Local Beaches
The geography of Torbay and South Devon means there are many beaches and coves to discover and explore. Here are some of our favourite beaches and some information about them.
Nestled at the bottom of red sandstone cliffs Oddicombe beach is a sheltered haven for those looking for a relaxing day out.
Visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this attractive stretch of shingle beach is perfect for simply relaxing, lying back and enjoying the spectacular views. For those who want to be a little more active, you can swim in the blue flag waters, or hire a canoe, pedalo or motor boat.
The beach has toilets and changing facilities, as well as a café and shop. The beach can be reached using the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which operates all year round, decending from The Downs, 300 feet along the 720 foot track.
Oddicombe Beach
Meadfoot Beach
Meadfoot is a shingle beach nestled below an array of spectacular cliffs which provides a perfect setting for those who prefer a quieter environment in which to relax. From the beach you can see Thatcher Rock and Brixham on the opposite side of the Bay.
Meadfoot is a popular spot for diving and fishing and at low tide some great rock pools are exposed.
The impressive crescent shaped Osbourne Hotel overlooks the beach and there is a spilt level promenade which backs onto a tree covered hillside with good access to the coastal paths.
Torre Abbey Sands is an excellent long sandy beach, within walking distance of Torquay harbour and towncentre and is located along the sea front between Torquay and Paignton. This is the main beach for Torquay and is popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals.
There are plenty of attractions nearby including the Princess Pier, Rock Walk, Princess Gardens, and Torre Abbey Park and Meadows.is directly across the road from the beach.
The beach has a designated windsurfing area and you can hire various water craft.
Torre Abbey Sands
Paignton Sands
This long stretch of red sandy beach is situated either side of Paignton Pier. It is backed by an area of parkland which is used for various activities, the Geoplay Park and events during the summer season.
The shallow sea is ideal for paddling and with pedalos and boats for hire; hours of fun can be had in the clean, safe waters. Next to the beach is the bustling Paignton Green offering the perfect spot for a game of football or cricket and in the summer months there are a number of exciting family events staged here.
At the southern end of Paignton there is a lively harbour offering countless boat trips along the dramatic Devon coastline.
Elberry Cove is a pretty shingle beach with beautiful clear water which can only be reached by foot along the coast path from Broadsands or Brixham. This is a beautiful sheltered beach surrounded by wooded hillsides in an idyllic rural setting.
It is very popular with water ski boats and at one end of the beach you’ll find the romantic ruins of Lord Churston’s bath house. There is also pitch and put golf nearby.
Elberry Cove was one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots and the cove features in one of her novels.
Elberry Cove
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool sands is located just 3 miles West of Dartmouth on the beautiful South Devon heritage coast. An award-winning privately managed 'Blue Flag' family beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an almost Mediterranean feel.
With sand pits, a bathing raft, kayaks for hire, a range of delicious hot and cold food and a beach shop, it has something for all the family. It is also has a lifeguard patrol during summer season.
Located west of Dartmouth, Slapton Sands is a beautiful pebble beach that stretches for almost three miles from Strete Gate to the village of Torcross.
On top of being an extremely picturesque and popular beach, Slapton Sands plays an important part in the survival of some of the UK’s rarest flora and fauna. At the Torcross end, the bar divides the sea from Slapton Ley - a freshwater lake and Nature Reserve
Slapton Sands was was used to rehears the D-Day Landings in 1943. You can visit a stone monument which was set in place on Slapton Sands along with a Sherman Tank at nearby Torcross.
