English Riviera Beach Standards

The English Riviera has many beaches with different settings and facilities. We group them into three standards to help you choose the right place for your visit: 

• Excellent Standard 
• Quality Standard 
• Natural beaches 

Each standard describes what you can expect when you arrive. Read more about the standards and how Torbay Council assesses our beaches below, or find your perfect beach here.

Excellent Standard beaches 

These beaches offer the highest level of water quality, safe access and visitor facilities. Torbay Council check the water often and publishes the results. They keep the beach clean and remove seaweed only when it creates a safety issue. You will find clear signs with safety advice, local wildlife notes and dog rules. Toilets and other facilities are available when visitor numbers require them. 

Torquay

• Meadfoot
• Oddicombe  
• Torre Abbey 

Paignton

• Broadsands 

Brixham

• Breakwater 

Quality Standard beaches

These beaches are clean and well looked after. They have good water quality, and Torbay Council publishes the results. Access routes and beach areas are tidy. Bins are available and match visitor demand. On-site signs explain access, safety advice, local wildlife and dog rules. Toilets and other facilities are available when needed. 

Torquay

• Anstey's Cove
• Maidencombe 

Paignton

• Goodrington Sands

Natural beaches

Natural beaches are recognised for their landscape, tranquillity and ecological significance. They often have limited facilities and rely on careful environmental management that protects habitats and minimises disturbance. Seaweed and natural debris remain in place unless they present a risk. Access routes are kept safe and maintained, but intervention is minimal to preserve the natural setting. Clear information is provided where appropriate, but the focus remains on conserving the natural character of the beach. 

Torquay

• Beacon Cove
• Watcombe 
• Babbacombe
• Peaked Tor 
• Corbyn Head 
• Livermead

Paignton

• Hollicombe
• Fairy Cove
• Oyster Cove
• Saltern Cove 
• Elberry Cove
• Churston Cove 

Brixham

• Fishcombe Cove 
• St Mary’s Bay 

How Torbay Council assesses beaches 

Torbay Council uses the English Riviera Beach Standards to check how each beach performs across six areas. These cover water quality, the natural environment, cleanliness, visitor facilities, safety and local character. They assess each beach in a way that reflects its size, setting and level of development.  

Water quality 

Torbay Council check bathing water often during the bathing season. They take more samples than national schemes require and publish the results. They also use local checks and predictive pollution alerts to help visitors understand when water quality may change.  

Check water quality of a beach 

Protecting the natural environment

Torbay Council look at how each beach protects its natural landscape and wildlife. This includes how we care for habitats, how we manage seaweed and other natural material, and how we avoid damaging sensitive areas such as seagrass beds. 

Cleanliness and day-to-day management

We check that beaches, access paths and public areas are clean and well kept. We look at how often litter is removed and whether bins match visitor numbers. We only remove natural materials when they create a safety issue.  

Visitor information and facilities

Torbay Council assess whether information on the beach is clear and helpful. Signs explain safety advice, water quality, access routes and dog rules. They also check that facilities such as toilets and bins are available where the location and visitor numbers require them, and that these are kept clean and in good working order.  

Access and safety 

Torbay Council look at how easy it is to reach the beach and move around safely. This includes safe paths, steps, ramps and clear signs. The Council check that risk-based safety measures are in place. These may include rescue equipment, first aid access, or work with partner organisations such as lifesaving groups.  

Local character and sense of place

Each beach has its own character. Torbay Council check that local features are respected and presented well. This may include signs about wildlife, geology, culture or the area’s history. The Council aim to keep the natural feel of Tor Bay’s coastline while making beaches welcoming for visitors.