Torquay is made for a holiday on foot. The best Torquay coastal walks range from level promenades beside the harbour to proper clifftop paths with wide sea views, quiet coves and a few well-earned hills. Whether you would like a gentle morning stroll before breakfast or a longer afternoon route, there is a walk to suit the pace of your stay.

The coast is beautiful but changeable, so comfortable shoes, a light waterproof and a look at the tide times are sensible. Some paths have steep sections, uneven ground or steps, particularly around the coves. Taking your time is part of the pleasure.

1. Torquay Harbour to Meadfoot Beach

For an easy introduction to the seafront, walk from Torquay Harbour towards Meadfoot Beach. Start around the marina, where there is always something to see, then follow the road and pavement eastwards past the Imperial Hotel area. The route opens out to lovely views over Tor Bay, with Paignton and Brixham often visible across the water.

Meadfoot is a quieter beach than the main stretch at Torre Abbey Sands, with a more sheltered, traditional feel. It is a good choice for a relaxed outing, especially if you want to stop for a drink or sit and watch the boats. Allow around 30 to 45 minutes each way at an unhurried pace.

The walk is mainly on paved surfaces, though there is a gradual incline in places. It is well suited to couples, older visitors and anyone who prefers to keep close to town.

2. Meadfoot Beach to Anstey’s Cove

If you are happy with a more natural coastal path, continue from Meadfoot towards Anstey’s Cove. This is one of the most rewarding short walks near Torquay: the route follows the coast through woodland and above rocky inlets, giving a real sense of leaving the busy resort behind.

Anstey’s Cove is small, peaceful and particularly attractive on a clear day. The water can look remarkably blue in the sunshine, and there are benches and viewpoints where you can pause before heading back. The path can be uneven and there are slopes, so sturdy footwear is a better choice than sandals.

This section is not the easiest option for guests with limited mobility, but it is ideal for walkers who want scenery without committing to a full-day hike. Give yourself around two hours for the return walk, longer if you plan to stop at the beach.

3. Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach

Babbacombe Downs offers one of the finest views on the English Riviera, yet the top path itself is straightforward and largely level. From the Downs, look out across Lyme Bay towards the distant coastline, then follow the promenade at a gentle pace. It is a particularly pleasant spot in the late afternoon, when the light softens over the sea.

For those who want to reach Oddicombe Beach below, there is a steep descent on foot. The beach is tucked beneath striking red cliffs and feels separate from the centre of Torquay. The climb back up is demanding, so many visitors prefer to enjoy the views from the top and save their energy for a longer walk elsewhere.

This is a good route to choose when different members of your group have different walking abilities. Some can enjoy an easy promenade along the Downs, while keener walkers can make the trip down to the beach.

4. Babbacombe to St Marychurch

Not every worthwhile coastal walk has to stay beside the water. From Babbacombe Downs, a short walk into St Marychurch makes a pleasant addition to a sea-view stroll. The village has an established, local feel, with independent shops and places to stop for refreshments.

The route gives you the best of both worlds: open coastal views at Babbacombe, followed by a gentle wander through one of Torquay’s more characterful neighbourhoods. It is useful on a breezier day, too, when the exposed clifftops may feel a little fresh.

Allow an hour or so for a relaxed return walk from the Downs, excluding any time spent browsing or stopping for lunch. It is mostly paved, although the streets rise and fall slightly.

5. Torquay Seafront to Cockington

For a longer but gentler walk, head from the seafront towards Cockington. Rather than a rugged cliff path, this route takes you through the Torre Abbey area and onwards towards Cockington Country Park, where lakes, woodland and parkland replace the bustle of the promenade.

Cockington village is a lovely place to slow down. Thatched cottages, craft studios and the old country park setting make it feel a world away from the harbour, despite being close by. Families often enjoy this walk because there is room for children to explore, while adults can take in the gardens and surroundings.

The exact route can vary depending on where you begin, but it is usually best treated as a half-day outing once you include a stop in the village. Much of the way is manageable in ordinary walking shoes, though paths through the park can be muddy after rain.

6. Torquay Harbour to Torre Abbey Sands

This is one of the easiest and most accessible walks in town, and it is a fine choice for an evening before dinner. From the harbour, follow the promenade west towards Princess Gardens, the seafront and Torre Abbey Sands. The bay stays in view for most of the route, with plenty of benches if you would rather take a leisurely pace.

It is not a wild coastal route, but that is exactly its strength. You are close to cafés, public facilities, shops and the main beach, making it a sensible option for families with younger children, visitors using mobility aids, or anyone who simply wants fresh air without a steep climb.

At high season it can be busy, particularly in the middle of the day. An early morning walk is quieter and gives the harbour a completely different feel.

7. The South West Coast Path towards Hope’s Nose

Walkers looking for a more dramatic stretch should consider the path from the Meadfoot area towards Hope’s Nose. This headland is known for its striking limestone cliffs, open views and sense of space. It feels wilder than the central seafront, even though it is still close to Torquay.

The route needs a little more care than the promenade walks. Ground can be rough, drops are close to the path in places, and the exposed position means conditions can change quickly. It is best suited to confident walkers wearing proper shoes, and it is not the route to choose in very strong winds.

The reward is a quieter side of the Riviera. On a clear day, the views out to sea are superb, and birdwatchers may spot plenty of activity around the cliffs. There is no need to rush to a set destination - walking out to a viewpoint and returning the same way can make a satisfying outing.

8. Anstey’s Cove to Babbacombe

For a scenic point-to-point option, join up Anstey’s Cove and Babbacombe along the coast. This is a more energetic route than the town-centre walks, with woodland sections, gradients and uneven surfaces, but it brings together some of the area’s best cliff and sea scenery.

It is worth allowing plenty of time, carrying water and checking how you plan to return. Some walkers enjoy making it a one-way route and using local transport or a taxi back, particularly if they do not fancy retracing the hills. If you have a dog with you, keep them under close control near cliff edges and be mindful of livestock or wildlife on quieter stretches.

Making the most of Torquay’s coastal paths

The best walk depends on what you want from the day. For level ground and easy stops, stay around the harbour, seafront and Babbacombe Downs. For coves and more natural scenery, Meadfoot, Anstey’s Cove and Hope’s Nose are better choices, but expect hills and less even footing.

Tide times matter if you are planning time on the beach, while weather matters on the exposed paths. A bright but breezy day can be perfect for Babbacombe Downs; a calmer day is often better for lingering at Meadfoot or Anstey’s Cove. In summer, setting off earlier avoids the busiest periods and leaves time to enjoy the beach afterwards.

A well-located base makes these outings much simpler. From Tor Dean Guest House, guests can enjoy breakfast, leave the car parked and set out for the seafront or town at a relaxed pace. After a day on the coast, a warm shower and a quiet evening are often just what tired legs need.

There is no need to tackle the longest path to enjoy Torquay’s coastline. Choose a route that suits your day, stop when a view catches your eye, and leave a little time for the simple pleasure of sitting beside the bay.