Help us achieve cleaner seas and beaches

MCS now recommends twice as many
beaches for excellent water quality than 10 years ago. To continue we need your help...

Babbacombe Bay. Torquay

Photograph: Derek Harper

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Torquay, Devon

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Lat/Long

50.5N 3.5W

Water grade 2011

MCS Recommended — Highest UK standard for bathing water quality. Only sites with properly treated
continuous sewage discharge (if any) considered. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Guideline - European standard for good water quality. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Basic pass - European minimum standard for water quality. Waterborne pathogens present in quantities
known to cause illness. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Fail – Failed the European minimum standard. Waterborne pathogens present in high levels.
MCS advises against swimming. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Stay out of the sea for at least 48 hours after a storm to avoid exposure to storm pollution.

See our "Clean seas matter" page to find out more about water quality standards.

Guideline standard

2011: Guideline standard

2010: MCS Recommended

2009: MCS Recommended

2008: MCS Recommended

Local sewage outflows

Sewage discharges which may be affecting the water quality at this beach.
See "Clean seas matter" to find out more about sewage treatment.

combined sewer overflow

European designated bathing water

European Designated beaches are officially recognised bathing
waters which have to meet European water quality standards.

Lifeguarded

No lifeguard service

Torquay and the surrounding area is one of Britain's most popular seaside destinations. Noted for its relatively mild climate abundant palm trees and subtropical vegetation.

Beach type

Sand

Local facilities

Food, toilets

Litter

Beach cleaned daily during the summer

Parking

Car parking is widely available.

Things to do

Swimming, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, boat and pedalo hire. Babbacombe is well known for its scuba diving as the harbour is protected from most wind directions. The water is accessed down a gently shelving shingle beach.

Wildlife & walks

The South Devon Coast Path extends around the bay offering glorious views. The mild climate encourages unusually luxuriant plant life and the area is favoured by rare butterflies.