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:
Each standard describes what you can expect when you arrive. Read more about the standards and how we assess our beaches below, or visit the council site to find a beach and check facilities.
These beaches offer the highest level of water quality, safe access and visitor facilities. We check the water often and publish the results. We 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
Paignton
Brixham
These beaches are clean and well looked after. They have good water quality, and we publish the results. Access routes and beach areas are tidy. Bins are available and match visitor demand. Onsite signs explain access, safety advice, local wildlife and dog rules. Toilets and other facilities are available when needed.
Torquay
Paignton
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
Paignton
Brixham
We use 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. We assess each beach in a way that reflects its size, setting and level of development.
We check bathing water often during the bathing season. We take more samples than national schemes require, and we publish the results. We also use local checks and predictive pollution alerts to help visitors understand when water quality may change.
Check water quality of a beach
We 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.
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.
We assess whether information on the beach is clear and helpful. Signs explain safety advice, water quality, access routes and dog rules. We 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.
We look at how easy it is to reach the beach and move around safely. This includes safe paths, steps, ramps and clear signs. We check that riskbased safety measures are in place. These may include rescue equipment, first aid access, or work with partner organisations such as lifesaving groups.
Each beach has its own character. We check that local features are respected and presented well. This may include signs about wildlife, geology, culture or the area’s history. We aim to keep the natural feel of Tor Bay’s coastline while making beaches welcoming for visitors.
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
