Elberry Cove
A secluded pebble cove with crystal-clear waters and intriguing historic ruins, perfect for a peaceful coastal escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and scenic
Elberry Cove
Best Time
Peaceful and scenic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded pebble cove with crystal-clear waters and intriguing historic ruins, perfect for a peaceful coastal escape.
"A little gem with crystal clear blue water, pebbles are just so much cleaner than sand!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
It's a pebble beach, so good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walk
Enjoy the beautiful 10-minute walk from Broadsands car park to reach the cove.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Bath House Ruins
Far end of the cove
Explore the mysterious old building, a remnant of a historic bath house, adding a touch of intrigue to your visit.
Crystal-Clear Waters
The cove
Perfect for wild swimming and paddleboarding, the water here is often described as crystal clear and inviting.
+1
Secluded Pebble Beach
The cove
A quieter alternative to nearby beaches, this pebble cove offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
It's a pebble beach, so good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walk
Enjoy the beautiful 10-minute walk from Broadsands car park to reach the cove.
🏊♀️ Wild Swimming Spot
The clear waters make it a popular choice for a refreshing wild swim.
🤫 Local's Secret
Often less crowded than nearby beaches, offering a more tranquil experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
It's a pebble beach, so good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walk
Enjoy the beautiful 10-minute walk from Broadsands car park to reach the cove.
🏊♀️ Wild Swimming Spot
The clear waters make it a popular choice for a refreshing wild swim.
🤫 Local's Secret
Often less crowded than nearby beaches, offering a more tranquil experience.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning coastal views and the unique historic ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Elberry Cove's serene beauty and clear waters, often calling it a hidden gem. Its pebble beach and historic ruins add to its unique charm, offering a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots. While some find the pebbles less ideal for children, most appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and scenic coastal walk to reach it.
"Beautiful place. Wet shoes are essential as it’s a full stone beach (good if you don’t like sand, not so good for children to play). Parking cheap at broad sands car park, followed by a stunning 10 minute walk round to the cove, easy to find just follow the footpath to the right of the car park. A much quieter, picturesque place compared to being packed like sardines at broadsands beach."
G
"A perfect little cove with a pebble beach. Surrounded by green and facing across Torbay to Torquay. Quiet, even on a sunny late spring evening (apart from a couple of Jetskis). Pink limestone channels in the rocks to the left. The walk to it is beautiful, too."
Jon Tan
"Sweet little cove hidden away from the main beaches. Perfect rest stop if you're doing the coastal path (one of my favourite walks to do)"
Amy Hawke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Elberry Cove is by car. Park at the Broadsands Beach car park, which is a short drive away. From there, it's a pleasant 10-minute walk along the South West Coastal Path to reach the cove.
Yes, the nearest parking is at the Broadsands Beach car park. It's generally affordable and provides easy access to the coastal path leading to Elberry Cove.
While cycling is possible along the coastal paths, the terrain can be uneven. It's recommended to park your bike at Broadsands and walk the final stretch to the cove.
The walk from Broadsands car park is a coastal path and may have uneven sections, making it challenging for wheelchairs. It's best to check current conditions before visiting with mobility aids.
The walk is described as beautiful and scenic, taking about 10 minutes from Broadsands Beach car park. It follows the South West Coastal Path and offers lovely views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Elberry Cove is a free public access area. You only need to pay for parking at the nearby Broadsands Beach car park.
Elberry Cove is a natural cove and is accessible at all times. However, the Broadsands Beach car park will have its own operating hours, typically from dawn till dusk.
No booking is required for Elberry Cove as it's a natural beach. Simply arrive and enjoy the scenery.
There are no facilities directly at Elberry Cove, such as toilets or cafes. You'll find amenities at the nearby Broadsands Beach.
While children can enjoy the pebble beach and clear waters, the lack of sand might make traditional sandcastle building difficult. Parents should supervise closely due to the pebbles and water.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic bath house ruins offer a unique photographic subject. The panoramic views across Torbay and the clear waters are also excellent for capturing.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings are also great for capturing the tranquility before crowds arrive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cove's expanse and coastal views. A polarizing filter can help enhance the water's clarity and reduce glare.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at Elberry Cove. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with Torbay Council or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 🏊♀️ Water Activities
Yes, Elberry Cove is known for its clear waters, making it a popular spot for wild swimming and sea dips.
Absolutely! The calm and clear waters are ideal for paddleboarding.
There are no direct rentals at Elberry Cove. You would need to bring your own equipment or rent from a nearby location like Torquay Harbour.
While the cove is generally safe for swimming, always be aware of the tides and currents. It's advisable to swim with a buddy and be cautious around the rocky areas.
The water temperature varies seasonally. It can be quite bracing in cooler months and pleasant for swimming in the summer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The walk from Broadsands car park is manageable for most families, and the cove itself is less crowded than larger beaches, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Consider bringing water shoes for the children to protect their feet on the pebbles.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The walk along the South West Coast Path to reach the cove is invigorating and offers stunning coastal scenery, perfect for a solo adventure. Elberry Cove is a great spot to pause during a longer hike, offering a beautiful place to rest, have a picnic, or even take a refreshing dip in the sea.
The lack of crowds means you can truly immerse yourself in the tranquility and enjoy the natural beauty without distraction. 🌊 Wild Swimmers & Watersports Enthusiasts
+1 Many describe the water as clean and refreshing, perfect for an invigorating swim. +1Paddleboarders will appreciate the calm conditions, allowing for easy gliding and exploration of the cove's surroundings.
While there are no rental facilities directly at the cove, bringing your own gear or arranging rentals from nearby Torquay Harbour is recommended. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Elberry Cove: A Local's Perspective
The journey to Elberry Cove is part of its charm. A short, scenic 10-minute walk from the Broadsands Beach car park guides you through coastal paths, revealing stunning views of Torbay. This walk ensures that the cove remains relatively uncrowded, preserving its peaceful ambiance.
The presence of historic ruins, specifically an old bath house, adds a unique layer of intrigue, making it a place that sparks imagination and curiosity. Many visitors highlight the cove's suitability for a relaxing day out. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the coastal scenery, Elberry Cove delivers. It's a place where you can truly unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the English Riviera.
+1Exploring the South West Coast Path from Elberry Cove
This is a popular activity for those who enjoy hiking and discovering hidden coastal spots. The path itself is well-maintained, though some sections can be uneven due to its natural terrain. It's advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes. The walk offers varied scenery, from open coastal vistas to sheltered woodland paths, providing a rich and engaging experience for hikers of all levels.
+1For those looking for a longer adventure, the South West Coast Path stretches for miles, offering opportunities to discover more secluded beaches and dramatic cliffside views. Elberry Cove serves as an excellent starting point or a peaceful resting spot during a longer coastal trek.
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