Corbyn Head Beach in 360º

Enjoy a virtual tour of Corbyn Head Beach nestled under Corbyn Head this beach is very sheltered form Torquay‘s south westerly or westerly winds and is very popular with families.

Location/Facts Potential Hazards History Accommodation Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Water Quality Sunrise & Sunset Tide Times Nearby Destinations

A little sandy beach that lies just south of Torre Abbey Sands, close to Abbey Meadows. In the summer you’ll see colourful beach huts and interesting rock pools. This beach is very popular with families, close to the town centre of Torquay and an easy walk to reach from any direction.

During the winter months the beach huts are all removed to protect them from possible storm damage. The beach is completely covered at high tide, so keep one eye on the tide if your playing on the rock pools and decide to go around Corbyn Head, as the coast guard are often called to rescue people after being cut off by the incoming tide.

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Location/Facts

Corbyn Head Beach aka Chelston Beach is located along the seafront between Torquay and Paignton with some rocky sections, the beach is backed by a large grassy area known as Torre Abbey Meadows. In the past It has also been referred to as Cockington Beach.

The headland above the beach, seems to have been the inspiration for Baldy’s Head in Agatha Christie‘s novel Postern of Fate.
Beware of the tide, the beach is completely covered at high tide.
Dogs are banned during the summer. There is a dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows.
Supervision, Life buoys, First aid, Lost child centre, Warning flags and Patrol boat.
Toilets (open summer only)
Disabled visitor facilities
Disabled access to beach

Potential Hazards

Strong currents
Tidal cut-off
Unstable Cliffs
Slippery surfaces on sea defences

History

The Mallock Estate gave this headland to Torquay Corporation in 1907, in exchange for the Corporation co-operating with a drainage scheme for the Livermead Estate. Whilst no sand or shingle was to be removed, by 1930, coastal erosion exposed the caves below. At the time, plans were made to infill these with concrete.

1936, saw the collapse of the red sandstone arch.
Corbyn Head was laid as a recreation ground in 1886.
In Saxon Times, the headland was referred to as Corvenasse.

Accommodation

Airbnb, from £20 a night for a private room, while entire apartments/homes can start from around £40 a night, this would be my recommended option.
Camping, Torquay Holiday Park.
Hostel, £19.33 a night Torquay backpackers is your only option. Linen included, free parking and free wi-fi.
B&B & Guest Houses, There are loads to choose from, probably best to look at the reviews on tripadvisor. Prices start from £40 a night.
Hotel, There are many from the budget Travelodge, Premier Inn and then the luxury 4* hotels like the Livermead, Grand or Imperial. Prices start from £40 – £150+ a night.
There’s no shortage of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from luxury hotels to charming Bed & Breakfasts and quality self catering establishments.

Tip: Get £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.

Things To Do

Agatha Christie Mile
Deckchair hire
Kayaks
Paddle boards.
Pedelo’s
Sailing
Windsurfing

Where To Eat & Drink

Beach Cafe (Open during the winter for reduced hours between 11 and 2 if weather reasonable)

Getting Around

Access is easy from the road. There is a slipway down to the beach and a short promenade.

Getting There

Corbyn Head, Torbay Rd, Torquay TQ2 6QH.

Bus, No. 12 stops in both directions on the Torbay Road right next to and opposite the beach.
Car, There are two pay & display car parks, Abbey Park and Shedden Hill are just 5 minutes walk across a road. Free parking is a bit tricky as it gets pretty busy during the summer, but you can try just off Solsbro or Walnut Road (postcode TQ2 6HS) just behind the Grand hotel, and Torquay train station.
Walking, Easy flat pavements or paths with the South West Coastal Path running past the beach and part of the Agatha Christie Mile. Starting at Torquay Railway Station, travel along Torquay seafront passing some of the places associated with her life and works. Each location is marked with a unique plaque.

Helpful Tips

The beach is completely covered at high tide, so keep one eye on the tide if your playing on the rock pools and decide to go around Corbyn Head, as the coast guard are often called to rescue people after being cut off by the incoming tide.
Dog Ban during summer 1st May to 30th September.
Access is easy from the road. There is a slipway down to the beach and a short promenade.
Supervision, Life buoys, First aid, Lost child centre, Warning flags and Patrol boat.
Toilets, There are public toilets above on Corbyn Head.
Beware of the tide, the beach is completely covered at high tide.
Be aware of the seagulls if your outside with food.
Type: Sand and shingle
Water Quality: Excellent, the highest classification meaning the water is cleanest.
Get £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.