Babbacombe, South Devon
- Remarkable clifftop location at the northern end of The English Riviera
- Views across the sea to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local area packed with visitor attractions
- One of South Devon's best inns looks out across Babbacombe Bay. The Cary Arms & Spa is styled as the 'Inn on the Beach'
- Superb beaches in Babbacombe and the local area
- Top coastal walking
- Main photo: view of Oddicombe Beach and the Babbacombe Bay coastline running up to Shaldon/Teignmouth as seen from Babbacombe Downs and Gardens
Glorious clifftop location at the northern end of The English Riviera
Babbacombe overlooks Babbacombe Bay and Lyme Bay at the northern end of The English Riviera. The setting is magnificent and the coastal views immense. It's also packed with visitor attractions and places to eat and drink. Torquay, and Tor Bay, are close to the south.
Why holiday or weekend break in Babbacombe?
To help you choose Babbacombe, we've listed some of the local attractions below.
Babbacombe Bay
Babbacombe Bay is one of the highlights when visiting Babbacombe. The bay arcs to the mouth of the Teign Estuary at Shaldon/Teignmouth and then continues to the mouth of the Exe Estuary and Exmouth. On a clear day, you'll then see the Dorset and East Devon Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site (popularly known as the Jurassic Coast) extending to the Isle of Portland in the east. On sunny days, the colours are amazing.
Babbacombe Downs and Gardens
Babbacombe Downs and Gardens is arguably the best spot from which to enjoy the views of Babbacombe Bay and the Dorset and East Devon Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the clifftop above Babbacombe Beach and Harbour and Oddicombe Beach, the terraced gardens are beautiful.
Babbacombe beaches
Babbacombe Beach and Harbour. Intimate beach and harbour wall by the Cary Arms & Spa (the 'Inn on the Beach'). The South West Coast Path runs behind the beach so wander across to Oddicombe Beach.
Oddicombe Beach is at the bottom of Babbacombe Cliff Railway.
Anstey's Cove (Beach). Follow the South West Coast Path south east of Babbacombe and you come to the superb Anstey's Cove with cool views to Long Quarry Point. Enjoy food and drink at Anstey's Cove Cafe.
Watcombe Beach. Alternatively, head north on the South West Coast Path and you'll come to the delightful Watcombe Beach. Note that the coastal walking here is relatively difficult as there are lots of ups and downs.
Maidencombe Beach is a little further north of Watcombe Beach.
Meadfoot Beach. We'd also recommend heading down to Tor Bay. Meadfoot is located on the northern coastline. The views across Tor Bay to Brixham and Berry Head are magnificent.
Babbacombe Model Village
Babbacombe Model Village is essential visiting when in Babbacombe or The English Riviera.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Babbacombe Cliff Railway connects Babbacombe Downs and Gardens and Oddicombe Beach.
It's fun to build Babbacombe Cliff Railway into a circular trip. Walk to Cary Arms & Spa. Follow the South West Coast Path to Oddicombe Beach and then take the cliff railway back to the top.
Bygones
Bygones. Great family visitor attraction. Located in the centre of Babbacombe on Babbacombe Road.
Babbacombe restaurants, pubs and cafes
Cary Arms & Spa is one of the Westcountry's best coastal inns. Superb location.
Babbacombe South West Coast Path walk
Babbacombe South West Coast Path Walk. We'd recommend walking the coast path both north and south of Babbacombe. Two very different experiences.
Babbacombe Theatre
Take in a show at Babbacombe Theatre located at the eastern end of Babbacombe Downs and Gardens.
English Riviera Global Geopark
English Riviera Global Geopark. Babbacombe is part of the English Riviera Global Geopark. Discover these internationally important geological sites.
Kents Cavern is the most popular visitor attraction within the English Riviera Global Geopark. It's also perfect for a rainy day!
Anstey's Cove (Beach) and Hope's Nose are easily accessible sites within the English Riviera Global Geopark.
The English Riviera
From Babbacombe, explore Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
We'd also suggest heading further afield. Head north to explore Shaldon/Teignmouth on the Teign Estuary and Dawlish Warren beyond.
Head south to explore Dartmouth/Kingswear on the Dart Estuary and Salcombe/East Portlemouth on the Kingsbridge Salcombe Estuary.
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