Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe is famous for its red sand and steep, rugged cliffs. Access from Babbacombe village is by a dramatic cliff railway or a long, steep walk. There is a café, water sports hire, deckchairs, and public toilets. Dogs are banned May to September but welcome in the off-season. The cliffs loom close, so landslips and rockfalls can occur, especially after prolonged rain. The sheltered location means the water is calmer than many Torbay spots, and families flock here on sunny days. The dramatic setting and unique red sand make it one of Devon's most distinctive beaches. The Babbacombe Cliff Railway, opened in 1926, provides unique access and welcomes dogs. The red sand is created by weathered Permian sandstone, giving the beach its distinctive colour. Babbacombe village above has Victorian charm with shops and the famous Model Village nearby. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era, when the dramatic clifftop location made it a fashionable retreat.