The 20 best beaches in Torquay & Paignton

After exploring all that Torbay has to offer, you'll want to find a beautiful beach to relax, swim and enjoy the sun.

Whether you're here on holiday or just enjoying a day trip with the family, we've made sure that beaches from across the beautiful English Riviera are featured, from glorious sandy bays to picturesque hidden gems.

But with 22 miles of coastline at your disposal, it can be difficult to decide just where to plonk down your favourite beach towel.

Luckily we're here with our expert guide to the very best beaches in Torbay.

So lather on the sun cream and get planning your next trip to the beach. Here are the 20 best beaches in Torquay, Paignton, Babbacombe and Brixham.

Oddicombe Beach

This popular sandy beach in Torquay offers safe swimming and paddling for the young and a variety of watersports for the older.

It has beach huts to rent, a well-stocked beach shop, and a lovely cafe.

Meadfoot Beach

A mile from Torquay harbour and in a stunning location at the bottom of a row of imposing cliffs, this small rock and shingle beach offers a little peace and quiet.

There is a car park and boat-launching ramp at the rocky, northern end, and a cafe and beach huts at the sandy, western end.

Breakwater Beach

Close to the mouth of Brixham harbour is this award-winning beach - one of the cleanest on the English Riviera.

There are a number of dive schools throughout the area and with some of the warmest and calmest waters in the country, this is the place to learn to scuba and get your open water certificate.

Broadsands

This large, curving red-sandy beach in Paignton has rock pools at the southern end and is sandwiched between rocky headlands.

There’s also a large area of parkland directly behind the beach that is perfect for family games.

Anstey's Cove

This is a peaceful, beautiful shingle beach on the coast path between Torquay and Babbacombe.

Look out for the limestone cliffs, interesting rock formations and views across Lyme Bay to the Dorset coast.

Rent a deckchair and relax, paddle in the glistening sea, and perhaps enjoy a snack or lunch in the beach cafe.

Fishcombe Cove

This beautiful little shingle beach on the outskirts of Brixham is a quiet, peaceful little cove surrounded on all sides by tall red cliffs and wooded hillsides.

The beach is very sheltered and an idyllic spot if you want to escape the crowds of Brixham town.

Elbury (Elberry) Cove

This small inlet in Brixham boasts a small pebble beach.

Far from the bustle of the main beaches, the calm, sheltered waters are great for sea fishing and waterskiing.

Torre Abbey Sands

Entered via a spiral white seafront bridge, this stretch of red sand is framed by a chic development of waterside restaurants, bars and cafes at one end and the Victorian splendour of The Grand Hotel at the other.

The gently sloping beach makes it very safe for swimming and perfect for families with young children wanting to paddle.

Paignton Sands

This award-winning beach boasts crazy golf, donkey rides, endless sand and shallow clear waters for safe swimming.

Head to Paignton Pier for snacks and a host of traditional seaside amusement arcade games.

Preston Sands

Just a short walk from Paignton Sands, this family-friendly red sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, paddling and rockpooling.

Preston Green runs the length of the beach and is a safe area for kids to play ball games or try the climbing frames, basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment.

Goodrington Sands

This popular sandy beach boasts brightly-coloured beach huts and a range of watersport activities.

Youngsters will love the water adventure park at Splashdown Quaywest with its flume rides and the 15-metre vertical Devil’s Drop.

Maidencombe Beach

This small secluded sandy beach is on the way out of the English Riviera, towards the neighbouring village of Shaldon.

Known for its excellent water quality and safe swimming conditions, it's surrounded by deep red sandstone cliffs offering shelter from the weather.

Corbyn Sands / Corbyn Head

Just south of Torre Abbey Sands and a stone's throw from Torquay, this sand and shingle beach boasts a cafe, beach huts and peaceful atmosphere.

Livermead Beach

This has good access for water sports so it makes sense that swimming is not allowed in the water-ski lane. The beach is covered by the sea at high tide so check tide times before leaving.

Hollicombe Beach

Located between Torquay and Paignton, this south-facing red sand beach is backed by tall cliffs making it perfect for sunbathing.

It's quite a walk from the nearest parking so tends to be less crowded than some of the other local beaches.

Churston Cove

This pebble beach backed by wooded scenery and cliffs offers views of moored boats with a small cafe just a short stroll or swim away in nearby Fishcombe Cove. It's a lovely place for children to paddle in the clean, shallow water.

Shoalstone Beach

Along the coast from Brixham, this shingle beach has a 25-metre salt-water swimming pool dating back to 1896. There's a cafe and the chance to explore rock pools at low tide too.

St Mary's Bay

This secluded sandy beach near Brixham boasts interesting rock formations while surrounding cliffs offers panoramic views from the coastal path. It's a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling.

Babbacombe Beach

To the east of Torquay, this sheltered shingle beach with an unspoilt coastline offers tranquillity, gorgeous views and calm, clean waters.

It's a renowned scuba-diving site and perfect for sailing or angling.

Click here for our expert guide to hotels, campsites, things to do, eating out, beaches and kids.
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