Best Sunset Spots in Torquay

Short answer: Torquay faces east across Tor Bay, which makes it better for sunrise than sunset. The evening light works from Babbacombe Downs looking along the coast, from Cockington inland, and from the harbour once the lights come on.

Torquay is a sunrise town

Worth saying plainly, because a lot of guides pretend otherwise. Torquay faces east across Tor Bay towards Brixham and the open channel. The sun comes up over the water here and goes down behind the town. If you want a classic sun-into-the-sea sunset, you are on the wrong coast — that is Woolacombe and Croyde, two hours north.

What Torquay does have is very good early-evening light on the bay, and some high ground to see it from.

Babbacombe Downs

The highest promenade in England, and the best viewpoint in Torquay at any time of day. Looking along the coast rather than straight out, you get the western sky behind you lighting up the cliffs and the sea in front — which is often more interesting than the sunset itself.

Free to walk, plenty of space, and the cliff railway down to Oddicombe runs until early evening if you want to combine it.

Cockington

Inland, free, and facing the right way. The country park has open ground, lakes and woodland with a western aspect, and the Drum Inn for afterwards. For an actual sunset within Torquay's boundaries, this is the most reliable option.

The harbour at dusk

Do not overlook it. The sunset may be behind you, but the harbour and Victoria Parade with the lights coming on and the boats moored up is the best evening scene in the town — and everywhere to eat and drink is right there.

Meadfoot and Maidencombe

Both are quieter and both face east, so they are morning beaches rather than evening ones. Maidencombe is dramatic out of season when the sea is rough, which is a different reason to go at the end of the day.

Timing

Arrive half an hour before sunset and stay twenty minutes after it. The afterglow is usually better than the sunset itself, and almost everyone leaves the moment the sun touches the horizon — so the best light and the emptiest viewpoint arrive at the same time.

Practical

• Take a torch. Devon coast paths are unlit and the walk back is in the dark.
• Stay back from cliff edges. The ground gives way, and you cannot see where it starts.
• Check when the car park closes — several on this coast lock their gates.
• It gets cold fast once the sun goes, even in July. Take a layer.

Afterwards

Twenty1 has a rooftop garden bar with harbour views and stays open past midnight at weekends. Ollie's on Torwood Street does steaks and the best cocktails in the bay, closed Mondays.