Babbacombe Beach
Just east of Torquay, around the heavily wooded headland, is a different world to the bright lights and marinas of Torbay. Here you will find several little coves, the first, and arguably prettiest, of them is Babbacombe beach.
The beach here is a little crescent of sand and shingle backed by thickly wooded cliffs dotted with 1930s villas. To one end is a small stone breakwater which is an idyllic spot to cast a line if fishing is your thing.
Babbacombe is a popular dive spot and is a popular training venue. Its sheltered aspect, clear water and easy sea bed make it ideal for beginners.
If the idea of walking up or down the cliff seems daunting then help comes in the form of the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Constructed in 1926, this funicular railway will save your legs and allow you to enjoy the fantastic views of the bay from 300ft cliffs.
Type of beach
Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
Activities
- Diving & snorkelling
- Good fishing
- Sailing
- Swimming/bathing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant
- Toilets
- Disabled facilities
- Deck chair hire
Nearest town
Postcode
TQ1 3LX
OS grid ref.
SX 9298 6545
Parking
Car parking is widely available.
Water quality
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Babbacombe Beach Reviews
Footpath through the woods down to Babbacombe beach is now a bit of a challenge and the road is not easy. Sadly the beach and woods are sucumming to the ravages of time and lack of maintenance. A fallen tree now blocks the path requiring all but the most agile to make a detour. A couple of years ago the steps from promenade to beach were washed away and replaced by open tread metal ones which are very difficult for dogs. Storm damage to the promenade still awaits repair and the foot path and breakwater to Oddicombe show signs of erosion.
Meadfoot beach exhibits storm damage with the boat ramp now completely destroyed.
Ansteys Cove steps are closed due to erosion and storm damage.
Redgate was cosed some years ago due to a dangerouse cliff. Little Oddicome lies beneath a cliff fall and Watcome closed spring 2020.
Torquay is losing its beaches to erosion and those that are left are becoming delapidated as little or no maintenance appears to be taking place.
Babbacombe beach Visit Not worth it
Bright
May 12th 2021Unfortunately it was a disappointment and parking is not easy, not for elderly person as all the routes and steep and full of tree stamps, very difficult driving down the hill as it is a one car only road. Not worth it
Babbacombe beach visit; not worth the effort
Rachel
Sep 19th 2019Unfortunately once you start down the single track road to babbacombe beach you are committed..I burnt my reverse gear out on meeting 2 vehicles, my passengers refused to ride my vehicle back to to the top due to fear of the car angle (not my driving), which is wicked just before the carpark. The public toilets were disgusting, outdated (not restored). My mum with 2 hip replacements found the path to the cliff railway hard going over rocks/ tree roots/steps. Did not try any restaurants or feel like looking at the small breakwater, due to anxiety of the car damage, it’s not even worth it for fishing. The only good thing was a nice view, but I could get this view anywhere in Torbay.