Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Ride a historic funicular railway from Babbacombe Downs to the picturesque Oddicombe Beach, enjoying stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny skies, calmer seas
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Best Time
Sunny skies, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic funicular railway from Babbacombe Downs to the picturesque Oddicombe Beach, enjoying stunning coastal views.
"A short but pleasant ride with magnificent views, highly recommended for the experience!"
Check Operating Times
Hours can vary, especially for maintenance. Always check before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Beach Amenities
Paid toilets (30p) and a cafe/restaurant are available at the beach. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Babbacombe Cliff Railway Ride
Connecting Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach
Experience a charming funicular railway ride with breathtaking coastal views. A historic journey since 1926.
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Oddicombe Beach
At the base of the cliff railway
Discover a beautiful red sandy beach with turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing and water activities.
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Babbacombe Downs
Top of the cliff railway
Enjoy England's highest cliff-top promenade with stunning panoramic sea views.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Operating Times
Hours can vary, especially for maintenance. Always check before you go!
Beach Amenities
Paid toilets (30p) and a cafe/restaurant are available at the beach. :toilet:
Kayak Rentals
Rent kayaks at Oddicombe Beach for some fun on the water.
Steep Climb Alternative
The cliff railway is a great, scenic way to avoid the steep walk up. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Times
Hours can vary, especially for maintenance. Always check before you go!
Beach Amenities
Paid toilets (30p) and a cafe/restaurant are available at the beach. :toilet:
Kayak Rentals
Rent kayaks at Oddicombe Beach for some fun on the water.
Steep Climb Alternative
The cliff railway is a great, scenic way to avoid the steep walk up. :train2:
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with Babbacombe Model Village or Theatre.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Babbacombe Cliff Railway for its scenic charm and convenience, offering a delightful journey to Oddicombe Beach. The beach itself is a highlight, with its unique red sand and clear waters, complemented by nearby amenities like cafes and kayak rentals. While the paid toilets are a minor inconvenience for some, the overall experience is highly recommended for its views and nostalgic appeal.
"A pleasant pebbly beach is located right next to the beach. There's a paid toilet (0.30p) and it's kept clean. There's also a restaurant and ice cream in various flavors right next to it. Getting down to the beach is difficult because you have to walk downhill. For the lazy, there's a cable car. The cable car is open from 10 a.m. The ride down is short but pleasant. You can admire the magnificent views, and you can also rent kayaks here. I recommend this very attractive spot for sunbathing and more."
ThisIsMexD
"I went to Babbacombe Cliff Railway with my family and it was such a lovely place to visit, we walked down the cliff way path which is very idyllic walk down to the beach where there is a lovely cafe and shop and also has a lovely little beach. there is also a place where you can hire kayaks, after staying for a while we then went and experienced the railway cart as it is a very steep climb up but mostly for the experience of it. there is also a gift shop at the top of the railway cliff. definitely would recommend visiting this place."
Bobby
"After about 30 years of not going here it was great to go back, it has got bigger and better so much to see.
This is a great place for all ages fantastic to see how much can be put into a small space I can recommend this museum and thank you to all that keep it going. There are steps will be a problem if you can't get up them toilets on the ground floor. Excellent place."
Pete Pete
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The railway is located in Babbacombe, Torquay. You can reach Babbacombe Downs by car or public transport. From the top, the cliff railway descends to Oddicombe Beach.
Yes, there is parking available at Babbacombe Downs, which is at the top station of the railway.
Yes, there is a cliff path that leads down to Oddicombe Beach. However, it is a steep walk, and the railway is a more convenient option for many.
Local buses serve the Babbacombe area. Check local bus timetables for routes and times to Babbacombe Downs.
The railway is generally accessible, but it's always best to contact them directly to confirm specific accessibility details for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The return journey on the cliff railway is typically around £3.75, but prices can change. It's advisable to check their official website for the latest fares.
The railway usually opens at 10 am, with the last car down at 4:40 pm and the last car up at 4:45 pm. However, these times can vary seasonally and due to maintenance.
Tickets can usually be purchased on the day at the station. Booking in advance is generally not required unless for special events.
There is no entrance fee for Oddicombe Beach itself. The cost is for the ride on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.
Toilets at the beach require a small payment (e.g., 30p). While some may use mobile payment, it's wise to have some change available.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Capture stunning coastal panoramas from Babbacombe Downs, the railway journey itself, and the views from Oddicombe Beach. Drone shots offer unique perspectives.
Yes, you can take photos during the ride. The journey offers excellent opportunities to capture the coastline and the beach below.
Babbacombe Downs provides the highest vantage point. The railway journey offers dynamic shots, and the beach itself is picturesque.
Drone photography is possible, as shown by various aerial shots. However, always check local regulations and any restrictions before flying a drone.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) often provides the most dramatic lighting for coastal photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe and restaurant located right next to Oddicombe Beach, offering refreshments.
Expect typical beach cafe fare, including ice cream, snacks, and light meals.
Picnics are generally welcome on the beach, but be sure to take all your rubbish with you to keep the area clean.
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants on Babbacombe Downs, offering views and meals before or after your railway journey.
Absolutely! Ice cream is readily available at the cafe near Oddicombe Beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
Babbacombe Downs at the top provides an excellent starting point for coastal walks with expansive vistas. +1 The area is part of the stunning South Devon coast, offering plenty of natural beauty to discover.📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1 Babbacombe Downs offers the highest vantage point for sweeping panoramic shots, especially during golden hour. +1 Drone photography can provide truly breathtaking aerial perspectives of the railway and the bay. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway
+1Riding the railway offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the turquoise waters of Lyme Bay. It's not just a mode of transport; it's an attraction in itself, providing a sense of nostalgia and a delightful way to access the beach, especially for those who find the steep walk challenging.
+1Recent discussions have noted its resilience, with mentions of its reopening after an accident, highlighting its importance to the local community and tourism.
The railway is a key part of the Babbacombe experience, ensuring that Oddicombe Beach remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Exploring Oddicombe Beach and Its Surroundings
Beyond the beach itself, visitors can rent kayaks for a closer look at the coastline or explore the vibrant marine life. The area around Oddicombe Beach is also home to the Cary Arms, a well-regarded pub where you can enjoy a drink with a view. Keep an eye out for the resident seal, a common sight in these waters!
For those looking to extend their visit, several attractions are within easy reach. The Babbacombe Model Village and the Babbacombe Theatre are popular choices, offering entertainment for all ages. Babbacombe Downs, at the top of the cliff railway, provides further opportunities for scenic walks and enjoying the highest cliff-top promenade in England.
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Social
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