Guide to the best Torquay beaches

Torquay is renowned for its warm climate and wonderful beaches. This is why the South Devon town, together with nearby Paignton and Brixham, is often referred to as the English Riviera. There are more than 20 beaches and coves along this 22-mile stretch of coastline, and around half of them are in Torquay.

This guide details all you need to know about the best six beaches in Torquay so that you can make the most of your time in this popular seaside resort. While a trip to at least one beach is a must during a visit to Torquay, there are plenty of other things to do – check out our guides to 15 unmissable things to do in Torquay and the top 16 places to eat in Torquay.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a lively family holiday or a change of scenery with a larger group, we’ve got a wide range of self-catering accommodation to suit. You can browse our collection of holiday cottages in Torquay by clicking the button below.

Skip to:

• Anstey’s Cove
• Babbacombe Beach
• Maidencombe Beach
• Meadfoot Beach
• Oddicombe Beach
• Torre Abbey Sands
• Map of Torquay beaches

Anstey’s Cove

It’s a steep walk down to Anstey’s Cove, but the reward is a beautiful and peaceful small-shingle beach that’s away from the crowds. The beach is surrounded by high limestone cliffs and a thickly wooded hillside and is a good place to have a go at coasteering. You could combine a visit to Anstey’s Cove with a wander around Stoodley Knowle Meadow, which has a small children’s play park. If you follow the coastal path north, you’ll reach Babbacombe, and if you go south, you’ll reach the wildlife reserve of Hope’s Nose. 

Babbacombe Beach

Whether you take the path or road down to Babbacombe Beach, it’s long and very steep – but it’s worth it. You could enjoy a drink and the view from the terraces of the renowned Cary Arms, but if you prefer to picnic on the small, shingle beach, or you fancy a stroll along Babbacombe Pier (which is a popular place to fish), keep your eyes peeled and camera at the ready for seals! Once you reach the top of the cliffs again, don’t miss the spectacular views from the Babbacombe Downs. Alternatively, you can walk along the bottom of the cliffs until you reach Oddicombe Beach.

Maidencombe Beach

This small, sandy beach is situated a few miles north of Babbacombe, on the road towards Shaldon and Teignmouth. It’s surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and is accessed only by taking a set of steep steps. There are interesting rock pools to explore at low tide. Take some time to wander around the picturesque village, with its thatched cottages and pub – The Thatched Tavern.

Meadfoot Beach

Very popular with locals, Meadfoot is a medium-sized shingle beach located below some spectacular cliffs, away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. Access from the road is via a slope onto the promenade. You can see both local landmarks – Thatcher's Rock and Brixham – on the opposite side of the bay from the beach. It’s a quiet place to relax and a popular spot for fishing. Some great rock pools are exposed at low tide. Behind the beach is a wooded hillside and a wide green area where dogs can enjoy a run around.

Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe Beach is an attractive shingle beach that is accessed from the opposite end of Babbacombe Beach – you can walk along the bottom of the cliffs between the two. Although it’s a steep walk, Oddicombe has the advantage of being situated beside the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which is a more fun and less energetic way to get down to the beach and back! Access from the promenade to the beach is via steps. Visitors should note that the north end of Oddicombe Beach – beyond the buildings – is closed due to the risk of rocks falling from the unstable cliffs above.

Torre Abbey Sands

Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay’s main beach – popular with holidaymakers as well as day visitors and locals. It’s a sandy beach that’s perfect for building sandcastles – but it disappears completely at high tide, so be sure to check the tide times! With shallow and gentle waters, it’s a great place to go swimming. The beach is a short walk from several places to eat and drink as well as attractions, including Princess Pier, Royal Terrace Gardens (Rock Walk), and Abbey Park and Meadows. It’s an easy, flat walk to the harbour and town centre. In the opposite direction, the beach at Corbyn Head is a very short walk away.

Map of Torquay beaches

Find all the best beaches in Torquay mentioned above with the help of our handy map.

Stay with us in a self-catering cottage in Torquay

Torquay is a great place for a holiday, whether you’re looking for coastline, rich history or a vibrant cultural scene. Many of our holiday cottages are just a short walk from the beach and some of the freshest seafood around, so take a look at our collection and start planning your ultimate beach break.