Oddicombe Beach
A picturesque red sand beach nestled between dramatic cliffs, accessible by a charming cliff railway. Perfect for scenic views and a relaxing day out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, great for photos
Oddicombe Beach
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque red sand beach nestled between dramatic cliffs, accessible by a charming cliff railway. Perfect for scenic views and a relaxing day out.
"Stunning red cliffs, calm waters, and a unique cliff railway make Oddicombe a must-visit."
🎯 Cliff Railway Last Train
Don't miss the last Babbacombe Cliff Railway back up, or prepare for a steep climb! :train2:
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach is more gravelly than sandy, so consider footwear that's comfortable for walking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Access point to Oddicombe Beach
Ride this charming funicular down to the beach for stunning coastal views. A unique and convenient way to arrive.
+1Red Sandy Shores
Oddicombe Beach
Discover the unique red sand and pebble mix, nestled between dramatic sandstone cliffs. A picturesque setting.
Coastal Views & Hiking
Paths leading to Oddicombe Beach
Enjoy breathtaking views of the English Channel on the trails winding down to the beach. Rewarding scenery awaits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Oddicombe Beach
Beach Etiquette & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cliff Railway Last Train
Don't miss the last Babbacombe Cliff Railway back up, or prepare for a steep climb! :train2:
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach is more gravelly than sandy, so consider footwear that's comfortable for walking. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Toilet Fees
Toilets are available but cost 30p per person via contactless payment. :moneybag:
🐶 Dog Restrictions
Dogs are allowed on the cliff railway but not on the beach itself. :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cliff Railway Last Train
Don't miss the last Babbacombe Cliff Railway back up, or prepare for a steep climb! :train2:
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach is more gravelly than sandy, so consider footwear that's comfortable for walking. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Toilet Fees
Toilets are available but cost 30p per person via contactless payment. :moneybag:
🐶 Dog Restrictions
Dogs are allowed on the cliff railway but not on the beach itself. :noentrysign:
📸 Sunrise Photography
Oddicombe faces east, making it a great spot for sunrise photography. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oddicombe Beach is praised for its stunning red sand, dramatic cliffs, and the charming Babbacombe Cliff Railway access. Visitors enjoy the calm waters and the scenic coastal paths. However, some find the beach terrain to be more gravelly than sandy, and the cost of toilets is a minor inconvenience.
"What a pleasant beach with a great cafe and a very reasonably priced gift shop. Plenty of seating on the steps and. As cute array of beach huts. Set in a bay the sea was calm and you can hire paddle boards and kayaks"
Emma Hingley
"Very clean beach with great views. Plenty of areas to sit including the rental of deck chairs and lounger chairs great day out. One thing to be aware of is that dogs are allowed on the cliff train all year round but not allowed on the beach all year round"
Happy Camper
"Great beach with kids as it’s pretty much enclosed both sides so they can’t wander too far. Steep roads and paths to get down but a cliff railway (chargeable) is available, just don’t miss the last one back!
No real parking and wardens are on the look out, I even saw them ticket someone for letting a disabled lady out of a vehicle at the bottom.
Lovely, but pricy, cafe on the beach for take-away and eat in food & drink"
D E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Oddicombe Beach by hiking down scenic coastal paths or by taking the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. The cliff railway offers a unique experience with great views, but be sure to check its operating times and the last departure for your return journey. +1
Parking directly at the beach is limited, and wardens are known to ticket vehicles. It's often recommended to park at the top near Babbacombe Downs and use the cliff railway or walk down.
Yes, there are beautiful coastal paths that lead down to Oddicombe Beach, offering stunning views along the way. The hike can be steep in sections but is very rewarding.
The operating hours for the Babbacombe Cliff Railway can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official schedule before your visit, especially for the last train times.
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway provides an accessible way to reach the beach. While the beach itself has some facilities, the terrain is a mix of pebbles and shingle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway typically charges a fee for a return journey, often around £3.75. It's advisable to confirm the current prices before your visit.
There is no entrance fee to access Oddicombe Beach itself. The costs are associated with amenities like the cliff railway and public toilets.
Dogs are permitted on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway but are not allowed on Oddicombe Beach at any time of the year.
Oddicombe Beach has a cafe, deck chair hire, and public toilets (which incur a small contactless fee). There are also areas to sit on the steps and some beach huts.
Yes, there is a last train for the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. It's crucial to be aware of this time to avoid a challenging walk back up the cliff.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer a serene atmosphere and beautiful light for photography, especially for sunrise shots as the beach faces east. Late afternoons also provide calm waters and lovely lighting. +1
You can capture stunning coastal landscapes, the unique red sand, the dramatic cliffs, and the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Early mornings are ideal for capturing the serene beach and sunrise.
The coastal paths leading down to the beach offer excellent viewpoints. The top of the cliff railway also provides panoramic views of the bay.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over Oddicombe Beach or the surrounding cliffs.
The combination of the red sand, towering sandstone cliffs, calm waters, and the historic cliff railway makes Oddicombe Beach a very photogenic location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are toilets available, be prepared for a small fee. The cafe offers convenient food options. It's advisable to bring appropriate footwear as the beach is more gravelly than sandy, which can be more comfortable for little feet. Remember to check the last train times for the cliff railway to ensure a smooth departure.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for compositions that highlight the contrast between the red beach, the turquoise sea, and the imposing sandstone cliffs. The calm waters in the early morning or late afternoon can also create beautiful reflections. Don't forget to explore the coastal paths for wider scenic shots of Torbay.
+1🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Once at the beach, the sandstone cliffs and the unique red sand offer a natural spectacle. The relatively calm waters are also inviting for a refreshing dip or some gentle water sports. The surrounding area provides opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal flora.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Oddicombe Beach
+1It's crucial to be aware of the cliff railway's operating hours, especially the last train back up. Missing it means a potentially strenuous climb, which can be a surprise for some visitors. Parking is also a consideration; direct beach parking is scarce and strictly enforced, so parking at Babbacombe Downs and using the railway or walking is often the most practical solution.
For those who enjoy a good walk, the trails around Oddicombe offer beautiful coastal scenery. The path itself is a mix of gentle slopes and steeper sections, making the journey as picturesque as the destination.
The Unique Charm of Oddicombe Beach
Facilities at the beach include a cafe offering food and drinks, deck chair hire for a comfortable stay, and public toilets. While the beach is generally clean, some visitors have noted the presence of gravelly textures underfoot rather than soft sand, and occasionally, a bit of plastic in the water, though the beach itself is usually spotless.
The beach is also noted for being quite enclosed by cliffs, which can be beneficial for families with children, as it helps to keep them contained. The overall atmosphere is often described as serene, especially during quieter times of the day.
Photography Opportunities at Oddicombe
Beyond sunrises, the dramatic sandstone cliffs provide a stunning backdrop, and the Babbacombe Cliff Railway itself is a photogenic subject, especially when in motion. The contrast between the red beach, blue sea, and green clifftops offers a rich palette for any photographer.
+1For those interested in capturing the wider coastal scenery, the hiking trails leading to the beach offer elevated viewpoints overlooking Torbay and the English Channel. These vantage points are perfect for panoramic shots and capturing the scale of the coastline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit