With sandy beaches, peaceful coves and beautiful coastal scenery, Torquay is a wonderful destination for a traditional British seaside break.
Located at the heart of the English Riviera in South Devon, the town is an excellent base for couples, walkers and visitors looking for a relaxing UK beach holiday. From lively seafront beaches to quieter spots surrounded by red cliffs, there is a beach near Torquay for almost every kind of getaway.
When you stay at Hotel Peppers, our welcoming bed and breakfast in Torquay, you will be well placed to explore the town’s coastline, harbour and nearby beaches. After a freshly prepared breakfast, you can head out for a day beside the sea before returning to comfortable accommodation near the centre of Torquay.
Here are some of the best beaches near Torquay to visit during your stay.
1. Torre Abbey Sands
Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay’s main beach and one of the easiest to reach from the town centre. Its broad stretch of sand runs alongside Torquay’s seafront promenade, making it a convenient choice for visitors who want a traditional day beside the sea.
The central location means cafés, restaurants and other facilities are all close at hand. You can spend time relaxing on the sand, walk along the promenade or continue towards Torquay harbour and marina.
Torre Abbey Sands is a particularly good choice for visitors enjoying a short break in Torquay without a car. It can easily be combined with shopping, lunch beside the water or an evening in the town centre.
Best for: A classic Torquay beach day, central convenience and relaxed walks along the seafront.
2. Meadfoot Beach
Meadfoot Beach is situated around a mile from Torquay harbour and offers a more peaceful atmosphere than the town’s main beach.
Surrounded by attractive coastal scenery, the beach is popular with people who enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply sitting beside the water. Its distinctive beach chalets and views across the bay make it one of the most recognisable beaches in Torquay.
Meadfoot is a lovely destination for couples looking for a quiet afternoon during a romantic break in Devon. You could enjoy a coastal walk from central Torquay, stop for refreshments and then return towards the harbour for dinner.
Best for: Couples, coastal views, watersports and peaceful beach days.
3. Oddicombe Beach
Oddicombe Beach sits beneath the cliffs at Babbacombe and is one of the most scenic beaches near Torquay.
The beach is known for its red sand, clear water and dramatic wooded surroundings. One of the most memorable ways to reach it is by travelling down the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which connects the clifftop with the beach below.
A visit to Oddicombe can be combined with time in Babbacombe, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the Downs, explore local attractions or stop at one of the nearby cafés.
For visitors planning a South Devon beach holiday, Oddicombe offers a wonderful mixture of traditional seaside character and beautiful natural scenery.
Best for: Scenic views, memorable days out and exploring Babbacombe.
4. Babbacombe Beach
Not far from Oddicombe, Babbacombe Beach is another attractive coastal spot beneath the cliffs.
This smaller beach has a quieter and more secluded character. The surrounding coastline creates a sheltered setting that feels removed from the busier parts of Torquay, despite being only a short journey from the town centre.
The walk down to the beach is steep in places, so visitors should plan accordingly. Those who make the journey are rewarded with peaceful sea views and a charming setting beside the water.
Best for: Quiet afternoons, couples and visitors who enjoy discovering smaller beaches.
5. Anstey’s Cove
Anstey’s Cove is a beautiful shingle cove set between Meadfoot and Babbacombe.
Surrounded by woodland and dramatic cliffs, it is an excellent choice for visitors who prefer hidden coastal locations to large, busy beaches. The cove is reached by a downhill path, which helps preserve its quieter and more secluded atmosphere.
It is a lovely place to pause during a coastal walk, enjoy views across the water or spend a relaxed afternoon away from the main seafront.
Anstey’s Cove is particularly appealing to couples and walkers looking for peaceful places to visit during a Torquay getaway.
Best for: Secluded scenery, coastal walks and peaceful couples’ breaks.
6. Maidencombe Beach
A little farther along the coast, Maidencombe Beach is a small and attractive cove beneath Torquay’s red sandstone cliffs.
Its sheltered location and natural surroundings make it a rewarding destination for visitors who want to explore beyond central Torquay. The beach has a quieter, more traditional feel and is a good choice for a slow afternoon beside the sea.
There are hills and steps around the approach, so suitable footwear is recommended. The surrounding area is also ideal for visitors interested in walking and discovering the less-developed parts of the South Devon coastline.
Best for: Hidden coves, countryside scenery and quieter beach days.
7. Beacon Cove
Beacon Cove is a small beach close to Torquay harbour.
Although it is much smaller than Torre Abbey Sands, its position makes it an easy place to visit while exploring the harbour and marina. It has an interesting connection to Torquay’s history and is associated with Agatha Christie, who grew up in the town.
Beacon Cove is a good place to include during a walking tour of Torquay rather than as the destination for a full beach day. From here, you can continue exploring the harbour, local attractions and nearby restaurants.
Best for: Harbour walks, local history and short coastal stops.
8. Livermead Beach
Livermead Beach is positioned between Torquay and Paignton and is mainly visible when the tide is out.
At low tide, the beach provides space for a walk beside the water and opportunities to look around the rocks and shoreline. Because its appearance changes considerably with the tide, it is important to check local tide times before visiting.
Its location makes it easy to incorporate into a walk or drive along the coast between Torquay and Paignton.
Best for: Low-tide walks, rockpooling and exploring the wider Torbay coastline.
9. Paignton Sands
A short journey from Torquay brings you to Paignton Sands, another of the English Riviera’s best-known seaside beaches.
With a long sandy shoreline, promenade and traditional pier, Paignton offers a classic British beach-holiday experience. It is a lively option for visitors who want to explore another part of Torbay during their stay.
Paignton can be reached from Torquay by car, bus, train or seasonal boat services. This makes it an easy day trip for guests using Hotel Peppers as a base for exploring the English Riviera.
Best for: Traditional seaside days, a lively atmosphere and exploring Torbay.
10. Broadsands Beach
Broadsands Beach lies between Paignton and Brixham and is well worth visiting during a longer stay in Torquay.
The beach has a broad sweep of sand and shingle, with green countryside rising behind it. Its position away from the town centres gives it a spacious and relaxed feel.
Broadsands is ideal for visitors who want to combine a beach day with a scenic drive, a trip towards Brixham or a walk along the South Devon coast.
Best for: Relaxed day trips, coastal scenery and exploring beyond Torquay.
Why Choose Torquay for a UK Beach Holiday?
You do not need to travel abroad to enjoy attractive beaches, coastal walks and relaxing days beside the sea.
Torquay combines the character of a traditional Devon seaside town with the restaurants, attractions and entertainment of a popular holiday destination. Its palm-lined seafront, harbour and position on the English Riviera make it ideal for both longer holidays and spontaneous weekend breaks.
A Torquay beach holiday can include much more than time on the sand. During your stay, you can:
- Walk around Torquay harbour and marina
- Explore the South West Coast Path
- Visit Babbacombe and its clifftop attractions
- Enjoy boat trips around Torbay
- Discover Torquay’s Agatha Christie connections
- Visit nearby Paignton and Brixham
- Dine at restaurants near the harbour
- Attend a performance at the Princess Theatre
Whether you are planning a summer holiday, a romantic coastal escape or a few restful days away, Torquay offers plenty to enjoy throughout the year.
A Perfect Destination for Couples’ Getaways
The beaches near Torquay are especially well suited to couples looking for a peaceful break in Devon.
You might begin the day with breakfast at Hotel Peppers, walk along the coast to Meadfoot Beach, enjoy lunch near the harbour and finish the evening with dinner or a theatre performance.
Quieter locations such as Anstey’s Cove, Maidencombe and Babbacombe Beach provide beautiful settings for couples who want to escape the busiest parts of the seafront. For a more traditional beach day, Torre Abbey Sands and Paignton Sands are both within easy reach.
Walking Holidays on the English Riviera
Torquay is also a great destination for a coastal walking break.
The South West Coast Path passes through the area and connects many of the beaches and coves around the English Riviera. Walkers can enjoy routes through Torquay, Meadfoot, Babbacombe and Maidencombe, with impressive views across the sea along the way.
A walking getaway in Torquay can be as active or relaxed as you choose. Take on a longer stretch of the coast path or simply enjoy a gentle walk around the harbour and seafront.
Planning Your Torquay Beach Break
A little preparation can help you make the most of your visit to the Devon coast.
Before travelling to a beach, check the weather, tide times, access information and any seasonal restrictions. Some of Torquay’s smaller coves are reached by steep paths or steps, while others have limited facilities.
It is also worth bringing comfortable footwear, particularly if you plan to combine your beach visit with a coastal walk.
During the busiest summer periods, central beaches and nearby car parks can fill quickly. Staying near Torquay harbour allows you to explore several local places on foot or use public transport to reach other parts of the English Riviera.
Stay at Hotel Peppers in Torquay
Hotel Peppers is a welcoming adults-only bed and breakfast in Torquay, ideally situated for visitors exploring the harbour, town centre and surrounding coastline.
Our convenient location makes Hotel Peppers an excellent base for a weekend getaway, couples’ break, walking holiday or traditional UK seaside escape. After a day visiting the best beaches near Torquay, you can return to comfortable accommodation and prepare for another day on the English Riviera.
Whether you plan to relax on Torre Abbey Sands, explore the scenery around Meadfoot Beach or travel farther along the coast, you will find plenty of beautiful places within easy reach.
Book your stay at Hotel Peppers and start planning your next beach holiday in Torquay, Devon.