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.  You can also download the English Riviera Beach Guide & Beach Safety leaflet here or view below:

Excellent Standard beaches 

These beaches offer the highest level of water quality, safe access and visitor facilities. The Environment Agency tests the water often and Torbay Council publishes the results. They keep the beach clean of litter and remove seaweed where possible. You will find clear signs with safety advice, local wildlife notes and dog rules. Toilets, showers, drinking water and other facilities are available.

Torquay

• Meadfoot
• Oddicombe  
• Torre Abbey 

Paignton

• Broadsands 

Brixham

• Breakwater 

Quality Standard beaches

These beaches are clean and well looked after. They have good  or excellent water quality, and Torbay Council publishes the results. Access routes and beach areas are tidy. Seasonal toilets and other facilities are available. You will find clear signs, safety advice, local wildlife notes and dog rules. 

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 

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 

The Environment Agency tests the bathing water often during the bathing season and Torbay Council publishes the results. Predictive pollution alerts are displayed on the beaches when applicable, to help visitors understand when water quality may change. 

Check the 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.  

Water Safety

Tor Bay Harbour Authority has launched a new Offshore Wind Sea Safety Campaign to help raise awareness of the dangers posed by offshore wind conditions along the English Riviera coastline.

As part of the campaign and the English Riviera Beach Standards Initiative windsocks have been installed across 6 beaches and accessible coves throughout Torbay. These provide a simple visual indication of wind direction and help beach users identify potentially hazardous offshore wind conditions before entering the water.

What are Offshore Winds?

Offshore winds blow from the land out towards the sea. Although they can create calm-looking water conditions near the shoreline, they can also increase the risk of people drifting away from the beach.

Many incidents occur because conditions appear safe from the shore, when in reality the wind is steadily pushing water users further out to sea.

Before entering the water:

• Check the weather forecast and wind conditions.
• Take note of local safety signage and windsocks.
• Stay within your abilities and experience.
• Supervise children closely near the water.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment for your activity.
• Carry a means of communication where appropriate.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

RNLI Float to Live Advice

If you unexpectedly find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember the RNLI's Float to Live advice:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
• Relax and try to control your breathing.
• Use your hands to help you stay afloat.
• Once breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you are able.

In an Emergency

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast: Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The Offshore Wind Sea Safety Campaign forms part of the wider English Riviera Beach Standards initiative, which aims to improve safety, accessibility and the visitor experience across Torbay's coastline.