Torquay Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Torquay, a highlight of the English Riviera and an excellent choice for a memorable beach holiday. This celebrated seaside town in South Devon offers a wonderful array of coastal experiences. You'll find everything from wide, sandy beaches ideal for relaxing to charming, more secluded coves. Torquay's varied shoreline ensures there's a perfect spot for every type of beachgoer.

Among the gems is Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay's main beach, known for its golden red sands and vibrant atmosphere. For breathtaking natural beauty, the picturesque Anstey's Cove is a must-see. If you're seeking a quiet escape, the tranquil pebble shore of Elberry Cove offers a peaceful retreat. Babbacombe Beach, a favourite with locals, provides a delightful and more relaxed seaside experience. Many also enjoy exploring Meadfoot Beach, a shingle expanse that reveals sandy patches and rock pools at low tide, set against stunning cliffs.

Torquay is a fantastic destination for families, with several beaches offering conditions well-suited for a family day by the sea. The waters within the naturally sheltered Tor Bay are often calm, making for generally pleasant swimming. With over twenty beaches and coves in the wider area, our comprehensive guide will help you discover even more of Torquay's beautiful seaside locations.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Torquay a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Torquay is considered a great destination for family beach holidays. It offers several sandy beaches with safe, shallow waters perfect for children, such as Torre Abbey Sands and Goodrington Sands (nearby in Paignton). Many beaches have good facilities and there are numerous family-friendly attractions in the English Riviera area. Some beaches even boast having the best sand for sandcastles.

Torre Abbey

Goodrington Sands

Can you swim in the sea at Torquay and is it safe?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Torquay. The water quality at most of Torquay's main beaches is rated as 'Excellent' or 'Good'. Tor Bay's naturally sheltered horseshoe shape means the waters are often calm with hardly any strong currents, making it one of the safer places in the UK for sea swimming, especially for beginners. However, always be aware of tide times and sea conditions, and it's recommended to swim on patrolled beaches where available or with a buddy.

Are Torquay beaches sandy or pebbly?

Torquay offers a mix of beach types. Torre Abbey Sands, the main beach, is a long sandy beach. Other popular spots like Meadfoot Beach are mainly shingle but can have sandy patches, especially after certain tides. Anstey's Cove and Babbacombe Beach are smaller and tend to be shingle or pebble. So, you can find both sandy stretches ideal for sunbathing and sandcastles, and more rugged coves.

Which Torquay beaches are dog-friendly?

Several Torquay beaches welcome dogs year-round, including Anstey's Cove, Babbacombe Beach, Beacon Cove, Livermead Sands, and parts of Meadfoot Beach (north-eastern section). However, some main beaches like Torre Abbey Sands, Oddicombe Beach, and the main part of Meadfoot Beach have restrictions, typically banning dogs from May 1st to September 30th. Always check local signage for the most current rules.

Do I need to worry about tides at Torquay beaches?

Yes, it's very important to be aware of tide times at Torquay beaches. Some beaches, like Torre Abbey Sands, can almost completely disappear at high tide. Low tide can also reveal rock pools, which are great for exploring. Always check the local tide timetable before your visit for safety and to make the most of your beach day.

What's the best way to get to Torquay's beaches, and is parking available?

Many of Torquay's main beaches, like Torre Abbey Sands, are easily accessible on foot from the town centre or via local bus routes. Some beaches, such as Anstey's Cove or Maidencombe, might involve steeper paths. Parking is available at or near most popular beaches, often pay-and-display, but can be limited and fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Some coves have very restricted parking.

Torre Abbey

Anstey's Cove

Maidencombe Beach

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches in Torquay?

Yes, Torquay has several quieter, more secluded coves if you're looking to escape the crowds. Anstey's Cove, Beacon Cove, Hollicombe Beach (though access can be tricky), and Watcombe Beach are often mentioned as more peaceful alternatives to the main beaches. These often involve a bit more of a walk or navigating steeper paths but offer beautiful scenery.

Anstey's Cove

Watcombe Beach

What are the beaches like in Torquay during autumn or winter?

Torquay's beaches can be very atmospheric and beautiful during autumn and winter. You'll find them much quieter, perfect for peaceful walks. Dog restrictions are often lifted on many beaches during this period. While swimming is only for the very hardy, the coastal paths offer stunning views, and some beach cafes may remain open, especially on weekends.

People Also Ask

How do Torquay's beaches compare to Paignton's beaches?

Torquay and Paignton, both part of the English Riviera, offer lovely but slightly different beach experiences. Torquay has a mix of larger sandy beaches like Torre Abbey Sands and smaller, picturesque coves like Anstey's and Meadfoot. Paignton is particularly known for its long, sandy, family-friendly beaches such as Paignton Sands and Goodrington Sands, which often have more traditional seaside attractions directly accessible. Both have good water quality and facilities.

Are there facilities like toilets and cafes at Torquay beaches?

Most of the main beaches in Torquay, such as Torre Abbey Sands, Meadfoot Beach, Oddicombe Beach, and Babbacombe Beach, have facilities including public toilets and cafes or kiosks selling refreshments, especially during the main season. Some smaller, more secluded coves might have limited or no facilities.

What is the water temperature like for swimming in Torquay?

The sea temperature in Torquay, being in the English Channel, is generally cool. In summer (June-August), it might range from around 14°C to 17°C (57°F to 63°F). While refreshing for a dip on a hot day, it's not considered warm. Many swimmers, especially outside of peak summer, use wetsuits.

Are Torquay's beaches suitable for watersports?

Yes, several of Torquay's beaches are suitable for various watersports. Anstey's Cove and Oddicombe Beach are popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and coasteering. Torre Abbey Sands, with its calmer waters, can be good for paddleboarding and kayaking too. You can find rental shops for equipment at some of the more popular beaches.

Anstey's Cove

Oddicombe Beach

Torre Abbey

Which is Torquay's main beach?

Torre Abbey Sands is considered Torquay's main beach. It's a long, sandy beach located conveniently along the seafront, west of the harbour, and is popular with holidaymakers and locals alike. It's known for its red sand and generally safe, shallow waters.

Torre Abbey

Is Torquay a good destination if I primarily want a beach holiday?

Yes, Torquay is a well-established seaside resort and a key part of the 'English Riviera', making it a very good destination for a beach-focused holiday. With over 20 beaches and coves in the wider Torbay area, offering a mix of sandy expanses and secluded spots, there's plenty of choice for beach lovers.

Are there any beaches in Torquay that are easily accessible for people with mobility issues?

Torre Abbey Sands is generally one of the more accessible beaches in Torquay, with a level promenade running alongside it and relatively easy access from the road. Meadfoot Beach also has a slope onto the promenade. However, some coves like Anstey's Cove or Maidencombe involve steep paths or steps. It's always best to check specific accessibility information for each beach if you have mobility concerns.

Meadfoot Beach

Anstey's Cove