MAIDENCOMBE BEACH
This is a sandy, rocky beach, located in a delightful little cove that has lots of rock pools at low tide & some excellent views of the rugged coastline. Well within reach of Torquay, just a 15 minute car journey from our hotel, there is a small ‘pay & display’ car park or the no.85 bus stops nearby on the main Teignmouth road. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, with some lovely thatched cottages & pub. The access is via a small path & some fairly steep steps which lead to the beach and a small café. The beach has won awards for ‘The Seaside Award’ & ‘Good Beach Guide’. Dogs are allowed on this beach at all times of the year.
MEADFOOT BEACH
This is a shingle /sand beach, hidden in another of Torquay’s beautiful bays. With an easy slope and boat launch ramp at one end and a beautiful beach shop & café with a Diving school at the other overlooking the beach, there are also beach huts, deckchairs & shower facilities available for hire. Only a 2 minute walk from the hotel! There is a large amount of on-road free parking and a pay-and-display car park at one end. Water-sport equipment can be hired during the summer months if you enjoy a spot of diving with Meadfoot local diving school (The Dive School). You can walk the scenic way west to Torquay harbour, via the Geopark path & enjoying some of the amazing, sub-tropical flora & fauna. The area of Meadfoot has some of the best coastal scenery on the English Riviera and makes for some excellent photography shots and is one more generally known to the locals. Views out over Shag and thatcher rock are simply breath-taking when viewed from Meadfoot beach or out from Ilsham marine drive.
This beach is maintained by Torbay Council. Tel. 01803 207975.
ODDICOMBE BEACH
This beach is a must for those wanting a nice, relaxing time by the sea. Although recent rock fall has affected one area, the facilities more than make up for it. There is a cliff railway for people to gain quick access, or a steep footpath to traverse! The beach is mostly sandy, with a small amount of shingle at the base of the cliffs. There is a café both on the beach & at the top, with either offering a wide selection of food & drink. Also, there are beach huts, boats & deckchairs for hire! There are showers & toilets for those more adventurous to wash away the salt. The beach itself has won awards in the ‘Blue Flag’, ‘Seaside Award’ & ‘Good Beach Guide’ categories. Located just a 10 minute drive from our hotel, with parking approx. ½ mile away, or the 32 bus stops just 5 minutes from the beach. Dogs are banned for the summer season.
This beach is looked after by Torbay Council. Tel. 01803 207975.
This beach is maintained by the Countryside Trust. Tel. 01803 606035.
ANSTEY’S COVE
This is an interesting little cove, situated between Torquay & Babbacombe with a shingle/rocky beach. The access is via a steep path & steps, although there is a handrail for the elderly or infirm. Once on the beach, during the summer months there is a café, a beach shop, deckchair or chalet hire & toilets. Only 30 minute walk from the Hotel Balmoral or if driving, parking is approx. ¼ mile from the cove, at the top of the cliffs. There is also a large playfield nearby with children’s play equipment. The surrounding area is a wildlife reserve, so bringing a camera is a must! Again, this beach has won awards for ‘Good Beach Guide’ & the ‘Seaside Award’. Dogs are always allowed on this beach.
This beach is maintained by the Countryside Trust. Tel. 01803 606035.
TORRE ABBEY SANDS
This sandy beach is located just outside Torquay’s shopping centre, being part of the English Riviera; it lives up to its name with some beautiful views. Being so close to the town centre, it is within easy reach of anyone staying in Torquay, just half an hour walk from the hotel, with a very easy slope down to the sand & being served by local cafes & shops. This is the main beach for Torquay, so is served well by the 12 bus. There are also numerous local car parks with very easy access. A disabled beach wheelchair is available at the Beach Managers office, where you can also enquire about bowling, crazy golf, tennis & a wealth of other activities (windsurfing, sailing or diving) are on offer. There are amusement arcades & a leisure centre just a short walk away. Dogs are banned for the summer season. The beach has won the ‘Seaside Award’.
This beach is maintained by Torbay Council. Tel. 01803 207975.
Whichever beach you should choose, there are always a number of things to keep in mind. Such as;
Sun Safety
- Wear sunscreen – at least factor 15.
- Drink lots of cool drinks.
- Wear loose cotton clothing.
Safety Tips
- In an emergency, contact the uniformed beach staff (yellow polo shirts, blue shorts).
- Supervise children at all times.
Use the “Tag your Kids” scheme, (available from the beach manager). If you become separated from your child stay in the place where your child would expect you to be and get someone else to notify the beach staff who will assist.
The Beach Code
- Take your litter home or deposit in a bin.
- Do not take glass on to a beach, it can be dangerous.
- Do not take inflatable dinghies or toys into the sea.
Like or Follow The Hotel Balmoral on Twitter and Facebook for special offers and the chance to win a free nights stay every single month! .