Watcombe Beach in 360º

Enjoy a virtual tour of Watcombe Beach surrounded by ancient woodland and cliffs that shelter the beach from the wind, making this place a suntrap in the day, great for swimmers and perfect for stargazing at night.

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

Update: 4th April 2021

Still closed, there is no sign the beach will be repaired anytime soon. Added a few new 360 images.
17th Feb 2020 – Beach closed, the access path and steps are damaged by ground movement and erosion, so has been declared unsafe.

I cautiously walked down and the land movement becomes visible as far up as the toilet block with the path having rippled up on itself. The steps down to the beach have all broken and slipped out of position, however these are still easier to negotiate down than trying to walk down the now extremely steep slope. It seems from where the stream reappears at the top of the slope to the left facing the beach all the land has moved a good meter or 2 towards the beach. I also noticed the lifebuoy is missing.

A small yet very picturesque beach set in a sheltered secluded cove mostly shingle/sand and surrounded by rocks. It’s an uncrowded beach that has a lovely feel to it but beware you have to park some distance away at the top of the hill and then walk down a steep pedestrian road and through the Valley of the Rocks woodland. It’s an enjoyable 10 minute walk through the prehistoric jungle atmosphere of the woods with the red cliffs soaring through the foliage to get down, but you have to remember you have to get back up again. This could make it difficult for disabled access.

There is a kiosk that sells refreshments on the beach but is seasonal, so not always open and the toilets have certainly seen better days so I would suggest you take your own toilet paper.

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Location/Facts

Watcombe Beach is located in Torquay, Devon, UK.

It has lifebuoys, a cafe and toilets which are open from May till September.
Look out for seals and dolphins.

Potential Hazards

Deep shelving beach
Unstable Cliffs

History

Two young men not long back from the First World War hacked a pathway down to the beach and built a small refreshment hut. The start of what we now know as Watcombe beach. sadly there venture was interrupted when tank traps were positioned on the beach during the second World War. They never carried on, for during the war one of them died.

Things To Do

BBQ
Brunel’s Dance
Fishing
Goat Path Viewing point
John Musgrave Heritage Trail
Maidencombe Beach
Picnic
Spot the array of flora and birdlife.
South West Coast Path.
Sunbathe
Swim
Take in the sea views.
Valley of the Rocks
Watcombe Beach
Whitsand Beach

Where To Eat

When the Cafe is closed there are no facilities in the area, so you’ll want a picnic or walk to the nearest.

~~Brunel Manor~~ (Closed)
Maidencombe Beach Cafe ‘Cafe Rio’
Orestone Manor
The Thatched Tavern
Watcombe Beach Cafe (open May-September)

Getting Around

Due to the land movement access has become treacherous and the beach has been officially been closed. You can still go down at your own risk, but the steps are all broken and the slope is steeper than ever. Even though the steps are gnarly, they are currently the easiest way to go.

Beware you have to park some distance away at the top of the hill and then walk down a steep pedestrian road, then through the woodland to get down. It’s an enjoyable 10 minute walk to get down, but you just have to remember you have to get back up making it difficult for disabled access.

Disabled access difficult.
There is a circular walk to maidencombe & back with a few short stretches of steep ascent and descent, including steps. It is a adventurous moderate route.

Getting There

Watcombe Beach Rd, TQ1 4SH.

Car, Parking at Watcombe car park is free and has 50 spaces. From here your walking down a very steep hill with uneven paths through the woodland of the Valley of the Rocks with some steps and uneven ground.
Bus, No. 85 to Teignmouth.
Walking, Just a short detour from the South West Coastal Path.

Helpful Tips

Beach Closed due to land movement.
Lifebuoy has been removed.
Look out for seals and dolphins.
You have to park some distance away at the top of the hill and then walk down a steep hill.
The toilets have certainly seen better days so I would suggest you take your own toilet paper.
There are No lifeguards.
Disabled access difficult.
Potential hazards, deep shelving beach, falling rocks.
Dogs are welcome all year round.
Beach type: cove, shingle & sand
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