Holcombe Beach (Teignmouth)

Holcombe beach is quite narrow strip of sand and shingle, flanked by dramatic red cliffs.  Running alongside the beach is a low sea wall along which it is possible to walk to Teignmouth.  Directly on top of the sea wall is the railway line which runs between Teignmouth and Dawlish.

The nearby village of Holcombe has some picturesque thatched cottages and a couple of pubs.  To access the beach, park in the village and walk down Smugglers Lane – it’s quite a steep descent.  Pass under the railway line and the small cove is ahead of you. There are a small number of parking spots nearer the beach, but these are likely to be taken and turning here can be difficult.

Toilets are available, but are part of the small kiosk which sells drinks, snacks and ice creams, so use is restricted to customers - or a small charge.

The beach is fairly quiet and is used mainly by locals who come here to fish, swim and potter about looking in the rockpools.  A variety of seabirds might be spotted here, as well as the occasional dolphin.

Currently (2019) access to the beach is under threat because of Network Rail’s proposals to realign the railway away from the unstable cliffs. If this engineering works take place it will undoubtedly adversely affect access to the beach.