Beaches & Coast

Discover

Explore more than 25 beaches and coves along 22 miles of coastline with this guide to the English Riviera's must-visit coastal spots.

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Our coastline is world-famous. With more than 25 beaches and coves to explore and 22 miles of coast path, there are plenty of opportunities to walk, swim, kayak or paddleboard your way around our sheltered bay. Or else just sit back and enjoy the views.

  • Sunlit coastal cliffs with green vegetation overlooking a calm ocean shoreline with rocks and small waves

    Maidencombe Beach

    Has some particularly dramatic formations of the Geopark’s red sandstone cliffs. Popular with locals, this beach is good for all-year-round swimming. There’s good access from the South West Coast Path.

  • Scenic coastal view of a bay with a sailboat near green cliffs, a stone breakwater, and lush tree branches in the foreground on a clear day.

    Anstey’s Cove

    Between Torquay and Babbacombe, this peaceful and beautiful shingle beach sits between high cliffs and a wooded hillside. The cove is a good base for walks along the coastal paths leading to Hope’s Nose, a Devonian limestone outcrop and one of the Geopark’s 32 GeoSites.

  • Torre Abbey Sands

    Torre Abbey Sands

    One of the English Riviera’s most popular beaches. The flat, sandy and shallow shoreline is perfect for little paddlers. Located right in the heart of town, it’s within easy reach of the area’s cafes, shops and restaurants, as well as key Geopark attractions including Torre Abbey and Torquay Museum.

  • Cliffs and sandy beach along the shoreline with calm water and a distant town in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Hollicombe Beach

    Sits between Torquay and Paignton. The fine red sand and striking cliffs make this a pretty place for a picnic and a swim if the weather and tides are right. At low tide, interesting rockpools are exposed at both ends of the beach. Usually quieter than others during peak times because parking is limited.

  • Coastal landscape featuring a sandy beach, rocky shoreline, dense green bushes, and a distant island in the ocean.

    Fairy Cove

    A pretty little beach to the south of Paignton Sands and just behind the town’s harbour wall. At low tide the beach — sand and shingle with red sandstone cliffs as the backdrop — is separated from the sea by flat rocks with interesting rockpools to explore.

  • Coastal landscape with green grassy foreground, rocky shoreline, and green cliffs with houses overlooking the water. In the background, hills and a distant town are visible under a blue sky with some clouds.

    Saltern Cove

    One of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the Geopark and a Local Nature Reserve. Unique in Britain, this nature reserve extends underwater to a point 376 metres below the low water mark. Located along the South West Coast Path to the south of Goodrington Sands, accessed via steps from the coast path above.

  • An aerial view of a lake with boats, surrounded by lush green trees and a sandy beach with people relaxing on it.

    Elberry Cove

    Near Paignton, a shingle beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. At one end of the cove you’ll see the ruins of an 18th century bath house. Elberry, dog-friendly all year round, is just a short walk from the sandy Broadsands Beach.

  • Crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, colorful kayaks on the shore, and a large historic house on a hill in the background.

    Brixham’s Breakwater Beach

    A small shingle beach next to the harbour and breakwater. With its calm, warm waters and seagrass beds, it’s a popular scuba diving spot.

Beach with rocks, trees, and a few people relaxing, sailing boat on calm water, partly cloudy sky.
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The Geopark Seaside Code

For Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Welcome to the Geopark Seaside Code, where we can all embrace the beauty of our stunning coves and beaches while caring for our precious habitats and diverse wildlife.

When we follow these simple guidelines, we can fully appreciate the abundant beauty that awaits us. Remember, we are all part of this incredible ecosystem, sharing it with a multitude of species. Let’s embrace the opportunity to enjoy and protect this area for generations to come. Together, we can make a positive difference.

Download the Geopark Seaside Code (PDF)

More safety and conservation guidance is on the Your Geopark page.

    1. Respect wildlife and their homes by giving them the space they need to thrive. Let’s allow them to be truly wild by keeping a respectful distance.

    2. Keep our coastal areas pristine by removing all litter and taking it back home with us. Together, we can keep the sea and tidal zones clean and protect the environment.

    3. Let’s be mindful of our individual and collective impact on the places we visit. By considering our actions, we can help preserve these precious areas for everyone to enjoy.

    4. Lead by example! In wild spaces, let’s be considerate of others and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Also, stay observant of the amazing wildlife around us.

    5. Take a moment to listen to the soothing sounds of nature. By immersing ourselves in the symphony of the environment, we can learn more about the incredible life that surrounds us.

    6. Remember to keep an eye on the tide so you can stay safe and enjoy the beach without any worries as the water gently rolls in.

    7. Be aware and plan appropriately if rough weather is forecast. Powerful waves can be unpredictable.

    8. We have amazing views around our beautiful coast so remember to take special care around cliff tops and always keep a safe distance from the tops and the bottom of cliffs — rock falls can happen at any time.

    9. Our rocks are precious to us and can contain beautiful fossils. Please do not hammer or dig at any site without permission and do not remove any fossils, rocks or minerals which are still embedded.

    10. …and finally, enjoy, be happy and share your experiences with others to encourage responsible and positive experiences for all.