Life's a beach in Torquay

Torbay attracts thousands of visitors each year in search of sand, sun and surf, and with 20 beaches and coves dotted along 22 miles of coastline, few go home disappointed.
There are good places to go diving, perfect sands for building great palaces, safe areas to swim, and plenty of room to lay out a towel and just soak up the sunshine.

Here are a few of our favourite beaches, although you can find out information about all of them at the Torbay Council website here

Babbacombe Beach, Babbacombe
A delightful little beach, popular with families and weekend visitors. Although there is limited parking on the steep road down to the cove, although there is a car park and level promenade at the bottom.

Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe
Around a rocky headland from Babbacombe Beach, Oddicombe is accessible by the cliff railway and offers a secluded getaway from the crowds. Awarded a Blue Flag in 2008, you can easily spend a day on this shingle beach.

Ansteys Cove, Torquay
The perfect base for a clifftop walk, with a path leading out to Hope's Nose and the opportunity for some fabulous views over the bay. There is a cafe near the beach, and also a shop, deck chair and sun bed hire.

Corbyn Head, Torquay
Just a short walk along Torquay Road into town from the cottage, Corbyn Head is very popular with families because of its proximity to Torquay centre and also its many interesting rock pools.

Hollicombe Beach
Our favourite place to get away from it all, and the closest beach to the cottage. A short stroll down to Hollicombe Gardens and through the tunnel leading down to the beach and you could be in another world. Never busy, often deserted, this is a perfect place for a romantic stroll.

Broadsands, Paignton
A lovely crescent-shaped sandy beach, away from the arcades and noise of Paignton. Again, well placed as a base for coastal walks, and just a short distance from the pretty shingle beach at Elberry Cove.

Goodrington Sands, Paignton
With its long unbroken stretch of sand and an amusement centre right next door, Goodrington Sands is perfect for a family with kids to entertain. If somehow they do get bored, you can catch the small steam train from here along the coast.

Paignton Sands
With wide sandy areas either side of the pier and always with plenty going on, Paignton Sands is another ideal family spot. Hire pedalos, go for a swim in the shallow sea, or wander along the the picturesque and often overlook Paignton harbour for some fish and chips.

St Mary's Bay, Brixham
A bit of an open secret but worth the slightly difficult route down, St Mary’s Bay is a delightful sandy stretch of secluded sand.