Babbacombe is basically an area of Torquay, just a mile from the harbour, but it does have some individual attractions. The main draw is the beach but other activities include tennis, bowls, golf, putting and swimming are all available in the small resort. High on the clifftop, Babbacombe has attractive gardens, a theatre, shops, restaurants and cafés plus the Babbacombe Downs cliff top promenade, which is the highest promenade in the country and part of the South West Coastal Path. There are stunning views across Lyme Bay and, on a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Golden Cap and Portland Bill in Dorset.
The small, sheltered beach below at Oddicombe is popular for fishing, although access is quite steep. To make the journey down 240 feet down to the beach it is possible to travel on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which has been operating for almost eighty years. This beach has a blue flag and all the usual facilities.
Oddicombe beach
Babbacombe Model Village has been open since 1963 and is a popular local tourist attraction. It now has some indoor displays making it an all weather attraction. Up a short, very steep footpath from the village is the Walls Hill Nature Reserve and a little further along there are wonderful views of both Ansteys Cove and Redgate Beach. These are locations popular with divers, who enjoy exploring the warm shallow waters, and with rock climbers, challenged by the steep cliffs. Ansteys Cove was said to be the favourite beach of author Agatha Christie.
Only a quarter of a mile away is the pretty town of St Marychurch where there is a pedestrianised precinct with banks, cafés, pubs and more shops. St Marychurch is mentioned in the Doomsday Book.