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Babbacombe, Devon, Visitor & Tourism Guide

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Nearby National Park: Dartmoor. Exmoor is to the north and north west
Nearby AONBs: South Devon and East Devon. The Tamar Valley and Cornwall are a little further away
Select Cities: Exeter, Plymouth
Select Towns/Villages: Torquay, Paignton, Brixham (and the other towns and areas within the The English Riviera), Teignmouth, Shaldon, Exmouth, Topsham, Dartmouth, Sidmouth

Sweeping view
Look at a map of South West England and you'll see that Babbacombe looks out across a sweep of coast extending east through East Devon into Dorset and the Isle of Portland. The view of this from Babbacombe Downs and Gardens is extraordinary.

As you stand looking at this view, you'll see Oddicombe Beach below. We'd recommend taking the Babbacombe Cliff Railway down to the beach and following the coast around to Babbacombe Beach and Harbour. There's a super pub called The Cary Arms at the latter with, in our opinion, one of the best locations in South West England.

Babbacombe is known for its Model Village. We'd also suggest a trip to Bygones, too.

Coastal walking
Babbacombe offers cracking coastal walking. To the south east, the South West Coast Path heads towards Hope's Nose before turning sharply west into Torquay. Out at sea, you'll see Thatcher Rock in Tor Bay. There's a nice cafe overlooking Meadfoot Beach if you fancy a rest on your way. All the way to the south, you'll see Berry Head and Brixham.

To the north, the South West Coast Path leads to Watcombe Beach and the Watcombe Valley of the Rocks, Maidencombe Beach and Ness Cove Beach. The views to Teignmouth are wonderful.

The local area
The English Riviera is a prime UK holiday destination and is packed with places to visit and things to do. Highlights, in our opinion, include Kents Cavern and Living Coasts, the HiFlyer Balloon and Paignton Zoo. If you're looking for beaches, in addition to those we've mentioned, try Goodrington Sands and Broadsands Beach (The English Riviera). Further south, we'd recommend Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands.

Inland, we'd suggest a visit to Berry Pomeroy Castle and Totnes Castle, a trip on the South Devon Railway and a boat trip on the River Dart and Estuary.

Devon
Clearly, there's a lot more to do if you're willing to travel a little further afield. Dartmoor National Park is to the west. We'd particularly recommend walking one of its wooded cleaves or valleys. Try the Dart Gorge or Lustleigh Cleave.

South and south west of Babbacombe in the South Devon AONB. Its beaches are spectacular, its towns up there with the best in the UK. Spend a day at Dartmouth and Salcombe. We'd also recommend day trips to Plymouth and Exeter.

If you have kids, both Woodlands Park and Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park are a must. On rainy days, the Plymouth National Marine Aquarium is superb. Check out all our 'Top 10 Recommendations' for further ideas.

Top 10 Recommendations

Top 10 Things To Do Selected from the best Things To Do in Babbacombe we've listed our top 10.

Top 10 Beaches Selected from the best Beaches in Babbacombe we've listed our top 10.

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