With 22 miles of beaches and over 20 beaches on The English Riviera we are spoilt for choice. From long sandy beach walks to quiet picnic spots, charming secret coves to rock pooling. The majority of our local beaches have received beach awards, including three winning the prestigious Blue Flag Award. Many beaches are dog friendly all year round but not all. Don’t just take our word for it come and see for yourself!
A personal favourite, Meadfoot Beach can be easily accessed by car or on foot. There is an opulence about Meadfoot, with its’ elegant curve and breathtaking views across to Brixham. There are some great rock pools at low tide. A popular beach with paddle boarders and kayakers. Onsite services include ample parking, beach hut hire, toilets, first aid hut, beach café / bar which hosts themed evenings as well.
Often described as a hidden gem Anstey’s Cove offers spectacular views as you approach. It is a quiet cove with a small shingle beach, it is one of the most picturesque spots on the English Riviera. On a nice day the water is incredibly clear you’d be mistaken for thinking you’re in the Med. There is a lovely little beach café.
This magical little beach has held the prestigious Blue Flag award for an impressive 33 years! The only way to get down and more importantly up, to this beach is to take the Victorian Babbacombe Cliff Railway. There is a bar, bistro, shop, toilets but no parking down here so you need to park at the top of the cliff.
This is Torquay’s main beach and if you’re lucky enough to be staying at Astor House this is the one you will see from your balcony. It is in the perfect location with a number of waterside restaurants, bars and cafes within a two-minute walk of the beach. Torquay’s iconic spiral white seafront bridge is also a great viewing platform. This tidal beach makes it very safe for swimming and perfect for families with young children wishing to paddle in the clear, blue sea and build a sandcastle or two.
Preston’s red sandy beach is a safe, clean, family friendly beach and with locals and holiday makers alike. Great for rock pooling at low tide children will love exploring and finding sea animals. Preston Green runs the length of the beach and is a safe area for the children to have fun with a park, basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment. The long promenade provides a level walk to both ends of the beach. There are several refreshment kiosks along the promenade as well as the local’s popular The Boathouse overlooking the water’s edge.
Goodrington is one of the most popular beaches not just in Torbay but in South Devon. There is so much to see and do here. The water adventure park at Splashdown, Quaywest offers exciting flume rides. Young’s Park is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds. The family attractions include bumper boat and swan boat rides on the manmade lake, crazy golf and amusement arcades. There is plenty of parking, toilets, alongside many eateries our favourite being Cantina. Look out for the charming steam train that runs along the back of south sands beach. There are some great scenic routes to explore by foot, we suggest a walk up to Roundham for some truly fabulous views.
Broadsands’ Beach is a popular choice for families. This beach is surrounded by an idyllic rural landscape. With pretty pastel coloured beach huts, traditional seaside deck chairs and a lovely refurbished café this has everything you could want! The beach itself is a beautiful long sandy beach and has a designated area for water sports. The long promenade with its level walk-way to both ends of the beach leads to stunning grassed verges and even more spectacular view points along the coastal path. You may even be lucky enough to see the steam train crossing Brunel’s remarkable viaduct from here too.
Just along from Broadsands Beach and roughly a ten-minute walk over the headland you get to Elberry Cove. A truly magnificent pebble cove that offers a quieter alternative to Broadsands. With crystal clear waters and an historic fort this secluded cove offers no facilities.
A lovely shingle beach nestled in between the magnificent landscape, with stunning clear waters, you’d be mistaken for thinking your in Majorca! It is worth pointing out that this is quite a trek to get to and there are no facilities here, but we think its worth it! Why not follow the coastal path along to Brixham where you’ll come across our last beach on our top ten!
Found next to Brixham harbour and the lighthouse lies this small, pebble beach – a true delight. With its calm warm waters, it is a popular spot for scuba diving with stunning underwater landscapes and an array of fish, seahorses and seagrass on display. The Breakwater Bistro is well worth a visit for not only the food but also the breath-taking panoramic sea views. Locally caught Brixham fish is a must on the menu! Shoalstone Seawater Pool is a ten-minute walk away from Breakwater Beach. It is the only remaining Lidos in the area. The beach is also located right next to the RNLI Torbay lifeboat which we recommend a visit to.
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