Top Activities and Things to Do in Babbacombe, Devon
There’s an abundance of things to do in Babbacombe for all ages. The quaint clifftop seaside resort has a theatre, shops, beautiful gardens, restaurants, and the Babbacombe Downs cliff-top promenade.
This is the highest promenade in the country and is also part of the South West coastal path. The popular seaside resort is also home to many restaurants and pubs serving some of the best food in South Devon.
A holiday in the UK, weekend staycation, or romantic getaway here is amazing at any time of year, whether you’re looking for dog-friendly activities or family-friendly things to do.
With bustling Torquay located close by, Babbacombe is wonderfully secluded, and with picturesque views of Lyme Bay. Babbacombe is an ideal place to stay away from the hustle of bustle, with a variety of things to do right on your doorstep.
Here’s our local travel guide to the best things to do in Babbacombe.
Where is Babbacombe?
Babbacombe is a district of East Torquay and is located in Devon, England. Just one mile from the harbour, Babbacombe’s main draw is the beach and beautiful views.
As an area of Torquay, Babbacombe is situated in Lyme Bay, along the English Riviera. Located in the South of Devon, Babbacombe is a popular place to visit for holidaymakers. Here you’ll find great beaches, family-friendly attractions, coastal walks, and some of the best local restaurants.
The closest towns to Babbacombe are Torquay (1.41 miles), Paignton (3.46 miles), and Brixham (5.91 miles).
Babbacombe is also extremely dog friendly, and the perfect place for dog lovers to enjoy.
10 Best Things to Do in Babbacombe
1. Model Village
If there’s one place that comes to mind when you think of Babbacombe, it’s the Babbacombe model village.
The four acres of beautiful, manicured gardens showcase hundreds of unique model scenes with many hidden puns, and humour for all ages to enjoy.
2. Tessier Gardens
The beautiful park, which is open daily, is hidden away between Babbacombe and St Marychurch in Torquay. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the extensive wildlife, and simply watch the world go by.
Tessier Gardens is a small park given to Babbacombe in 1933 by Mrs. H.A Tessier ‘for the use of adults only’. Until this day, children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the park.
The main entrance can be found at the end of Lindridge Road, adjacent to Furrough Cross Church, with disabled access and free admission.
3. Babbacombe Theatre
If you fancy watching a show, book a ticket to the Babbacombe theatre. The theatre has been around since the 1930s and is renowned for its highly acclaimed shows.
New shows are constantly being added to the programme, produced by Colin Matthews, with something for all ages.
Situated in the beautiful Babbacombe Downs, this is one of the best theatres in the South West. Take a look at the current shows and book a ticket for your next visit!
4. Kents Cavern
Visit the award-winning attraction and discover the incredible prehistoric caves and the home of ancient humans.
Step into the Stone Age at Kents Cavern which is made up of Devonian limestone. This limestone was formed over 3,000 miles away beneath the sea, and the extensive caves were once occupied by prehistoric people and Ice Age animals.
During your tour, your guide will show you the fascinating rock formations, an array of bones, and artifacts left by ancient humans.
Kents Cavern is open every day from 10 am, with online booking recommended to avoid any disappointment on the day.
5. South West Coast Path
If you love walking then you’ll be spoilt for choice with the number of coastal and woodland strolls to choose from. Admire the spectacular views, hidden coves, and quiet settings.
The longest national trail in the UK is the South West Coast Path running for a length of 630 miles. The national trail runs from Minehead in Somerset along the north coast to Penzance in Cornwall, and all the way up the South Coast to Poole Harbour, Dorset.
The path stretches along the English Riviera where you can enjoy the 22 miles of the coastal path through breathtaking Geopark scenery.
6. Babbacombe Beach
A small secluded pebble beach, Babbacombe beach lies to the east of Torquay. Parking is available close to the beach, with steps and a slipway to access the beach.
Facilities include public toilets and a cafe. Dogs are allowed all year at the beach.
7. Oddicome Beach
Oddicombe beach is the closest beach to Babbacombe town centre, although access to the beach is quite steep. It’s a fairly small beach, with red sand, and also a popular spot for fishing.
If you don’t fancy the treacherous access down, take the Babbacombe Cliff Railway and enjoy the stunning scenery on your way down.
Facilities include a cafe, public toilets, beach hut hire, deckchair hire, boat hire, and pedalo hire.
Dogs are banned from the 1st of May to the 30th of September.
8. Cliff Railway
Built in 1926, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway transports visitors to and from Oddicombe Beach.
Whether you’re wanting to visit the beach or enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you head up or down the cliff, the Cliff Railway is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Babbacombe. The Babbacombe Cliff Railway is also suitable for wheelchairs.
9. Go Shopping
Babbacombe has a small town centre with some local shops and plenty of relaxing cafes. Close by in Torquay, you’ll find an abundance of local and high-street shops, along with a shopping centre.
Following your morning shopping and mooching around the boutique shops, sit down for a well-deserved coffee accompanied by a slice of cake.
10. Cary Arms & Spa
Cary Arms & Spa is set in a breathtaking position overlooking Babbacombe Bay and the stunning Jurassic Coast. The Spa sits above the inn and boasts uninterrupted views of the coastline.
The award-winning spa offers a glass-fronted hydrotherapy pool, three treatment rooms, a relation pool, a sauna, a steam room, a gym, and an innovative mood-enhancing aromatherapy light shower.
Choose from different packages year-round including an afternoon spa retreat, a tranquility spa day, and an indulgent spa day.
Treat yourself and your loved ones, and immerse yourself in total relaxation with a rejuvenating spa day!
Summary of The Best Things to Do in Babbacombe
We hope you found our guide to the best things to do in Babbacombe useful. Babbacombe is a wonderful place to visit all year round, and the perfect base to explore Torbay and South Devon.
If you’re visiting the coastal resort, and are looking for somewhere to stay nearby, the Quayside Hotel offers relaxed and friendly accommodation in Torbay.
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