Oddicombe Beach
Devon
Oddicombe Beach sits at the foot of red sandstone cliffs below Babbacombe Downs, accessible via a steep road or, more pleasantly, via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, a funicular that has been running since 1926 and which accepts dogs in the carriages. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand with clear water and a well-developed set of facilities: a cafe, beach huts and chalets for hire, deckchairs, pedalos, a beach shop, showers, toilets and a dedicated BBQ area. It is designated an English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark key site for the dramatically twisted limestone geology visible in the cliff face, which gives the beach a geological interest beyond the straightforward seaside experience. Lifeguards and warning flags are in place through the season.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach from 1 May to 30 September, and during this period Babbacombe Beach a short walk along the coast is the year-round dog-friendly alternative. Outside the restricted season, Oddicombe is open to dogs and the quality of facilities and the cliff railway access make it a rewarding winter and early-spring destination. Parking is some distance away at Princes Street or St Marychurch car parks, as there is no dedicated beach car park at Oddicombe. The cliff railway provides the most practical option for reaching the beach from Babbacombe Downs without the steep walk down.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- No dogs on the beach from 1 May to 30 September. A dog exercise area is available on nearby Babbacombe Beach year-round.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Shingle, Rock
- Tide Notes
- Sandy beach sheltered by high red sandstone cliffs. The cliffs are an English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark key site with dramatically twisted limestone geology.
- Facilities
- Cafe (Three Degrees West), beach huts and chalets for hire, deckchair hire, pedalo hire, beach shop, toilets (seasonal disabled facilities), showers, BBQ area. Babbacombe Cliff Railway for access.
- Parking
- No parking at the beach. Nearest car parks at Princes Street or St Marychurch. Access via steep footpath or the Babbacombe Cliff Railway from Babbacombe Downs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oddicombe Beach dog friendly?
Oddicombe Beach is dog friendly outside of the summer season, earning a rating of 6/10. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs are welcome on the beach, and the excellent facilities , including a cafe, showers, and the charming Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which accepts dogs in its carriages , make it a genuinely rewarding off-season destination.
Are dogs allowed at Oddicombe Beach year round?
Unfortunately not , dogs are banned from Oddicombe Beach between 1 May and 30 September. If you're visiting during the summer months, Babbacombe Beach is a short walk along the coast and is open to dogs year round, making it the recommended alternative.
What should I know before visiting Oddicombe Beach with my dog?
The most important thing to plan for is the dog restriction in place from 1 May to 30 September, so this is best visited with your dog in autumn, winter, or early spring. There's no car park at the beach itself , the nearest options are Princes Street and St Marychurch car parks , and from there the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, running since 1926, is the most practical (and enjoyable) way down to the beach with a dog. Lifeguards and warning flags are in place through the season, so keep an eye on conditions in the water.
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