Hollicombe Beach

This charming beach lies in a secluded bay between Paignton and Torquay.  It has distinctive red sand, excellent for building sandcastles, together with some areas of large rocks and is backed by equally red sandstone cliffs.  The sheltered position and southerly aspect of the beach make it a good spot for sunbathing. In addition children will enjoy exploring the many rock-pools which are revealed at low tide. A freshwater stream runs across the beach into the sea.

There are no facilities on the beach.  The nearest toilets are at Paignton Beach a 10-minute walk along the coastal footpath.

In early 2017 the cliffs by the beach underwent extensive rock armour protection work.  However, visitors to the beach still need to be aware they should not go too close to the sandstone cliffs.

The beach is quite a walk from the nearest parking and for this reason it tends to be less crowded than some of the other local beaches.  Access to the beach is from Hollicombe Park/Gardens.  The best way onto the beach is through a tunnel which goes under the railway line. This leads onto a slipway which then gives easy access to the beach (suitable for pushchairs).  An alternative access to the beach is over a footbridge which goes over the railway line.  There are then steep steps onto the beach.

The beach used to be known as Gasworks Beach as the area was once dominated by the hulking gasometers in what is now Hollicombe Park.