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Babbacombe Beach

Devon, England


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Babbacombe Beach is a popular sand and shingle beach located on the south coast of Devon, in the heart of the 'English Riviera'.

Babbacombe Beach is situated just east of Torquay, a well-known seaside town in South Devon. The beach is approximately 500 metres wide and is backed by cliffs, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding area. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, gently shelving down to the water.

The beach is surrounded by thickly wooded cliffs dotted with 1930s villas, and features a small stone breakwater at one end, making it an idyllic spot for fishing. Babbacombe Beach is also a popular dive spot, particularly for beginners, due to its sheltered aspect, clear water, and easy sea bed. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, hire a sunbed, or explore the nearby village.

For those who may find walking up or down the cliff daunting, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway offers a convenient solution. Constructed in 1926, this funicular railway allows visitors to enjoy the fantastic views of the bay from 300ft cliffs, while saving their legs.

The area surrounding Torquay and Babbacombe Beach is one of Britain's most popular seaside destinations, noted for its relatively mild climate, abundant palm trees, and subtropical vegetation. The area has benefited enormously from a campaign to market it as 'The English Riviera', attracting visitors all year round.

Babbacombe Beach is adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Sand Shingle Pebbles

Weather and tides for Wednesday 16 September

Today
Chance of rain %
Max temperature 18°C
feels like 19°C
Wind 12mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 19%
Min temperature 15°C
feels like 14°C
Wind 13mph

The tide at Babbacombe Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 3:47 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 10:04 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Detailed weather and tides »

Other beaches nearby

Location: Babbacombe, Torquay

Location type: Urban

OS Grid: SX930654

Coordinates: 50°28'45"N 3°30'32"W

Mapcode: GBR QX.2B07

What 3 Words: clip.span.shower

Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.

Country: England

Local Authority: Torbay

Nearest postcode: TQ1 3LX

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

Visitor information for Babbacombe Beach, Devon, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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216.73.217.16 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:03:15 +0100