The Best Beach in Torquay, Torbay
Torquay, sat in the heart of Torbay in South Devon, is famous for its busy harbour, international marina, family attractions, romantic getaways, and some of the freshest fish and seafood around. There are many great things to do in Torquay for the whole famil.y.
The English Riviera stands apart from other UK destinations because of the incredible beaches that are on offer. And just a short walk from the bustling, picturesque town of Torquay, you’ll find an abundance of sandy, shingle, and pebble beaches. Perfect for picnics, coastal walks, water sports, and for days out swimming in the sea.
We’ve handpicked our top 5 best beaches in Torquay.
Related:
Torquay’s Top Five Beaches
Maidencombe Beach
Maidencombe Beach is an award-winning sandy, rocky beach located 15 minutes from Torquay by car. Or, if you’re travelling by bus, the no.85 bus stops nearby on the main Teignmouth road.
This beautiful little cove, surrounded by deep red sandstone, has stunning views of the Torbay coastline with lots of rock pools at low tide for kids to play in. The sheltered cliffs make this beach perfect for swimming and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The beach has won awards for ‘The Seaside Award’ and the ‘Good Beach Guide’.
Facilities at the Breakwater include a pay and display car park, toilets, and a cafe so it’s a great beach for the entire family to spend the day. It’s worth noting that there are some steep steps to access the beach after a smaller path.
Maidencombe beach is dog friendly all year round.
Oddicombe Beach
Oddicombe beach in Torquay is a hugely popular sandy beach and it’s easy to see why with it being one of the oldest Blue Flag beaches in England.
You can find colourful beach hunts and deckchairs to rent, a beach shop for essentials, and a wonderful cafe.
The car park is around half a mile away from the beach, with the nearest car parks at St Marychurch and Princes Street.
The shingle beach has spectacular red cliffs sheltering the beach. Perfect for all ages, the beach offers safe swimming areas and watersports for those more adventurous.
Oddicombe beach does not allow dogs between 1st May and 30th September.
Meadfoot Beach
This small and charming beach is a peaceful place to visit, away from the main hustle and bustle of Torquay.
Facilities include a car park, boat-launching ramp, a cafe, and beach huts available for hire. A wooded hillside and dramatic cliffs sit behind the beach, which can be accessed via steps.
It’s worth noting that the beach is particularly small at high tide, but once the tide is out the beach can be accessed via a slip way ramp.
Dogs are allowed all year on the northern end of the beach but are banned from the southwest end. Though dogs are allowed in the beach cafe all year round.
Anstey’s Cove
Located along the coast path between Torquay and Babbacombe is the spectacular Anstey’s Cove. This charming cove is a peaceful place to visit surrounded by limestone cliffs and spectacular rock formations with stunning views across Lyme Bay.
Anstey Cove has won awards for ‘Good Beach Guide’ and the ‘Seaside Award’.
Facilities include a shop, toilets, and a lovely beach cafe that rents out kayaks, deck chairs, and stand-up paddleboards.
Anstey’s Cove is dog friendly all year round.
Torre Abbey Sands Beach
Torre Abbey Sands beach is a long red sandy beach perfect for those sunny beach days. Close by is Torquay town centre to explore the harbour, bars, shops, and restaurants.
The beach has won the ‘Seaside Award’ and is a Blue Flag winner.
The hugely popular beach features the Victorian splendor at one end and The Grand Hotel at the other. Being so close to the town centre makes it extremely accessible to holidaymakers staying in Torquay and numerous car parks are located close to the beach.
The gently sloping beach is perfect for families and young children wanting to swim in the shallow and gentle waters. The beach sits in front of Torre Abbey Meadows, a popular grassy area in Torquay.
Torre Abbey Sands beach does not allow dogs between 1st May and 30th September.
Frequently Asked Questions about Torquay Beaches
Yes, Torquay has a variety of different beaches including sandy and shingle. Torre Abbey Sands beach is one of Torquay’s most popular beaches.
Yes, Torquay has a variety of different beaches including sandy and shingle. Torre Abbey Sands beach is one of the most popular for families due to its gentle waters and convenient location to the busy town.
Yes, Torre Abbey Sands beach is a beach in Torquay with a long stretch of sand.
Yes, Brixham has many dog-friendly beaches including Maidencombe beach and Anstey’s Cove. Other beaches do not allow dogs through the summer season from 1st May to 30th September. Torquay is a very dog-friendly place to visit throughout the year.
Blue Flag-winner Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay’s main beach and has a wonderful stretch of red sand. It’s easy to see why this beach is so popular with shops, bars, and restaurants just a stone’s throw away.
Torquay is a thriving town with something for the entire family. From art and culture, amazing restaurants, beaches, and stunning scenery, to coastal walks, you’ll never be bored in this bustling seaside town.
Summary of the Best Beaches in Torquay, Torbay, South Devon
Torquay is a large town with a beautiful, scenic harbour, and also has some of the best beaches in Devon.
You could easily spend a week exploring all of the different beaches and coves, many with facilities to keep the entire family entertained. Perfect for any seaside holiday or staycation.
If you’re looking for a place to stay close to Torquay, take a look at the Quayside Hotel in Brixham. Perfectly located on the harbourside for your Torbay getaway.