Babbacombe Cliff Railway in 360º

Enjoy a 360º virtual tour of Babbacombe Cliff Railway taking you from the top of Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach below in Torquay.

Location/Facts History Opening Times Prices Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Sunrise & Sunset Tide Times Nearby Destinations

In the main summer months this can be a really busy, but when we came it was during Spring and the Cliff Railway was surprisingly free for the day. We were just lucky to stumble across it on a casual walk along the Downs.

It was getting late on in the day, but this meant we had a car down to Oddicombe beach all to ourselves which was nice and a first for me. I may be local but i’ve only used the cliff railway a handful of times. It was around an hour until the last trip back to the top, but you don’t need to keep your eye on the time as they ring a bell 30 minutes and then again 15 minutes prior to the last trip of the day back up to the Downs. We decided to stay on the beach a little longer and then walk the boardwalk to Babbacombe beach, which is a moderate stroll, passing a small waterfall. Though the boardwalk could be a little tricky for some as it’s sometimes slippery in places.

Full quality 360 images available to purchase here or watermarked at lower quality for half price here.

Video

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Location/Facts

Babbacombe Cliff Railway (aka Babbacombe Lift) is a funicular railway in the town of Torquay in the UK county of Devon linking Babbacombe Downs with Oddicombe Beach. Built between the gaps in the high cliffs which is a fault line between the Devonian grey limestone and Permian red rocks.

Construction started in 1924, and the line was first opened on 1 April 1926.
Two cars of traditional funicular design with a 40-person standing capacity.
Drive equipment located at the top station.
The cars and track were replaced in the winter of 2005/6 and the control gear and doors in 2006/7.
Babbacombe Cliffs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Look out for seals and dolphins offshore.

History

In 1923, the Torquay Tramway Company announced the intention to install a lift to Oddicombe Beach and Waygood Otis appointed to undertake the installation. Work started in December 1924 and the Babbacombe Cliff Railway completed in 1926 the line cost £15,648 to construct.

Opening Times

The line runs every day, with a closure period in winter for maintenance.

The first car runs at 09:30
Last at 16:30. A bell is rung 30 and 15 minutes before the last trip.
Closed for winter maintenance in January until the middle of February.

Prices

2022 Prices:

Adult

Single ……………………….. £2.20 ~~(£2.00, 2019)~~
Return ……………………….. £3 ~~(£2.80, 2019)~~

Child (Over 2 years)

Single ……………………….. £1.80 ~~(£1.60 2019)~~
Return ……………………….. £2.20 ~~(£2.00 2019)~~

Family Ticket

(2 Adult and 2 Child Returns) ………………………. £9.50 ~~(£8.50, 2019)~~

Annual Pass

Adult £ 99 ~~(£80.00, 2019)~~
Child £65 ~~(£50.00, 2019)~~

Child 2-16
Under 2yrs, Registered Blind and wheelchair/disability scooter users travel FREE.
Dogs carried FREE at the discretion of the operator.
Annual Tickets are personal and non-transferrable.
Discount Vouchers not accepted in conjunction with any other offer nor on ‘Event Days’
Manual Wheelchair helpers now ride FREE!

Things To Do

Merchandise on sale at the Visitor Centre on the beach and in the Top Station.

Where To Eat & Drink

Oddicombe Beach Cafe

Getting Around

Railway trip only takes a few minutes, but once down on Oddicombe beach the promenade itself is level, but there are steps down to the beach making disabled access difficult. Walking the South West Coastal Path along here can be a bit tricky as it’s steep in places and sometimes slippery.

Under 2yrs, Registered Blind and wheelchair/disability scooter users travel FREE.
Manual Wheelchair helpers ride FREE!
Dogs carried FREE at the discretion of the operator.
There is a short moderate circular walk along to Babbacombe Beach and up the steep hill to Babbacombe Downs, then back down the Cliff Railway. (It’s easier in reverse and then you can always cheat and use the railway if needed 😉)

Getting There

Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay, TQ1 3LF.

Car, the road down is very steep with limited space at the bottom for dropping off (No parking in summer months). You can sometimes be lucky and find free parking up on Babbacombe Downs.
Bus, the main road is serviced by local frequent buses 32 and 11.
Walking, right on the South West Coastal Path .

Helpful Tips

The road down is very steep with limited space at the bottom for dropping off (No parking in summer months). You can sometimes be lucky and find free parking up on Babbacombe Downs.
Under 2yrs, Registered Blind and wheelchair/disability scooter users travel FREE.
Manual Wheelchair helpers ride FREE!
Dogs carried FREE at the discretion of the operator.
The first car runs at 09:30 and the last at 16:30.
A bell is rung 30 and 15 minutes before the last trip.
Closed for winter maintenance in January until the middle of February.
There is a short moderate circular walk along from Oddicombe Beach to Babbacombe Beach and up the steep hill to Babbacombe Downs, then back down the Cliff Railway. (It’s easier in reverse and then you can always cheat and use the railway if needed 😉)
Look out for seals and dolphins offshore.
Find out more at babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk
Get £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.