English Riviera Beaches

The coastline around Tor Bay is known as The English Riviera and is famed for its mild climate and great scenery. There is a vast array of accomodation to choose from and there are excellent beaches and attractions, making the area ideal for family holidays.

At the southern edge of Tor Bay is the port of Brixham which is well worth a visit and there is a small beach by the harbour wall called Breakwater Beach. On the north edge of Brixham are the quiet coves of Fishcombe Cove and Churston Cove. To the east of Brixham is Berry Head and there is good walking around the headland and south of Berry Head are the quiet beaches of St Marys Bay, Man Sands and Scabbacombe Sands.

North of Brixham is the quiet cove of Elberry Cove and then the big family beaches of Broadsands and Goodrington Sands. A short walking distance south of Goodrington Sands is the quiet cove at Saltern Cove. Further north still is the big seaside town of Paignton with its long sandy beach and promenade pier. Below Paignton harbour is a small cove at Fairy Cove. North of Paignton is another long sandy beach at Preston Sands.

The coast stretches north past Hollicombe Beach and Livermead Sands to Torquay with its two big popular beaches Torre Abbey Sands and Meadfoot Beach.

North of Torquay is Ansteys Cove and Babbacombe with its model village and cliff railway. Further north on the coast are the quiet beaches at Watcombe and Maidencombe.

By car, Tor Bay is approximately 20 miles from Exeter and around 30 miles from Plymouth. Take the A38 and A380 from Exeter or from Plymouth take the A38 and A385.