Thatcher Cove in 360º

Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of Thatcher Cove a small quiet beach looking out toward Torbay‘s mysterious island Thatcher Rock

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

Thatcher Cove also known as Thatchers gut with the local fishermen is a small shingle beach that’s often quiet as access isn’t easy with the path down to the cove fairly narrow and steep, so take care if you do climb down. There’s very little to do unless you like sunbathing, fishing, admiring the views, watching the birds or the sunset.

After parking on the road where you can clearly see Thatcher Rock It’s just a short walk down over the green to Thatcher Point and carefully climb down the cliff on the left.

Location/Facts

Thatcher Cove is a small shingle beach just off Thatcher Point in Torquay Devon, UK.

This area of coast is also particularly exciting when it comes to finding fossils, together with extinct corals. The best place to see these is on the foreshore at Hope’s Nose when the tide is low.
The official reason as to why it’s called Thatcher Rock is because if you look at the Rock from a right angle there is a small outcrop that looks like a Thatcher working on the roof of a Devon Cottage.

Potential Hazards

Strong currents
Unstable Cliffs
Tidal Cut-Off

History

Thatcher Point, just along from Hope’s Nose, has hundreds of layers of limestone that can be clearly seen which were formed over millions of years.

Perhaps the most exciting discovery along these cliffs came in Victorian times, when gold was found. Collectors used heavy duty cutting equipment to remove samples of the gold veins which were worth large sums of money to mineral dealers. However, the gold in this area was very fragile and crammed into narrow fissures, so mining it was never a viable proposition. Which is why some of the gold remains in place.

Things To Do

Fishing.
Picnic.
Spot the array of flora and birdlife.
Take in the sea views.
Thatcher Point
Walk along the South West Coast Path.

Where To Eat & Drink

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

Please take your rubbish back to the bins near the roadside

Getting Around

The cliffs are steep, so great care needs to be taken if you decide to explore.

Getting There

Ilsham Marine Dr, Torquay, Sat-nav: TQ1 2HU.

Car, From Torquay Harbour go on past Living Coast, which will be on your right, and up Beacon Hill and bear left onto Parkhill Road. At the junction turn right onto Meadfoot Sea Road. Follow the road down the hill and alongside Meadfoot Beach where at the end of the level area, just by a public car park, the road bears to the left and begins to climb. Take the first right and follow the road up until you see the trees open up on the right hand side where you should get a glimpse of Thatcher Rock. Park as close to this spot as you can.
Walking, the coastal path runs right past the beach ..

Helpful Tips

The beach is covered at high tide.
Dogs are allowed all year round.
Although it’s a great place for a picnic or bbq the only bins are situated at the top of the slope next to the road. Please don’t leave your rubbish lying around.
Be aware of the seagulls if you’re outside with food.
Beach Type: Shingle
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