Oddicombe Beach in 360º

Enjoy a 360º virtual tour of Oddicombe Beach set beneath the 300ft cliffs of Babbacombe Downs in Torquay where the towering cliff above collapsed and the remains of a house that once stood on top can be seen spread out quite spectacularly down the fallen rock face.

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

In the main summer months this is a really busy beach, but in winter it’s quite the opposite and can be almost empty at times if your lucky. When we came it was during Spring and the Cliff Railway was free for the day. It was late in the day and we had a car down to the beach all to ourselves which was nice and a first for me. They ring a bell 30 minutes and 15 minutes prior to the last car of the day back up to the Downs, but we decided to walk the boardwalk to Babbacombe beach instead, this could be a little tricky for some as it’s sometimes slippery in places.

Since the storms of 2014 the beach has some rocky areas, the sand and shingle ratio often change depending on the direction of the tide and weather. Ranging from almost all sand one day to then being almost all shingle the next. The Cliff Railway end there are many rocks that are great for exploring or fishing from especially at low tide. The other end however is inaccessible where the towering cliff above collapsed and the remains of the house that once stood on top can been seen spread out quite spectacularly down the fallen rock face.

Babbacombe Bay has exceptional visibility and is very sheltered and relatively warm for most of the year so is ideal for snorkelling and most other water sports. Although there is no parking at the bottom you can drop things down in your car and return to the top of the hill to park. There are numerous things available to hire deck chairs, beach huts, water sports equipment and refreshments from the seasonal beach shop or Three Degrees West Bistro.

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

Location/Facts

Oddicombe beach is a sand and shingle beach located near the town of Torquay, Devon, UK.

This beach has blue flag status with excellent water quality.
Oddicombe Beach has now held a Blue Flag for 32 years, since the inception of the awards, which was in 1987.
Babbacombe Cliffs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Look out for seals and dolphins offshore.
Babbacombe is a popular dive spot and training venue, Its sheltered aspect, clear water and easy sea bed make it ideal for beginners and the more seasoned divers.
Toilets are 30p.

Awards

This beach has been awarded

Blue Flag.
Good Beach Guide.
Quality Coast Award.

Potential Hazards

Deep shelving beach
Strong winds
Unstable Cliffs

History

Things To Do

Babbacombe Beach
Cliff Railway
Crabbing
Fishing
Kayaks
Paddle boarding
Pedalos
Rockpooling
Swimming
Sailing
Water sports

Where To Eat & Drink

Beach Shop

Getting Around

Access is via a steep footpath or via the easier Cliff Railway, where a gentle slope leads to a level promenade above the beach. Access via the steps onto the beach is not easy.

Disabled access onto the beach is not easy
There is a short moderate circular walk up to Babbacombe Downs, (You can always cheat and use the railway if needed 😉), then along and down to Babbacombe Beach and return to Oddicombe on the boardwalk. You can do it in either direction, but you would have to walk up the hill on the other side.

Getting There

Oddicombe Beach, Oddicombe Beach Hill, Torquay TQ1 3LF. Off Babbacombe Downs, near Babbacombe Cliff Railway and down a very steep hill. If you don’t fancy the walk then you can just use the Railway.

Car, You can sometimes be lucky and find free parking along Babbacombe Downs. The road down is very steep and is drop off only in the summer months. (Limited parking in winter only)
Bus, the main road is serviced by local frequent buses 32 and 11.
Cliff Railway, Adults, £2 single or £2.80 return. Child, £1.60 single or £2 return.
Walking, Right on the South West Coastal Path and is a moderate walk along the boardwalk from Babbacombe Beach or down the steep road from Babbacombe Downs.

Helpful Tips

The road down is very steep and drop off only at the bottom. You can sometimes be lucky and find free parking along Babbacombe Downs.
High cliffs tower over the beach giving some protection from the worst winds, but also cast a shadow later in the afternoon so it is not always the best place for sunbathing.
Look out for seals and dolphins offshore.
There is a short moderate circular walk up to Babbacombe Downs, (You can always cheat and use the railway if needed 😉), then along and down to Babbacombe Beach and return to Oddicombe on the boardwalk. You can do it in either direction, but you would have to walk up the hill on the other side.
Disabled access onto the beach is not easy
Lifeguards: None.
Potential Hazards: Deep shelving beach, Tidal cut-off, Strong Winds.
Dogs, are banned during summer, May – September.
Toilets: there are toilets at a cost of 30p.
Cliff Railway, A bell is rung 30 minutes and 15 minutes prior to the last car of the day.
Type: Sand and shingle
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