Roxedge Guidebook
Beaches and Coves
We are so lucky in Torbay, we have a huge selection of beaches and coves, from the ever popular sandy beaches such as Torre Abbey Sands, to the breathtaking geology of Anstey's Cove.
Luke and I love the water and are always seeking out places to kayak, SUP board and swim, so hopefully we've investigated all of the great beaches and coves for you to explore.
In many of the coves you will quite often spot seals. And although they are inquisitive and seemingly friendly - we would advice you to not approach them. They are wild animals after all.
Wikipedia says "Hope's Nose is a coastal headland, separating Tor Bay from Babbacombe Bay. It is visible from much of the town and harbour of Torquay, Devon. It has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest along with the nearby Wall's Hill since 1986."
We say "Definitely one of our favourite walks, this is a circular walk, of only about 2km. But it's quite steep in places. The last time we were there we saw a kestrel hovering over the gorse at the side of the cliff. You don't have to climb down the rocks if you don't want to, you can stay on the headland and admire the view. However, I'm sure you will be tempted!
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Hopes Nose
Wikipedia says "Hope's Nose is a coastal headland, separating Tor Bay from Babbacombe Bay. It is visible from much of the town and harbour of Torquay, Devon. It has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest along with the nearby Wall's Hill since 1986."
We say "Definitely one of our favourite walks, this is a circular walk, of only about 2km. But it's quite steep in places. The last time we were there we saw a kestrel hovering over the gorse at the side of the cliff. You don't have to climb down the rocks if you don't want to, you can stay on the headland and admire the view. However, I'm sure you will be tempted!
Nestled between Babbacombe and Torquay, Ansteys Cove is an ideal place to take in the best of the English Riviera coastline, away from the hustle and bustle
Ansteys Cove is an idyllic natural sun trap blessed with far reaching views across Lyme bay to the Dorset Coastline. It's limestone cliffs and lush green hillsides combine with everyday marine life for scenery that's truly stunning.
Now, since you've got this far, here's a little secret! Even though Anstey's is not a tourist trap, it can get quite busy, so there is another beach that is closed to the public, right next door. Once you get to the cove, walk to your right and you will see Redgate beach. There are only 2 ways to access this beach. One is to clamber over the "Keep Out" barrier and down the rocks, and the second is to swim or kayak from Anstey's.
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Anstey's Cove Cafe
Anstey's Cove RoadNestled between Babbacombe and Torquay, Ansteys Cove is an ideal place to take in the best of the English Riviera coastline, away from the hustle and bustle
Ansteys Cove is an idyllic natural sun trap blessed with far reaching views across Lyme bay to the Dorset Coastline. It's limestone cliffs and lush green hillsides combine with everyday marine life for scenery that's truly stunning.
Now, since you've got this far, here's a little secret! Even though Anstey's is not a tourist trap, it can get quite busy, so there is another beach that is closed to the public, right next door. Once you get to the cove, walk to your right and you will see Redgate beach. There are only 2 ways to access this beach. One is to clamber over the "Keep Out" barrier and down the rocks, and the second is to swim or kayak from Anstey's.
This delectable beach is part of the English Riviera and it lives up to its name with its stunning sands, views and sunshine. This is the main beach for Torquay, being popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals. This is a favourite spot for young holiday makers, who also take the opportunity to use the grassy expanse of nearby Torre Abbey Meadows.
Type: Sand
Access:
Easy
Dogs:
Banned during the summer (May - Sept). There is a dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows.
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Torre Abbey Sands
Torbay RoadThis delectable beach is part of the English Riviera and it lives up to its name with its stunning sands, views and sunshine. This is the main beach for Torquay, being popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals. This is a favourite spot for young holiday makers, who also take the opportunity to use the grassy expanse of nearby Torre Abbey Meadows.
Type: Sand
Access:
Easy
Dogs:
Banned during the summer (May - Sept). There is a dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows.
Goodrington Sands
Dog friendly all year round, and there's a pub too. :)
In between Paignton and Brixham is Broadsands on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. With a long sandy beach the whole family can enjoy, you can make sandcastles for a couple of hours and then paddle in the calm sea. There’s also a large area of parkland directly behind the beach, so if you’ve brought a football with you, this is a great place to have a kick around.
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Broadsands Beach
Broadsands RoadIn between Paignton and Brixham is Broadsands on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. With a long sandy beach the whole family can enjoy, you can make sandcastles for a couple of hours and then paddle in the calm sea. There’s also a large area of parkland directly behind the beach, so if you’ve brought a football with you, this is a great place to have a kick around.
Close to Paignton is Elberry Cove, a small inlet with a small pebble beach. Far from the bustle of the main beaches, so you can relax without being disturbed by noisy crowds or amusement arcades. This is the designated beach for water skiing, so no swimming in the ski lane.
The beach can only be accessed on foot, so if you have the car with you, park at Broadsands and take a stroll along the coastal path. The scenery at Elberry Cove is beautiful; it’s framed by wooded hillsides and the sea is crystal clear and safe to swim in.
At one end of the beach you’ll find the remains of Lord Churston’s bathhouse, a romantic 18th century ruin. The building was once three storeys, with a thatched roof and a ground floor that would flood when the tide came in. This meant that Lord Churston and his guests could swim straight out into the sea through a gated doorway. The building also boasted an early version of a hot tub, with a fire heating up the seawater to warm swimmers after their dip.
Elberry Cove was one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Her holiday home at Greenway is not far away, and the cove even features in one of her novels, The ABC Murders, as the setting of Sir Carmichael Clarke’s untimely death. You'll find Elberry Cove on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail.
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Elberry Cove
Close to Paignton is Elberry Cove, a small inlet with a small pebble beach. Far from the bustle of the main beaches, so you can relax without being disturbed by noisy crowds or amusement arcades. This is the designated beach for water skiing, so no swimming in the ski lane.
The beach can only be accessed on foot, so if you have the car with you, park at Broadsands and take a stroll along the coastal path. The scenery at Elberry Cove is beautiful; it’s framed by wooded hillsides and the sea is crystal clear and safe to swim in.
At one end of the beach you’ll find the remains of Lord Churston’s bathhouse, a romantic 18th century ruin. The building was once three storeys, with a thatched roof and a ground floor that would flood when the tide came in. This meant that Lord Churston and his guests could swim straight out into the sea through a gated doorway. The building also boasted an early version of a hot tub, with a fire heating up the seawater to warm swimmers after their dip.
Elberry Cove was one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Her holiday home at Greenway is not far away, and the cove even features in one of her novels, The ABC Murders, as the setting of Sir Carmichael Clarke’s untimely death. You'll find Elberry Cove on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail.
Fishcombe Cove is ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Situated along the coast from Brixham, this small shingle beach is a quiet, peaceful little cove protected on all sides by tall red cliffs. The sheltered cove makes this a safe place for swimming, but you may have a few spectators as boats and yachts often moor up here, and sometimes there’s even the odd seal!
Type: Shingle with rocks and cliffs
Access: Difficult - Restricted access via very steep path from the car park or via the steps from Battery Gardens.
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Fishcombe Cove
Fishcombe HillFishcombe Cove is ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Situated along the coast from Brixham, this small shingle beach is a quiet, peaceful little cove protected on all sides by tall red cliffs. The sheltered cove makes this a safe place for swimming, but you may have a few spectators as boats and yachts often moor up here, and sometimes there’s even the odd seal!
Type: Shingle with rocks and cliffs
Access: Difficult - Restricted access via very steep path from the car park or via the steps from Battery Gardens.
Shopping & Leisure
St Marychurch is a charming suburb close to the delights of Babbacombe Bay and Torquay. It’s a lovely place to stay with its delightful pedestrianised precinct and everywhere within easy walking distance. You’ll find lots of independently owned boutiques and family-run businesses here and St Marychurch’s unique personality is why so many people fall in love with the place and come back year after year. One of the very oldest settlements in South Devon, St Marychurch’s two historic church towers dominate the Torquay skyline.
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Saint Marychurch
St Marychurch is a charming suburb close to the delights of Babbacombe Bay and Torquay. It’s a lovely place to stay with its delightful pedestrianised precinct and everywhere within easy walking distance. You’ll find lots of independently owned boutiques and family-run businesses here and St Marychurch’s unique personality is why so many people fall in love with the place and come back year after year. One of the very oldest settlements in South Devon, St Marychurch’s two historic church towers dominate the Torquay skyline.
Torquay Golf Club is a thriving and traditional members club situated just three minutes stroll from Roxedge.
Founded in 1909, the course has steadily evolved to present a first class parkland layout that offers a challenging yet rewarding test of golf in beautiful natural surroundings. Extensive views from the course encompass Lyme Bay in the east across the water to as far afield as Portland Bill, and to the rugged tors of Dartmoor to the west. Our tree lined fairways and high quality greens present an interesting challenge on each hole. We offer a warm welcome to visitors and societies looking to test your skills; Torquay golf course provides a true test of golf for players of all abilities. Visitor green fees are available throughout the week and weekend.
To match the course, our comfortable and friendly clubhouse offers excellent catering and bar facilities where you can have a relaxing meal and a drink on the terrace overlooking the 1st and 18th fairways. We hope you enjoy your visit!
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Torquay Golf Club
30 Petitor RdTorquay Golf Club is a thriving and traditional members club situated just three minutes stroll from Roxedge.
Founded in 1909, the course has steadily evolved to present a first class parkland layout that offers a challenging yet rewarding test of golf in beautiful natural surroundings. Extensive views from the course encompass Lyme Bay in the east across the water to as far afield as Portland Bill, and to the rugged tors of Dartmoor to the west. Our tree lined fairways and high quality greens present an interesting challenge on each hole. We offer a warm welcome to visitors and societies looking to test your skills; Torquay golf course provides a true test of golf for players of all abilities. Visitor green fees are available throughout the week and weekend.
To match the course, our comfortable and friendly clubhouse offers excellent catering and bar facilities where you can have a relaxing meal and a drink on the terrace overlooking the 1st and 18th fairways. We hope you enjoy your visit!
Sightseeing
Life in the busy Devon fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market. Here, in the heart of England’s Seafood Coast, the freshest fish and most delicious seafood is on the menu everywhere.
Breakwater, Marina, Beach and Art Deco Lido
Yachts galore can be seen at the popular marina and in the outer harbour. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade and along the half-mile long breakwater with its lighthouse, and then relax on popular Breakwater Beach. Take a dip in Shoalstone pool, the iconic Art Deco seawater lido and enjoy a meal or a cream tea at one of the lovely local cafes, restaurants and pubs, many facing the waterfront.
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Brixham
Life in the busy Devon fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market. Here, in the heart of England’s Seafood Coast, the freshest fish and most delicious seafood is on the menu everywhere.
Breakwater, Marina, Beach and Art Deco Lido
Yachts galore can be seen at the popular marina and in the outer harbour. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade and along the half-mile long breakwater with its lighthouse, and then relax on popular Breakwater Beach. Take a dip in Shoalstone pool, the iconic Art Deco seawater lido and enjoy a meal or a cream tea at one of the lovely local cafes, restaurants and pubs, many facing the waterfront.
As Devon’s capital city, Exeter is a vibrant, modern city with a historical past pre-dating the Romans. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including the Red Coat Guided Tours, Exeter’s Underground Passages, museums such as RAMM, the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and the Roman wall at the city’s Historic Quayside.
Things to do in Exeter
If you’re in need of a spot of retail therapy Exeter’s Princesshay is certain to cater for your needs. It offers a contemporary mixture of shopping, leisure and restaurants all within walking distance of the Cathedral. It has an eclectic mix of global High Street brands, mixed in with local one of a kind boutiques – a shopper’s paradise.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the Historic Quayside, just a ten-minute walk from Exeter Cathedral, and take a stroll along the canal past quaint antique shops, art exhibitions, local bars and lively waterside restaurants. You can even hire a kayak or paddle board to use on the canal if you’re feeling more adventurous!
Exeter is passionate about its sport and is perfectly located for making the most of the great outdoors. As well as Sandy Park for rugby, there is St James’ Park for football and Exeter Racecourse for competitive racing. The city is also home to the South West’s largest indoor climbing wall at the Quay Climbing Centre and Europe’s first Clip n’ Climb centre.
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Exeter
As Devon’s capital city, Exeter is a vibrant, modern city with a historical past pre-dating the Romans. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including the Red Coat Guided Tours, Exeter’s Underground Passages, museums such as RAMM, the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and the Roman wall at the city’s Historic Quayside.
Things to do in Exeter
If you’re in need of a spot of retail therapy Exeter’s Princesshay is certain to cater for your needs. It offers a contemporary mixture of shopping, leisure and restaurants all within walking distance of the Cathedral. It has an eclectic mix of global High Street brands, mixed in with local one of a kind boutiques – a shopper’s paradise.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the Historic Quayside, just a ten-minute walk from Exeter Cathedral, and take a stroll along the canal past quaint antique shops, art exhibitions, local bars and lively waterside restaurants. You can even hire a kayak or paddle board to use on the canal if you’re feeling more adventurous!
Exeter is passionate about its sport and is perfectly located for making the most of the great outdoors. As well as Sandy Park for rugby, there is St James’ Park for football and Exeter Racecourse for competitive racing. The city is also home to the South West’s largest indoor climbing wall at the Quay Climbing Centre and Europe’s first Clip n’ Climb centre.
Food scene
If you are looking for great food, for a special occasion, then we highly recommend this restaurant. The food is top notch, and the service impeccable. Werner, the owner and chef, will often pop out towards the end of service, and offer you free homemade schnapps, and impress you with his yodeling!
You need to book this place, as it is in high demand.
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Old Vienna Restaurant
7 Lisburne SquareIf you are looking for great food, for a special occasion, then we highly recommend this restaurant. The food is top notch, and the service impeccable. Werner, the owner and chef, will often pop out towards the end of service, and offer you free homemade schnapps, and impress you with his yodeling!
You need to book this place, as it is in high demand.
An independently run, local multi-site restaurant specialising in meat and produce from Devon and the surrounding areas. They hand mix their meat, hand press their patties, breadcrumb their chicken, cook and pull their pork. All this along with craft beer, local ciders and music to boot.
They source as much local produce as possible from within the Devon and surrounding areas, this along with craft beer, local ciders and music to boot make it a great informal place to eat.
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MEAT59 Torquay
59 Abbey RdAn independently run, local multi-site restaurant specialising in meat and produce from Devon and the surrounding areas. They hand mix their meat, hand press their patties, breadcrumb their chicken, cook and pull their pork. All this along with craft beer, local ciders and music to boot.
They source as much local produce as possible from within the Devon and surrounding areas, this along with craft beer, local ciders and music to boot make it a great informal place to eat.
This is a lovely mid-priced restaurant - situated with a view across the bay at Torre Abbey Sands. The food is good, the service is good, and they serve mussels from Elberry Cove.
We often have a cocktail or two at the cocktail bar next door, before dinner.
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On The Rocks Restaurant
Torbay RoadThis is a lovely mid-priced restaurant - situated with a view across the bay at Torre Abbey Sands. The food is good, the service is good, and they serve mussels from Elberry Cove.
We often have a cocktail or two at the cocktail bar next door, before dinner.
Love fish? Then you'll love this place. Much of the menu is locally sourced fish coming in from Brixham, so the menu changes often dependent on the catch. Then it is expertly prepared and gets rave reviews.
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No 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar
7 Beacon HillLove fish? Then you'll love this place. Much of the menu is locally sourced fish coming in from Brixham, so the menu changes often dependent on the catch. Then it is expertly prepared and gets rave reviews.
You're not in Spain, You're in Torquay! This place is amazing, the food here is simply wonderful, and the service is warm and friendly, We love it. BOOK IN ADVANCE!
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Small world restaurant and tapas bar
11-13 Abbey RdYou're not in Spain, You're in Torquay! This place is amazing, the food here is simply wonderful, and the service is warm and friendly, We love it. BOOK IN ADVANCE!
STOP! This is not JUST a takeaway. Inside the shabby looking exterior, lies something rather special. Walk in and you will find 4 or 5 tables, amazing service from the owner, and the best Thai food in the bay, cooked only a few metres away from you in the open kitchen.
They don't serve alcohol, so bring your own bottles.
We love this place. BOOKING ESSENTIAL
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Torbay Thai Takeaway
58 Old Torquay RdSTOP! This is not JUST a takeaway. Inside the shabby looking exterior, lies something rather special. Walk in and you will find 4 or 5 tables, amazing service from the owner, and the best Thai food in the bay, cooked only a few metres away from you in the open kitchen.
They don't serve alcohol, so bring your own bottles.
We love this place. BOOKING ESSENTIAL