Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation

Beaches in Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation

Coastal Escapes & Beaches

This collection explores the diverse coastline of Lyme Bay and Torbay, spanning the UNESCO-designated Jurassic Coast and the English Riviera. It features geological landmarks ranging from 185-million-year-old sandstone cliffs to the distinct red breccia of Babbacombe. The list includes Blue Flag sandy beaches, secluded shingle coves accessible only by foot, and traditional fishing harbors. These locations offer specific opportunities for fossil hunting, rock pooling, and swimming in the sheltered waters of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Coastal Escapes & Beaches — Map

Saffron Blaze / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site on the English Channel coast of southern England.

John Baker / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Blackpool Sands

A wonderful Blue Flag beach offering a lot of fun for the whole family. You can choose from kayaking, snorkelling, boogie boards, etc.

David Dixon / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Torre Abbey Sands

The main sandy beach for Torquay, featuring shallow waters and a Victorian-era promenade. It sits adjacent to the Torre Abbey Meadows and the South West Coast Path.

Tearlach / Public domain

D

Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe Beach is a popular beach, noted for its interesting breccia cliffs, below the Babbacombe district of Torbay, Devon in England.

E

Beer Roads

A sheltered shingle beach in a natural cove, framed by high white limestone cliffs. It serves as a base for a small fleet of working fishing boats.

F

Babbacombe Beach

A shingle beach at the foot of steep wooded cliffs, accessible via the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway or a steep winding road.

G

East Beach

Situated in West Bay, this stretch is defined by its vertical golden sandstone cliffs and its role as a key site on the Jurassic Coast.

H

Hive Beach

A shingle beach at Burton Bradstock featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs and views across Lyme Bay. It is a known site for fossil hunting.

I

Little Beach

A small, secluded cove near the village of Beer, characterized by a mix of sand and shingle and surrounded by steep cliffs.

J

Scabbacombe Sands

A remote beach accessible via a steep walk from the South West Coast Path, offering a quiet mix of sand and shingle.

K

Hooken Beach

A pebble beach created by a massive 18th-century landslip, located beneath the white chalk cliffs between Beer and Branscombe.

L

Redgate Beach

A limestone cove near Anstey’s Cove. Access is currently restricted due to the instability of the surrounding cliffs and rockfall risks.

M

Elberry Cove

A quiet pebble beach accessible by foot from Broadsands. It contains the 18th-century ruins of an ornamental bathhouse once owned by Lord Churston.

N

Shoalstone

A shingle beach in Brixham notable for its large Art Deco seawater lido, one of the few remaining open-air tidal pools in the country.

O

Breakwater Beach

An award-winning shingle beach adjacent to Brixham Harbour, known for its clear, calm waters and proximity to the half-mile-long breakwater.

P

Seaton Beach

A mile-long pebble beach at the mouth of the River Axe, marking a significant gateway point on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Other Lists

Lyme Bay and Torbay Essentials Historic Castles and Ruins Coastal Views & Cliffs