With over 20 beautiful beaches to choose from, Torbay is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the outdoor life. From cold water swimmer to heatwave paddler, here on the English Riviera we have a beach to suit all tastes.
Once you start reading you’ll feel spoilt for choice but don’t worry, most of our beaches are so close together you can walk between them. They’re also really accessible by public transport.
Whether you want to build sandcastles, walk your dog, doze in the sun or enjoy a bit of Tor Bay outdoor swimming, we have the beach day out to suit you.
Torbay and beyond
The sheltered waters of Tor Bay are officially enclosed by Hope’s Nose near Torquay, and Berry Head near Brixham. Because we didn’t want you to miss out on some of our favourites, we’ve expanded our beach list to include the best beaches to the north and south of Torbay.
Our beach guide has been designed to suit every member of the family. As well as all the usual car park, toilet and refreshment information, we’ve included sandcastle building, outdoor swimming, rock pooling, paddle boarding, walking and snorkelling. We’ve even suggested a rainy day game for each beach.
Which Torbay beaches can I reach on public transport?
When it comes to car free beach holidays, Torbay really does have it sorted. With two train stations both within five minutes walk of sandy beaches and some great seafront bus routes, you can reach many of our beaches by public transport.
Even more if you don’t mind a short walk.
Beaches from Torquay train station
Just across the road from Torquay train station, you’ll find rocky Corbyn’s Cove beach. This one’s great for rock pooling (low tide) and paddling (high tide) but if you fancy a proper sea swim, Corbyn’s bigger neighbouring beach, Torre Abbey Sands is perfect at any tide.
Beaches from Paignton train station
Paignton’s train station is right in the town centre but you won’t want to go shopping when the sea is calling and the beach is just down the road.
From platform to pier in just five minutes.
Head down Torbay Road and past the cinema to reach Paignton’s gorgeous long sandy beach with its traditional pier.
You’ll find everything you need for family fun on this beach but if you fancy a change, local’s favourite, Preston Beach is just around the headland (walk round on the beach at low tide), with dog-friendly Fairy Cove on the other side of Paignton Harbour.
Beaches on Torbay’s bus routes
When you include our handy bus routes, Torbay has so many beaches you can get to by public transport. There are more options than you could visit in a day but below are a few ideas.
- Where – Newton Abbot to Brixham
- Beaches – Beacon Cove, Hollicombe Beach, Goodrington Beach (plus some of those already mentioned above)
- Cost – All single bus fares are still capped at £2 for adults
- Where – South Devon College to Babbacombe
- Beaches – Babbacombe and Oddicombe (plus some of those already mentioned above)
- Cost – All single adult bus fares are still capped at £2 for adults
Bus fares versus parking fees
Just like any other seaside town, we have plenty of parking metres here in Torbay and, if you want a parking space near the beach, the costs can really add up.
In other words, when you take the bus to the beach, you can save money as well as the planet.
Where are the best swimming beaches in Torbay?
Torbay is quite rightly popular with outdoor swimmers. With relatively safe waters, and swim locations to suit all tastes, you’ll be spoilt for choice with our selection of top Torbay swimming beaches. If you want to walk to your swimming beach with the family, why not check out our family walks? We’ve even created our own downloadable child-friendly maps.
Swimming beach – Torre Abbey Sands – Torquay
Swimming beach – Breakwater Beach – Brixham
Where are the best family beaches in Torbay?
If you’re looking for a family beach in Torbay, you could be spoilt for choice. We’ve thought about all the things kids (and parents) really enjoy, and picked out our favourites. For sandcastles, toe dabbles, and of course ice-creams, Torbay really has got the family beach life covered. If you fancy a stroll to go with your beach fun, check out our family-friendly walks.
Family fun at Goodrington Beach – Paignton
Family fun at Broadsands Beach – Churston
Where are the best dog walking beaches in Torbay?
Torbay has plenty of dog walking beaches but the regulations for some change in the summer. Dog walking is not allowed on some beaches between May 1st and September 30th but we still have plenty of beautiful beaches where you can walk your dog, take in the sea air, and enjoy Torbay’s stunning scenery all year round.
Dog walking beach – Babbacombe Beach
Dog Walking beach – Watcombe Beach
Where are Torbay’s best SUP beaches
Visit Torbay on a sunny day and you’ll be surprised at how many SUP enthusiasts are enjoying our beautiful beaches. We’re not surprised though, we have some of the flattest water in the South West, as well as some of the warmest weather. Bring your own, hire a paddle board, or even learn the skills properly and take a few SUP lessons, whichever you choose, we’ll make sure there’s a nearby cafe for post-SUP chatter.
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