Petitor Beach in 360º

Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of Petitor Beach a well hidden sheltered cove, but probably the worst beach in Torbay.

Location/Facts Potential Hazards History Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Sunrise & Sunset Destinations

One of the last beaches of the bay I hadn’t been to, mainly due to the fact that this is a naturist beach, so it’s not somewhere you can usually take photos. I happened to be in the area on a chilly winters day, so I thought it would be unlikely that anyone would be down there, so probably the best time to see what it’s like. I did pass a few people on the way down that were chatting halfway down to Petitor Point, but once past the point heading to Petitor beach I only saw one friendly and attractive lone female walker who stopped for a quick chat, (maybe I should of asked for her number haha).

The walk down to the beach isn’t the easiest, so unsuitable for those with walking difficulties. There is a place where a kind person has left a rope to use to get down a steep section of bank, it took a little longer than I thought it would, but still only about 20 minutes. It looks like there have been a couple small landslides just above the beach, so take care and don’t get to close to the edge. The beach was thankfully empty and is very very rocky, there are two small patches of shingle either side of a large pile of grey boulders. It’s probably the worst beach in Torbay, I can’t imagine it’s very comfortable to be lying on or walking around completely starkers. One positive to note though was the water quality did look very good and was crystal clear.

The walk back up was somewhat strange as there were now quite a few men hanging around in different areas of the path, I made a hasty retreat as I just didn’t feel particularly comfortable being on my own. I have since found out that this area is a well known gay scene, so I would advise to stay clear or certainly don’t go down alone. Apparently there is a beach etiquette that governs who goes where, single men to the left, ladies, couples and families to the right.

Location/Facts

Petitor Beach is a small sheltered cove and recognised as a naturist beach, although not officially in Torquay, Devon, UK.

Torbay P.S.A (Public Sex Areas) Group set up a community group called the Friends of Petitor Beach to ensure better security for the users of the beach and help control the area.
Also known as Crab Beach.
The area was quarried for marble during the late 18th centaury.

Potential Hazards

Strong currents
Unstable Cliffs
Tidal Cut-Off

History

During the reign of King Charles the First it was realised that the limestone from Petitor polished up as marble. Fulton’s and Woodley’s Marble quarry operated here quarrying the marble style Devonian Limestone and then carrying it away by sea barges to Teignmouth. Eventually the marble blocks were taken to a factory built in St. Marychurch. Blackler’s Marble Quarry operated higher up the cliffs. Daniel Woodley took over the lease of the quarry at Petitor in 1806 in partnership with his son Daniel (jnr) and youngest son John. The Woodley family were responsible for really developing the marble industry, and in doing so obtained Royal patronage and helped put St Marychurch on the map.

Grey Feathered Petitor Marble had a feathery appearance from its coral content.
Fossil Clouded Petitor Marble was pink and red with many fossils.

Things To Do

Babbacombe Downs
Fishing
Oddicombe Beach
Picnic.
South West Coast Path.
Sunbathing
Swimming
Take in the sea views.
Valley of the Rocks
Watcombe Beach

Where To Eat & Drink

There are no facilities in the area, so you’ll want a picnic or walk to the nearest.

Getting Around

Getting There

Petitor Road, TQ1 4QF. When you arrive by the gates at the end of the road, it’s a 20 minute walk down to the beach.

Car, You can park in Petitor Road then walk through the gate and down the long grassy slope to the right.
Bus, No. 22 from the Strand on Torquay Harbour get off at the United Reformed Church and then a 10 minute walk from here to the top of Petitor Point.
Kayak, You can easily launch from Oddicombe Beach and then it’s a short ride around the corner.
Walking, Just a short detour from the South West Coastal Path.

Helpful Tips

This is a naturist beach.
Apparently there is a beach etiquette that governs who goes where, single men to the left, ladies, couples and families to the right.
The area is a well known gay scene.
Keep to the path as landslips are common here.
Dogs are allowed all year round.
Be aware of the seagulls if you’re outside with food.
Beach Type: Shingle, large rocks & boulders
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