way which is a lovely walk, along the coast path from Brixham.
Elberry Cove is made up of shingle and rocks. There are no facilities and dogs are allowed.
If you are out and about walking there is a great country pub near bye for lunch, The Churston Court in Churston Ferrers (postcode TQ5 OJE).
Elberry Cove Elberry Lane, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6HJ
Churston Cove is in Brixham, but it’s actually just along ‘The Southwest Coast path’ from Elberry Cove in Paignton.
Churston Cove is a delightful little cove as the beach is surrounded by woodlands and steep cliffs, and the surrounding scenery is fantastic. The beach is operated by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and is made up of shingle and rocks and can be a bit tricky to get down to as the path is quite steep in places. There are no facilities on the beach and dogs are allowed.
Free parking can be found around Northfields Lane in Brixham (postcode TQ5 8RJ). If you fancy leaving the car at Brixham, Churston Cove beach can be walked to along the coast path from Brixham, and to get to Brixham the best way is by ferry from Torquay.
For more information on ferries from Torquay, follow the link and go to the Treacle Valley Campsites boat trips page.
Churston Cove The Southwest Coast Path, Brixham,
Fishcombe Cove is a quaint and secluded beach just on the outskirts of Brixham town centre.
Fishcombe Cove beach is an ideal place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds of Brixham town. The beach is very sheltered as it’s surrounded by cliffs and woodlands. The beach is made up of shingle and rocks, there are lifebuoys but no other facilities
Fishcombe Cove Beach is a dog-friendly beach and dogs are allowed all year round.
The path down to Fishcombe Cove is quite steep in places and can be slippery when wet.
Free parking can be found around Northfields Lane in Brixham (postcode TQ5 8RJ).
Fishcombe Cove The Southwest Coast Path, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8RB
Breakwater Beach is on the east side of Brixham’s harbour wall. The beach and breakwater is a great viewpoint to look out over the bay of Torbay.
Breakwater beach is made up of shingle and rocks. There is beach supervision, life buoys, first aid, lost child centre and a patrol boat. Public toilets are available and there is also a café called The Breakwater Bistro, which is a great place to eat.
For free parking, I would try around Wall Park Road (postcode TQ5 9UE).
If you’re self-catering on your camping or glamping holiday at Treacle Valley campsite, then whilst in Brixham, why not buy some fresh fish for a barbecue on the campsite!
Breakwater Beach Berry Head Road, Brixham, Devon TQ5 9AF
Shoalstone beach and pool are just a little further east along the coast from Brixham breakwater.
To be honest there is not much of a beach at Shoalstone, but the pool has a large concrete surround and the pool is a seawater pool but like the breakwater beach, fantastic views are to be had of Torbay bay.
The beach is made up of shingle and rocks, there are lifeguards on duty at the pool, supervision, warning flags, lifebuoys, first aid, lost child centre and a Patrol boat and there is a café and toilets and dogs are allowed.
Free car parking I would try around Wall Park Road (postcode TQ5 9UE).
Shoalstone Beach & Pool Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AJ
St. Mary’s Bay is Brixham’s largest beach. St Mary’s Bay along The Southwest Coast path, beyond Berry Head nature reserve, which is the Southern most point of Torbay bay.
The beach at St Mary’s Bay has the ‘Good Beach Guide Award’, is made up of sand, shingle and rocks, there is a lifebuoy, and dogs are allowed.
Berry Head and St. Mary’s Bay is run and managed by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, which are both places of outstanding beauty, and well worth visiting.
St. Mary’ Bay The Southwest Coast Path, Brixham, Torbay, Devon.
