Beaches in Torquay, Devon
The beach guide has 17 beaches listed in and around the town of Torquay. We have arranged these beaches in order of closest to the town first (distance in brackets).
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Oddicombe Beach (0.7 miles)
This sheltered shingle beach just north of Torquay on the English Riviera is a family favourite, often busy in summer. There are deckchairs, kayak, pedalo, and sunbed hire on offer. This UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site has interesting cliff formations and geology: the limestone and red sandstone are especially dramatic, and landslides have affected the…
Babbacombe Beach (0.9 miles)
Just east of Torquay, around the heavily wooded headland, is a different world to the bright lights and marinas of Torbay. Here you will find several little coves, the first, and arguably prettiest, of them is Babbacombe beach. The beach here is a little crescent of sand and shingle backed by thickly wooded cliffs dotted…
Torre Abbey Beach (1.1 miles)
Torre Abbey is Torquay's main beach, situated just west of the harbour. Shallow, safe waters and a sheltered aspect make this a very popular beach in summer. Mainly sand, with some rocky sections, the beach is backed by a promenade and a large grassy area known as Torre Abbey Meadows.
Petit Tor Beach (1 miles)
Despite being on a popular stretch of coast Petit Tor is a little visited beach, with an almost rural feel to it. This is partly on account of it being tucked away beyond Torquay golf course and the woodland of Petit Tor Downs. It is also due to the somewhat hazardous access via a steep…
Beacon Cove (1.5 miles)
A short walk from Torquay harbourside, Beacon Cove is a sheltered shingle beach. Less crowded than Torquay's main beach, but still easily accessible.
Peaked Tor Cove (1.6 miles)
The tiny pebble beach at Peaked Tor Cove is set just beyond Torquay Harbour and is accessible below the South West Coast Path via a set of over 150 steps just behind the Imperial Hotel. (Please note: as per the comments, access to the beach may be restricted, although we haven't confirmed the current situation)…
Watcombe Beach (1.4 miles)
PLEASE NOTE: BEACH IS CLOSED DUE TO DAMAGED ACCESS STEPS. ALL FACILITIES ARE ALSO CLOSED Watcombe Beach is a picturesque rural cove in a sheltered position just to the north of Babbacombe. The natural cove found here is an idyllic spot for a picnic. The terrain is a mix of rocks, sand and fine red…
Redgate Beach (1.3 miles)
Redgate Beach is charming little cove close to Torquay and just around the headland from neighbouring Anstey's Cove. The beach is one of the prettiest in the area; clear blue water, a small strip of sand and shingle and backed by steep wooded cliffs. Sadly the beach is out of bounds and is officially closed…
Anstey's Cove (1.3 miles)
Anstey's Cove is a peaceful, shingle beach located on the coast path between Torquay and Babbacombe. Limestone cliffs, interesting rock formations and views across Lyme Bay to the Dorset coast. There is a shop and cafe on the beach, which is set among wooded hills.
Livermead Sands Beach (1.7 miles)
Livermead Sands is a narrow strip of typical coarse red Devon sand set below the main seafront road between Torquay and Preston. The central section of the beach has an area specifically designated for water-skiing. Swimming in this part of the beach is not allowed. There isn't anything in the way of facilities at Livermead…
Institute Beach (1.8 miles)
This little beach is tucked away on a little headland between Torquay and Paignton. Somewhat hidden away below the red sandstone cliffs of the Livermead Cliff Hotel, Institute beach is a great spot to get away from it all. The beach itself is made up of red sand and shingle with rocks and plenty of…
Meadfoot Beach (1.7 miles)
Meadfoot is a small and peaceful beach a little apart from the bustle of the main Torquay area. There is a car park and boat-launching ramp at the rocky, northern end, and a cafe and beach huts at the sandy, western end. A split-level promenade offers limited parking and backs onto a wooded hillside.
Maidencombe Beach (2.1 miles)
Maidencombe is a small sandy cove a few miles north of Babbacombe and Torquay. It's a ten minute walk from a small car park, with a steep section at the end. There is a cafe by the beach.
Hollicombe Beach (2.3 miles)
This charming beach lies in a secluded bay between Paignton and Torquay. It has distinctive red sand, excellent for building sandcastles, together with some areas of large rocks and is backed by equally red sandstone cliffs. The sheltered position and southerly aspect of the beach make it a good spot for sunbathing. In addition children…
Preston Sands (Paignton) Beach (2.6 miles)
This clean, safe, sandy beach is ideal for families: activities include sandcastle building or rock pooling at low tide. Behind the beach is a grassy area known as Preston Green, which includes a children's playground. Activities on offer include bathing and swimming but be aware there is no lifeguard service at this beach. There is…
Paignton Sands Beach (3.1 miles)
When picturing the archetypal day at the seaside, Paignton Sands would tick most people's boxes. This long, sandy beach on the English Riviera in south-west Devon attracts thousands of visitors every year. Its calm, shallow waters are great for paddling, and you can hire a boat or a pedalo to get out into the water,…
Fairy Cove (3.4 miles)
Tucked away, just behind Paignton harbour wall is the little red sand beach of Fairy Cove.
This pretty little spot is a world away from the main beach, just the other side of the harbour. Backed by sandstone cliffs and the memorial garden beyond Fairy Cove can seem like an oasis of calm in the summer.
The…
Torquay beaches map
Map featuring Torquay beaches. Click on pins to view beach details
