Torre Abbey Sands

Torre Abbey Sands is the long sandy beach on Torquay seafront, west of the harbour, and the one most holidaymakers in town end up on. It sits between rock headlands, which gives it a sheltered feel, and it carries an Excellent classification under the English Riviera Beach Standards. This is a sand-and-sandcastles beach rather than a shingle one, which sets it apart from Meadfoot and Oddicombe further east.

Getting there and parking

The beach runs along Torbay Road, and the sand is reached from the road by steps, ramps and revetments, the oversized steps built to absorb waves. The route suits wheelchairs as far as the promenade. Torbay Council lists disabled toilets that stay open all year.

Parking is on street, pay and display, all along Torquay Road. The closest car parks are Abbey Park and Shedden Hill. The council describes the beach as an easy walk from the town centre and the main areas of accommodation, so visitors staying in town can leave the car behind.

On the beach

Facilities include toilets, a cafe or restaurant, a pier and deckchair hire. A designated windsurfing area is marked out, and the council says the beach is managed in partnership with WeSUP, so check the Torbay Council beach page if you want to hire equipment or have a problem with the beach operation.

The beach backs onto a run of seafront attractions. Princess Pier, Princess Gardens and the Rock Walk in Royal Terrace Gardens are all nearby, and Abbey Park and Meadows lie just across the road. Torre Abbey, the medieval abbey with its museum and gardens, is a short stroll from the sand, about a quarter of a mile away, which makes a good wet-weather swap on a day when the tide or the clouds are against you.

Dogs

Dogs are banned from the beach from 1 May to 30 September. Outside those dates they are allowed. The council points dog owners to the dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows, which is the practical answer in summer.

Swimming and safety

There is no lifeguard cover. Tor Bay beaches are not patrolled or monitored by lifeguards, so swim with a buddy, tell someone when you expect to be back and stay in the shallows, parallel to the shore. Water quality results are published on the Tor Bay Harbour website, which also links to the Environment Agency for the latest readings.

Who it suits

Families with young children get the most from it: the sand is good for building, the toilets and cafe are on the doorstep and the walk from most Torquay hotels is short. It is less suited to anyone after quiet, because this is the main beach for Torquay and popular with holidaymakers, day visitors and locals. For a calmer shingle cove, head for Meadfoot, or go east to Babbacombe. On the Paignton side of the bay, Paignton Sands is the other big sandy option.

Plan your stay

Torquay has cottages, apartments and hotels within walking distance of the seafront, and the beach is one of the reasons to stay central rather than out of town.