RSPB Labrador Bay
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RSPB Labrador Bay

4.7
·502 reviews·Shaldon, United Kingdom

Breathtaking coastal views, wildlife spotting, and scenic hikes along the South Devon Coast Path.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peace and quiet, best light

CrowdLow
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RSPB Labrador Bay

RSPB Labrador Bay

Best Time

Early mornings

Peace and quiet, best light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Breathtaking coastal views, wildlife spotting, and scenic hikes along the South Devon Coast Path.

4.7
(502 reviews)

"Stunning place and breathtakingly beautiful with panoramic views over Torbay."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Footwear

The coastal paths can be hilly and uneven; good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Respect Wildlife Areas

Be mindful of dog waste and keep dogs on leads to protect the natural habitat. :dog:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Torbay Views

Panoramic Torbay Views

Coastal path

Breathtaking vistas stretching across Torbay and beyond, especially captivating at dawn or dusk.

Cirl Bunting & Dolphin Spotting

Cirl Bunting & Dolphin Spotting

Coastal areas

A prime location for observing Cirl Buntings and potentially spotting dolphins in the bay.

Coastal Path Hike

Coastal Path Hike

Trail from RSPB Labrador Bay

Hike along the coastal path towards Maidencombe Beach and Bell Rock for a scenic adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Coastal Path

RSPB Labrador Bay offers stunning coastal walks with panoramic views. Be prepared for hilly terrain and uneven paths. Consider sturdy footwear for the best experience.

Wildlife & Tranquility

This spot is ideal for birdwatching and spotting dolphins. Visit early morning for peace, but be aware of potential noise from the nearby road and dog waste issues.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peace and quiet, best light
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Panoramic views
Crowd
Medium
When
Night
Why
Minimal light pollution for stargazing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Always happy we moved here and started our little family 💛 📍starting at rspb Labrador bay, hiking along the coastal path to maidencombe beach, bell rock and looping back along the top path ✌️ it’s a stunning but hilly hike. All footpath trails no road. #coastalliving #coastal #hike #hiking #fitfamuk #alltrails #mumlife #devon #hikesuk #fitmumlife #alltrailsapp #mumlifeuk #placestogo
rebeccarunmum
0 likes • 766 views

Wear Sturdy Footwear

The coastal paths can be hilly and uneven; good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Respect Wildlife Areas

Be mindful of dog waste and keep dogs on leads to protect the natural habitat. :dog:

Arrive Early for Peace

For a tranquil experience, aim for early mornings to avoid road noise and crowds. :sunrise:

Check Parking Status

Parking may be chargeable, though enforcement can be inconsistent. :parking:

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Footwear

The coastal paths can be hilly and uneven; good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Respect Wildlife Areas

Be mindful of dog waste and keep dogs on leads to protect the natural habitat. :dog:

Arrive Early for Peace

For a tranquil experience, aim for early mornings to avoid road noise and crowds. :sunrise:

Check Parking Status

Parking may be chargeable, though enforcement can be inconsistent. :parking:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(502 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise RSPB Labrador Bay for its absolutely stunning panoramic views over Torbay and the coastline, making it a breathtaking spot for day visits and even night stargazing due to low light pollution. However, some reviewers note that the paths and gates could benefit from maintenance, and the nearby main road can be noisy during peak hours. Concerns have also been raised about dog waste and dogs being off-lead in sensitive areas.

"I often park here on the way home from a long drive or just to take in the views in the day or night as in the day it has panoramic views over Torbay and beyond. At night there is very little light pollution so you can gaze into the stars with a decent field of view. Cars do come tearing past here during the day time and at night so can be a little startling on occasion or snap you immediately out of your tranquil thoughts. Overall it's a nice quiet place with nice views. I think it's chargeable for parking but I'm pretty sure I've never come across someone enforcing it, I think they solely rely on people noticing the fake camera and assume most people won't risk the potential of expensive ANPR systems being in place which presently they are not."

HEPWORTH Paul

"Stunning place and breathtakingly beautiful."

Steve Antony

"Great place to see Cirl Buntings and Dolphins but spoilt by the amount of dog waste found everywhere and that all dog walkers had dogs off lead even though signs on every gate."

S Plume

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Great for stargazing
Ideal for coastal hikes

What People Dislike

Path maintenance needed
Road noise
Dog waste issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

RSPB Labrador Bay is accessible by car, with a handy parking area. It's also a starting point for coastal walks, with trails leading towards Shaldon village and other scenic spots. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is a parking area. While it may be chargeable, enforcement can be inconsistent. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a great starting point for hikes along the South Devon Coast Path, with trails leading to places like Shaldon and Maidencombe Beach. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While RSPB reserves often have entry fees, Labrador Bay is primarily a viewpoint and coastal access point. Parking may incur a charge. Reddit

As an open coastal area, RSPB Labrador Bay is generally accessible at all times, though early mornings are recommended for tranquility. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

This location is known for Cirl Buntings and is a good spot for dolphin spotting in the bay. Reddit

Some reviews suggest that paths and gates may be in need of maintenance, so be prepared for potentially uneven terrain. Reddit

Yes, with very little light pollution, it's an excellent spot for stargazing at night. Reddit

While dogs are welcome, it's important to be aware of dog waste issues and to keep dogs on leads due to wildlife. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the panoramic views of Torbay, the dramatic coastline, and any wildlife you encounter. Early morning and late afternoon light are particularly beautiful. TikTokReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light photography. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

RSPB Labrador Bay offers a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature. The coastal path hikes can be an adventure for children, providing stunning views and a chance to spot birds and potentially even dolphins. TikTokReddit It's advisable to bring snacks and drinks as facilities are limited. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the hilly and potentially uneven terrain. Reddit

While the natural beauty is a major draw, parents should be aware of the need to supervise children closely near cliff edges and be mindful of any maintenance issues on the paths. The open space and fresh air make it a great spot for families looking for an active outdoor experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers

For hikers, RSPB Labrador Bay is a gem. The coastal path provides a challenging yet rewarding experience with its hilly sections and breathtaking vistas. TikTokReddit It's an ideal starting point for longer walks along the South Devon Coast Path, with routes leading to Shaldon and other picturesque locations. Reddit

Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunities for birdwatching, especially for Cirl Buntings, and the potential for dolphin sightings. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon can offer the best light for photography and a more peaceful experience. Be prepared for varying path conditions and consider bringing binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Coastal Path

The coastal path at RSPB Labrador Bay is a significant draw, offering stunning panoramic views over Torbay and the surrounding coastline. This section of the South Devon Coast Path is known for its hilly terrain, making it a rewarding hike for those seeking a bit of a challenge. Visitors can follow trails that lead to nearby beauty spots like Maidencombe Beach and Bell Rock. TikTok It's recommended to wear sturdy footwear as the paths can be uneven and at times require careful navigation. Reddit

While the views are consistently praised, some visitors have noted that paths and gates may be in need of maintenance. Reddit Despite this, the natural beauty and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the coastal landscape make it a worthwhile experience. The path also offers a trail leading down to the village of Shaldon, providing further exploration opportunities with beautiful water views. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters

RSPB Labrador Bay is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. It's particularly noted as a great place to spot Cirl Buntings, a species that thrives in this coastal habitat. Beyond the avian life, the waters of the bay are known to attract dolphins, offering a chance for a truly memorable sighting. Reddit

To maximize your chances of wildlife encounters and enjoy the tranquility of the area, visiting during the early morning is highly recommended. This is when the birds are most active, and the chances of spotting marine life are often better. However, it's important to be mindful of the environment; some visitors have expressed concern about the amount of dog waste found, urging dog walkers to be responsible and keep their pets on leads to protect the delicate ecosystem. Reddit

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