Babbacombe Beach
Devon
Babbacombe Beach is a small shingle cove below steep, densely wooded cliffs in the Babbacombe area of Torquay, reached by a very steep and narrow single-track road through the trees or via a coast path walk from Walls Hill above. The cove is sheltered and quiet, popular with local anglers and sailors who use it as a mooring, and the Cary Arms hotel sits directly above the beach with a terrace that overlooks the water. The Three Degrees West cafe serves food and has a dog-friendly outdoor terrace, making it one of the more practical combinations of beach access and refreshments on this stretch of coast. At low tide the beach is rocky and good for crab hunting; at higher states of tide it narrows but remains accessible.
Dogs are welcome at Babbacombe Beach year round with no seasonal restrictions, putting it in a different category from neighbouring Oddicombe Beach which operates a summer ban. The parking is limited and the access road is genuinely steep and challenging for larger vehicles, so arriving early in season is advisable. Walls Hill car park above provides an alternative starting point if the beach car park is full, with a walk down through the woods. The coast path connects Babbacombe to Oddicombe in one direction and to Anstey's Cove in the other, giving options for extending the outing along the cliff.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Shingle, Rock
- Tide Notes
- Sheltered, protected cove. Rocky at low tide, good for crab hunting. Popular anchorage for boats in summer.
- Facilities
- Cary Arms hotel and pub (dog-friendly terrace), cafe (Three Degrees West), toilets (seasonal). Beach accessible via steep hill through woodlands or by car to a small adjacent car park.
- Parking
- Limited car park directly by the beach. Additional parking at Princes Street car park in Babbacombe or Walls Hill. The access road is very steep and narrow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babbacombe Beach dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Babbacombe Beach and it earns a solid 7/10 for dog friendliness. The beach itself is a quiet shingle cove, and the Three Degrees West cafe has a dog-friendly outdoor terrace if you want to stop for food and a drink after your walk.
Are dogs allowed at Babbacombe Beach year round?
Yes, there are no seasonal dog restrictions at Babbacombe Beach, so your dog is welcome at any time of year. This actually sets it apart from neighbouring Oddicombe Beach, which operates a summer ban , worth keeping in mind if you're planning a visit during busier months.
What should I know before visiting Babbacombe Beach with my dog?
The access road down to the beach is very steep, narrow, and single-track , not ideal for larger vehicles , and parking is limited, so arriving early is a good idea in season. If the beach car park is full, Walls Hill car park above offers an alternative, with a walk down through the woods to reach the cove. At low tide the beach opens up and becomes rocky, which is great for a nose around, but it does narrow considerably at higher tide.
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