The Grand Hotel

Torquay is at the centre of Devon’s golden mile . The maritime towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham line the 22 miles of English Riviera coastline and offer some of the best beaches in the county. On the doorstep of The Grand are:

Torre Abbey Sands (100 metres from The Grand Hotel)

Torre Abbey Sands is a sandy beach with easy access, including disabled access.  Lots of sand at low tide but it soon creeps in! 
Whilst you can walk from The Grand, from elsewhere you can catch Bus No - 2, 3, 12, 118  to the stop at Belgrave Road.
Beach Facilities - Ample parking, dogs banned during high season, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, first aid post, toilets nearby, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.


Corbyn Head (opposite The Grand Hotel)

This is a small sand/shingle beach with lots of rock pools for the little ones to explore safely at low tide.  It offers easy access including disabled access.   Grand guests need only cross the road but for others, you can catch Bus No - 2, 3, 12, 118, 122 to the stop at Torquay Rail Station.
Beach Facilities - Parking 1/4 mile from beach, dogs banned during high season, swimming, safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets nearby, deck chair / sun bed hire and chalet hire.

 Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe

Oddicombe is a lovely sand/shingle beach with moderately easy access, helped by a cliff lift.  It is a little tricky for disabled access.  Parking is about a half mile from the beach so if you don't fancy the walk, catch a bus.  Numbers 32 and 122 are the ones and Furrough Cross is the stop you want. 
Beach Facilities -  dogs banned during high season, swimming is safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, first aid post, toilets by beach, baby changing facilities, cafe / refreshments, beach shop, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.

Babbacombe Beach

Right next door to Oddicombe  is Babbacombe, home of the model village of the same name.  It too is a sand / shingle beach with moderate access.  Babbacombe is popular for fishing off the breakwater and for sailing.
There is limited parking available or you can catch Bus No - 32, 85, 122  getting off at the St Annes Road stop.
Beach Facilities -  dogs allowed, swimming is safe with care, warning flags in operation, life saving equipment, toilets by beach, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, public telephone.

Meadfoot Beach

Meadfoot is a good-sized stretch of sand/pebble beach.  It offers easy access though for disabled visitors, it is moderate.  The beach offers ample parking but for those who prefer to go by bus, just catch number X80 and ask for Hesketh Crescent - Kilmorlie end.

Beach Facilities -  dogs allowed, swimming is safe with care, life saving equipment, toilets by beach, baby changing facilities, cafe / refreshments, deck chair / sun bed hire, chalet hire, public telephone.

Blackpool Sands, nr Dartmouth

If you don't mind paying to hit the beach then Blackpool Sands, a privately owned beach a few kilometres from Dartmouth is a haven for families.  It is a superb golden beach with turquoise blue sea and surrounded by magnificent pines giving it a real Mediterranean feel.  Sand pits for the children, water sports galore, shop selling every beach requisite you should need, lifeguards, cafe, toilets and the beach is cleaned daily.  Parking is available and access, including disabled, is easy.