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Discover Torquay’s Blue Flag Beaches: What They Are & Why You’ll Love Them

12 June 2025

When planning a beach day, it’s easy to look for golden sands and sparkling seas—but if you want a beach that truly stands out, look for the Blue Flag. This internationally recognised award is a hallmark of top-quality beaches around the world, and lucky for us, Torquay is home to some of them!

What is a Blue Flag Beach?

The Blue Flag Award is given to beaches that meet high standards in four key areas:

  • Water Quality – Clean and safe for swimming

  • Environmental Management – Proper waste disposal, clean facilities and conservation work to protect the area

  • Safety & Services – Lifeguards, first aid and accessible amenities

  • Environmental Education – Signage and activities that promote eco-awareness

It’s not just a label—it’s a promise of excellence, making Blue Flag beaches perfect for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

Blue Flag Beaches in Torquay

Torquay, with its beautiful stretch of the English Riviera, boasts several Blue Flag beaches worth visiting:

1. Torre Abbey Beach

Torre Abbey Sands is a beautiful beach with views of Torre Abbey and the South West Coast Path. It’s a fairly flat beach with fine sand and perfect for swimming off of the steps at high tide! And as a bonus, it’s only a five minute walk from TLH Leisure Resort. Check out our Instagram reels as we’re down here very often ourselves!

2. Meadfoot Beach

A peaceful spot with crystal-clear waters and a stunning backdrop of cliffs, perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding or just relaxing with a book. It’s a stand-out location for the great views of Thatcher’s Rock, a local icon! It also has a lovely café and sun deck area.

3. Oddicombe Beach

Tucked beneath the red cliffs, Oddicombe is famous for its Babbacombe Cliff Railway, making access easy. The calm waters and well-maintained facilities make it great for families. It has more of a hidden quality to it, with a lovely short walk to Bababcombe beach on the other side of the cove too.

Why Visit a Blue Flag Beach?

Not only do these beaches offer beautiful scenery and fun in the sun, but they also provide peace of mind knowing you’re visiting one of the safest and cleanest spots in the country. Whether you’re sunbathing, building sandcastles, or dipping into the sea, you know you’re in good hands.

So next time you’re heading to the coast, look for the Blue Flag—it’s your sign of seaside quality!


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