Torbay Beaches

(Brixham / Paignton / Torquay - Torbay, Devon, England, UK)

The sandy beaches of Torbay serve as the region's principal summer attraction, filling up on sunny days with sun-seeking holiday makers, children building sandcastles and families exploring rock pools. Stretching for some 35 km / 22 miles and comprising around 20 separate beaches, the coastline of Torbay is lined with traditional seaside gift shops, cafes, amusements and pubs.

All of the Torbay beaches are considered to be safe for bathing and many have been awarded the European Blue Flag for overall cleanliness and water quality. Coastal pathways follow the route of the bay and provide wonderful views of the beaches below.

Information about the Beaches of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay

A number of the beaches lend themselves to water sports, being suitable for windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing. You are also able to hire out paddleboats at some locations along the coast, such as Broadsands, Goodrington and Paignton Sands.

Of note, most beaches in Torbay either ban dogs completely, or ban them between the peak summer period of May to September.

The main beaches of Torbay are listed below, being grouped according to their location:

• Torquay Beaches
• Anstey's Cove - a dog friendly beach made up of shingle and rather rocky in places, with nearby parking, a cafe and shop, and chalet hire.
• Babbacombe Beach - with sand and shingle, popular with fishermen, sailors and swimmers. Access to Babbacombe Beach is quite steep, although limited parking is close by
• Corbyn Sands - located in the very heart of Torquay and offering plenty of gorgeous golden sand. Being so central, Corbyn Sands is surrounded by facilities, shops and eateries, and stands just across from the Torre Abbey Meadows park
• Maidencombe Beach - comprises sand and shingle, with nearby parking, toilets and a cafe. Maidencombe is safe for swimming and permits dogs
• Meadfoot Beach - pebbly, with dogs only allowed at the Kilmore end. Deckchairs and chalets are readily available for rental here
• Oddicombe Beach - an idyllic sandy spot located close to the northerly side of Babbacombe Downs and best reached by taking a trip on the Cliff Railway
• Watcombe Beach - a pleasant stretch of sand, suitable for swimming and dog owners

• Paignton Beaches
• Broadsands - a long beach with easy access and plenty of nearby parking. Broadsands is suitable for swimming and does not allow dogs. Facilities include a gift shop, cafe and pedalo / boat hire
• Elberry Cove - reached along a scenic footpath from the car park at Broadsands and favoured by local water-skiers and jet-skiers. Several notable woodland trails are close by
• Goodrington Sands - home to a selection of popular tourist attractions, namely the Splashdown at Quaywest water park, the Seashore Centre and the Quay. Rock pooling is excellent at Goodrington Sands during periods of low tides. Dogs are restricted to the North Sands area only
• Hollicombe Beach - a peaceful place with soft sand and a car park situated just over 1.5 km / 1 mile away. Dogs are banned on Hollicombe Beach throughout the year
• Paignton Beach - with sand, an adjacent area of lawn and a good choice of kiosks, cafes and beachfront amusements, based around the pier. Pedalos, bicycles and deckchairs can all be hired here. Dogs are not permitted on Paignton Beach, at any time
• Preston Sands - a lengthy stretch of fine sand, with limited parking, sunbed hire and the possibility of renting beach huts. Dogs are always banned here

• Brixham Beaches
• Breakwater Beach - located alongside the breakwater and made up of mainly shingle. This particular beach is much favoured by local Torbay divers
• Churston Cove - with sand and fine shingle, access via a steep footpath from either Fishcombe or Churston, regularly frequented by passing yachts
• Fishcombe Cove - with sand and shingle, offering good facilities, which include a cafe, toilets and deckchair hire
• Shoalstone Beach - comprises shingle and rocks, situated next to Brixham's outdoor seawater swimming pool
• St. Mary's Bay - a charming spot, with adjacent car park and no facilities as such. The nearby Sharkham Point vantage area features stunning coastal panoramas of the South Devon coast