Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe is a shingle beach at the foot of red sandstone cliffs, and half the day out is the ride down. The Babbacombe Cliff Railway runs from Babbacombe Downs to the sand, so this suits families who want a deckchair, a cafe and some water sports without a long walk. It sits below Babbacombe, in Torquay.

Getting there and parking

You reach the beach by a steep road or by the easier cliff railway, where a slope leads to a level promenade above the beach and steps take you onto the sand. The railway is also the way up to the cliff top and its views across the bay, if the steep walk does not appeal.

Parking is some distance away, and the closest car parks are Princes Street and St Marychurch. Plan for the railway or a walk rather than expecting to park beside the sand.

On the beach

There are toilets, including disabled toilets, a cafe, a well-stocked beach shop and beach huts to rent. Deckchairs are available to hire, and there is a choice of water sports.

The cliffs are part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Rockfalls have buried part of the beach at Little Oddicombe and the north end of Oddicombe, so treat the cliff foot with respect.

Swimming

Tor Bay beaches are not patrolled or monitored by lifeguards. Swim with a buddy, tell someone when you expect to be back and keep close to the shore.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on Oddicombe Beach between 1 May and 30 September, and a dog on the adjoining promenade must be on a lead in that period. From 1 October to 30 April dogs can use all Torbay beaches. Assistance dogs are allowed on all Torbay beaches all year. In summer, Babbacombe Beach next door is the dog-friendly alternative, and Anstey’s Cove also admits dogs all year.