Babbacombe Beach
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Babbacombe Beach

4.5
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil shingle beach with stunning turquoise waters, accessible via a charming cliff railway, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

For sunrise photography

CrowdLow
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Babbacombe Beach

Babbacombe Beach

Best Time

Early mornings

For sunrise photography

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil shingle beach with stunning turquoise waters, accessible via a charming cliff railway, offering a peaceful escape.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely love coming here. Stunning views, lots of walks, a great beach (though pebbles, not much sand)."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Footwear for Shingle

Pack sturdy shoes as Babbacombe is a shingle beach, not sandy. :athletic_shoe:

⬆️ Cliff Railway Convenience

Use the Babbacombe Cliff Railway for easy access to the beach and back up. 🚂

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 1,250 reviews

Type

Beach

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turquoise Waters

Turquoise Waters

Babbacombe Beach

Crystal-clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, offering a Mediterranean feel.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Connecting Babbacombe Downs to the beach

A charming and convenient way to access the beach, offering scenic views on your descent and ascent.

Cary Arms Pub

Cary Arms Pub

At the base of the cliff

Enjoy a meal or drink with stunning sea views at this iconic pub, a perfect spot to relax.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Shingle

Babbacombe Beach is primarily a shingle beach, so pack appropriate footwear for comfort. While it offers stunning turquoise waters, don't expect vast sandy stretches for sunbathing. Consider the cliff railway for an easy ascent back up.

Timing is Key for Parking

Parking can be challenging, especially later in the day. Arrive early to secure a spot, or be prepared for a short walk from alternative car parks. The cliff railway is a great alternative to driving if you're staying nearby.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
For sunrise photography
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Best chance for calm seas
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@djlenka_officjal
37.7K likes • 926K views

🥾 Footwear for Shingle

Pack sturdy shoes as Babbacombe is a shingle beach, not sandy. :athletic_shoe:

⬆️ Cliff Railway Convenience

Use the Babbacombe Cliff Railway for easy access to the beach and back up. 🚂

Another wave from that epic Saturday morning at Bells Beach. 🔔 #seaabove #surfing #surftok #dronetok #bellsbeach #surf #surfcoast #droneoftheday #djimini2 #drone #australia #surfer #torquay
@seaabove__
3.9K likes • 43.4K views
Then I would head to Babbacombe beach. Get onboard the cliff railway and take a short walk round to Babbacombe beach and its turquoise waters… • Visit the Cary Arms for a drink 🍻 • Jump off the breakwater • Keep an eye out for the resident seal • Go for a snorkel or a swim • Pay a visit to @bigbakesbakery once you get back to the top of the cliff railway #devon #southdevon #torquay #torbay #de...
devonshoreline
211 likes • 6.7K views

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited; aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot. 🚗

🏊‍♀️ Snorkel & Swim

The clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and a refreshing dip. :swimmer:

First stop of exploring South West England ❣️ 📍 Babbacombe beach
yamunaale
12 likes • 441 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Footwear for Shingle

Pack sturdy shoes as Babbacombe is a shingle beach, not sandy. :athletic_shoe:

⬆️ Cliff Railway Convenience

Use the Babbacombe Cliff Railway for easy access to the beach and back up. 🚂

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited; aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot. 🚗

🏊‍♀️ Snorkel & Swim

The clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and a refreshing dip. :swimmer:

📸 Sunrise Photography

East-facing beaches like Babbacombe offer great sunrise photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Babbacombe Beach for its stunning turquoise waters and tranquil atmosphere, often calling it a hidden gem. The convenience of the cliff railway and the scenic location of the Cary Arms pub are frequently highlighted as major positives. However, some find the shingle beach less ideal than sand, and parking can be a challenge during busy periods.

"Absolutely love coming here. Stunning views, lots of walks, a great beach (though pebbles, not much sand)
There’s a lovely walk down, from the toilets through the trees. Or the walk from the Cary arms along the coast. The cliff train is brilliant for getting back up.
The toilets are clean (50p a visit) and the cafe is decent ( but pricey)
Parking is fine, but harder the later in the day you arrive. But there is other car parks a little walk away."

Jason Peacock

"Went for the first time today and it didn’t let me down! such a beautiful place and view i was shocked! my boyfriend and i went to have a little picnic and had a little walk i definitely recommend"

Kasey Darragh

"I personally think this is one of the best beaches in the bay it is really nice quiet and a place to jump into the sea"

Alfredo

What People Like

Stunning turquoise waters
Tranquil atmosphere
Convenient cliff railway

What People Dislike

Shingle beach
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Babbacombe Beach by car, with limited parking available at the top near the Cary Arms pub. Alternatively, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway offers a scenic and convenient descent from Babbacombe Downs. Public transport options include local buses that stop near the downs. Instagram+2

Yes, there is a small, paid car park at the top of the cliff near the Cary Arms pub. It can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can walk down to the beach. There's a lovely walk through trees from the toilets, or you can stroll along the coast from the Cary Arms. The cliff railway is also a popular option for a less strenuous journey. Reddit

The Babbacombe Cliff Railway is the most popular and easiest way to get back up to Babbacombe Downs. It's a paid service offering great views. InstagramReddit+1

Accessing the beach itself can be challenging due to the shingle. However, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway is generally accessible, and the area around the Cary Arms pub and Babbacombe Downs is more manageable. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entry fee to access Babbacombe Beach itself. However, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway operates on a paid basis, and parking in the nearby car park also incurs a fee. Instagram

Babbacombe Beach is accessible at all times. The Babbacombe Cliff Railway has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their schedule before your visit. Instagram

It's generally not necessary to book tickets for the Babbacombe Cliff Railway in advance, but it's advisable to check their official website for any updates or during exceptionally busy periods. Instagram

The Babbacombe Cliff Railway typically costs around £3.75 for a return journey, but prices can change. It's recommended to verify the current fare on their official website. Instagram

Yes, nearby attractions like the Babbacombe Model Village and Babbacombe Theatre require separate admission tickets. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Babbacombe Beach faces east, making it an excellent location for sunrise photography. The views towards the Dorset coast are particularly stunning. InstagramReddit

For capturing the coastal scenery and sunrise, a wide-angle lens is useful. If you're interested in drone footage, ensure you're aware of local regulations. Instagram

Look out for the iconic Cary Arms pub, the turquoise waters, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs. Sunrise shots with the sea are particularly popular. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. While some creators have captured drone footage, it's essential to research and adhere to any restrictions in place to ensure responsible flying. Instagram

Early mornings for sunrise offer dramatic light. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful, soft light for photography. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Cary Arms pub is located right at the bottom of the cliff and offers food and drinks with sea views. There are also cafes and bakeries at the top of the cliff railway. InstagramReddit

The Cary Arms typically serves pub classics and seafood, offering a good dining experience with a fantastic location. Instagram

While the Cary Arms can be pricey, there are cafes at the top of the cliff railway, such as @bigbakesbakery, which might offer more affordable options. InstagramReddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. Many visitors bring their own food and enjoy it on the beach or at designated spots on Babbacombe Downs. Reddit

The Cary Arms pub generally opens for food and drinks throughout the day. It's best to check their specific opening hours online, especially if you plan to visit outside of peak season. Instagram

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