Torbay boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful and cleanest beaches, recognised for their consistently high bathing water quality.
Throughout the bathing season (May–September), the Environment Agency carries out regular testing at all designated bathing water sites in Torbay. Each beach receives between 10–20 water quality tests per season, and the results from the most recent four years are combined to give the official bathing water classification used across England.
The classifications are:
All of our bathing water sites have achieved "Good" or "Excellent" ratings.
As part of the English Riviera Beach Standards, we publish each beach’s last four years of classifications, explain what the ratings mean, and provide direct access to each beach’s Environment Agency profile, where every individual test result, pollution observation, and seasonal graph can be viewed.
Overview:
Anstey’s Cove has maintained an Excellent rating for four years. Inspections found only small amounts of light litter and no sewage‑related waste or natural tar. The beach is clean, safe and well cared for.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Babbacombe has consistently achieved Excellent water quality. Checks recorded only light litter and no sewage waste or natural tar. The beach is clean, well managed and welcoming.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Beacon Cove has delivered four years of Excellent water quality. Inspections found no sewage debris and only occasional light litter. The beach remains clean and inviting.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Breakwater Beach has consistently achieved Excellent water quality. Inspections show no sewage material and only small amounts of light litter. The beach is well maintained, clean and safe.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Broadsands has maintained Excellent water quality. Inspections noted occasional small debris and light litter, always at low levels. The beach is clean, cared for and safe.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Goodrington has mostly achieved Good water quality, meeting required standards. Inspections found light litter at times but no sewage‑related waste or natural tar. The beach is clean, monitored and safe for swimming.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Hollicombe has recently achieved Excellent water quality. Checks found only light litter and no sewage waste or natural tar. The beach is clean, well looked after and safe.
Overview:
Maidencombe continues to achieve Excellent water quality. Inspections noted light litter and occasional small natural tar traces, which can occur on exposed coastlines. The beach remains clean, natural and safe.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Meadfoot has consistently held an Excellent rating. Light litter appears occasionally, with no sewage waste or natural tar recorded. The beach is clean, safe and well maintained.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Oddicombe has achieved Excellent water quality for four years. Inspections found only small amounts of light litter. The beach remains clean, safe and enjoyable.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Paignton Sands has generally achieved Good water quality with one Excellent year. Inspections found occasional light litter and small natural tar traces, with no sewage waste. The beach is clean, safe and actively monitored.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Preston Sands has maintained Excellent water quality. Inspections recorded only small amounts of light litter and no natural tar. The beach is clean, well managed and safe.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
St Mary’s Bay has delivered Excellent water quality for four years. Inspections recorded only light litter and no natural tar. The beach is clean, peaceful and safe.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Torre Abbey has consistently achieved Excellent water quality. Inspections found no sewage waste and only small amounts of general litter. The beach remains clean, safe and well managed.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Overview:
Watcombe has achieved Excellent water quality during both monitored years since access reopened. Light litter has been observed occasionally, with no significant natural tar traces. The beach is clean, secluded and safe.
View full test results, graphs, sampling history and site details on the Environment Agency profile
Small amounts of tar‑like material can occasionally be found on beaches around the UK, including Torbay. These deposits can come from natural sources, such as seabed sediments, or from historic or modern human activity, including weathered oil residues carried by tides.
They are usually found only in very small amounts, and our beaches are regularly monitored so that any issues can be identified and managed.
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
