Oddicombe

BeachTorbay Council🐾 Seasonal daytime dog ban

A red-cliff-backed shingle-and-sand beach below Babbacombe, reached by cliff railway or a steep road, with Excellent-rated water for four years running.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Excellent

Lifeguard: Attended in season (life buoys, first aid) but not RNLI-lifeguarded

Hazards: Steep approach; beach narrows and covers at high tide.

Amenities: toilets · cafe · car-park

Dogs

Torbay Council's official beach-dog page names Oddicombe Beach specifically among the beaches where dogs are banned from 1 May to 30 September; dogs may exercise freely on the beach from 1 October to 1 May, and must be on a lead on the promenade above during the restricted period.

Official source: View the rule at source →

Family

Attended in the holiday season with life buoys, first aid and a lost-child centre, though no RNLI lifeguard; cliff railway makes access easier than the steep road/steps.

Fishing

Rocky ledges either side of the bay hold wrasse and bass close in; a minor mark, secondary to the open beaches nearby.

Access & parking

Steep road/steps down from St Marychurch, or the Babbacombe Cliff Railway from the clifftop. Sat-nav: TQ1 3LB. Get directions →

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-in-england-compliance-reports/bathing-water-classifications-2025

https://www.torbay.gov.uk/asb-environment-and-nuisance/dogs/dogs-on-the-beach/

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.