Watcombe Beach — Attraction in England

I have to preface this by saying that I love Watcombe Beach, however, it is critical that all those considering going know the negatives.

The extreme disrepair of the facilities, including all access routes, roads and footpaths, mean that this beach will be completely inaccessible to for many people, and very hard to access for emergency services.

The road and footpaths have been shifted by land movement over the years and has been completely destroyed in some areas. This includes the final steps and ramp onto the beach. If you have any physical accessibility requirements, you will not be able to access the beach.

Many able bodied people struggle to get back up the hill and need multiple breaks. If you struggle, you may find yourself stuck in an area that emergency services struggle to access.

The council has 'Closed' the beach, however, if you wish to go there are no constructed obstructions, just the damaged roads and paths themselves. This does mean that the toilets have been closed and are pretty much destroyed. The land movement is only going to continue occurring, so if the council is able to make the major repairs required it will require constant monitoring and maintenance.

The stoney beach and the surrounding woodland are still as amazing as ever. If you have no physical difficulties traversing a rocky walk and have no aversions to very long steep hills, you'll more than likely find what you're looking for here. Just be aware that you'll be tired on the way back up and in need of the bathroom.

As I said at the start, I love this place. I visit often and enjoy it every time I go. However, some of my family are not able to enjoy or access the beach. I hope you can enjoy it too, it's just important to know!

Reminder, please don't litter. As the area is closed, there are no maintained bins and anything you leave will either remain there forever or go into the sea. You are the only thing that will prevent that. Bottles, tins or illegal BBQ, be prepared to...

Walked from Babbacombe to here along the South West Coastal Path. Took about 40mins. Beautiful views of the stunning coast long the way.

Beach is officially closed.

A lovely gentle walk not too difficult in dry conditions.

There are a few difficult sections along the SW Coast Path.

When you join the steep road to the beach at the half way point, you will find closed up toilets and a beach that is closed for safety reasons.

You can access the beach, as some people were, however, this would be at your own risk.

The final descent to the beach area is very tricky with steps and broken pathways due to earth movements.

Worth a visit to admire the view and for a lovely quiet place to paddle and relax

BUT......

Remember that it is clearly closed...

Gorgeous, beautiful and picturesque beach but a very very steep walk down. We parked in the carpark nearby, however when we got to the gates a sign said 'beach closed'. We carried on walking down as there were other cars in the carpark. However, it was a very steep walk down and the road/path was very uneven and had eroded away. Once we were down there the beach was beautiful. Clear water, lots of rocks and pebbly beach. No facilities - lots of rubbish dumped near the closed cafe on the way back up - very unsightly! But the beach was very peaceful and tranquil. The walk back up was very...