Babbacombe Cliff Railway
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Babbacombe Cliff Railway

4.6
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Ride a historic funicular railway from Babbacombe Downs to the picturesque Oddicombe Beach, enjoying stunning coastal views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Sunny skies, calmer seas

CrowdMedium
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Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Best Time

Summer mornings

Sunny skies, calmer seas

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a historic funicular railway from Babbacombe Downs to the picturesque Oddicombe Beach, enjoying stunning coastal views.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A short but pleasant ride with magnificent views, highly recommended for the experience!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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. 🚽

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,473 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Babbacombe Cliff Railway Ride

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.

Instagram+1
Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe Beach

At the base of the cliff railway

Discover a beautiful red sandy beach with turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing and water activities.

Instagram+1
Babbacombe Downs

Babbacombe Downs

Top of the cliff railway

Enjoy England's highest cliff-top promenade with stunning panoramic sea views.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Babbacombe Cliff Railway operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. Check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating times before your visit to avoid disappointment. Instagram

Accessibility & Getting Around

While the railway offers a convenient link to Oddicombe Beach, the beach itself is pebbly. The climb back up can be steep if you choose to walk, making the railway a great option for all ages and abilities. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Sunny skies, calmer seas
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Babbacombe
@madmummy1
2.7K likes • 83.8K views

Check Operating Times

Hours can vary, especially for maintenance. Always check before you go! Instagram :informationdeskperson:

Beach Amenities

Paid toilets (30p) and a cafe/restaurant are available at the beach. Reddit 🚽

Babbacombe Cliff railway leading to Babbacombe beach in Torquay, what a beautiful place. #charity #homelesscharity #charitywalk #mensmentalhealth #payitforward
@mhmletstalk
2K likes • 3.4K views
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway is a charming funicular railway located in Babbacombe, Torquay, England. It provides a scenic and convenient link between Babbacombe Downs and Oddicombe Beach. 🏖️ The railway is open daily from 10am, with the last car down at 4:40 pm and the last car up at 4:45 pm. It may close for maintenance, so it’s always good to check their website or social media for the most up-...
yathra_miles
17 likes • 678 views

Kayak Rentals

Rent kayaks at Oddicombe Beach for some fun on the water. Instagram 🛶

Steep Climb Alternative

The cliff railway is a great, scenic way to avoid the steep walk up. Reddit :train2:

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

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Operating Times

Hours can vary, especially for maintenance. Always check before you go! Instagram :informationdeskperson:

Beach Amenities

Paid toilets (30p) and a cafe/restaurant are available at the beach. Reddit 🚽

Kayak Rentals

Rent kayaks at Oddicombe Beach for some fun on the water. Instagram 🛶

Steep Climb Alternative

The cliff railway is a great, scenic way to avoid the steep walk up. Reddit :train2:

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Babbacombe Model Village or Theatre. Instagram 🎟️

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

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

Scenic railway journey
Beautiful beach views
Convenient beach access

What People Dislike

Paid public toilets

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. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available at Babbacombe Downs, which is at the top station of the railway. Instagram

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. Reddit

Local buses serve the Babbacombe area. Check local bus timetables for routes and times to Babbacombe Downs. TikTok

The railway is generally accessible, but it's always best to contact them directly to confirm specific accessibility details for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Tickets can usually be purchased on the day at the station. Booking in advance is generally not required unless for special events. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for Oddicombe Beach itself. The cost is for the ride on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Capture stunning coastal panoramas from Babbacombe Downs, the railway journey itself, and the views from Oddicombe Beach. Drone shots offer unique perspectives. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos during the ride. The journey offers excellent opportunities to capture the coastline and the beach below. Instagram

Babbacombe Downs provides the highest vantage point. The railway journey offers dynamic shots, and the beach itself is picturesque. Instagram+1

Drone photography is possible, as shown by various aerial shots. However, always check local regulations and any restrictions before flying a drone. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) often provides the most dramatic lighting for coastal photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a cafe and restaurant located right next to Oddicombe Beach, offering refreshments. Reddit

Expect typical beach cafe fare, including ice cream, snacks, and light meals. Reddit

Picnics are generally welcome on the beach, but be sure to take all your rubbish with you to keep the area clean. Instagram

Yes, there are cafes and restaurants on Babbacombe Downs, offering views and meals before or after your railway journey. Instagram

Absolutely! Ice cream is readily available at the cafe near Oddicombe Beach. Reddit

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