Tucked into the northern edge of Torquay, the Babbacombe area is one of the most charming corners of the English Riviera. With its famous miniature village, a historic cliff railway, a sheltered beach and some of the most dramatic red cliffs in the bay, it makes a delightful day out from Paignton — especially with children, but really for visitors of all ages. Here is your guide to Babbacombe and its much-loved Model Village.
The Babbacombe Model Village
The star attraction here is the Babbacombe Model Village, a beautifully crafted miniature world that has been delighting visitors for decades. Set within four acres of award-winning gardens, it features thousands of tiny figures and an extraordinary array of detailed scenes: villages and towns, a working harbour, a tiny football stadium, fields, forests and countless humorous and topical vignettes hidden among the buildings for sharp-eyed visitors to spot. The level of craftsmanship is remarkable, and there is genuine wit in the detail — you will find yourself leaning in for a closer look again and again.
The gardens themselves are a horticultural achievement, with miniature-scale planting and stunning model landscaping that has won numerous awards. As dusk falls in season, the village is transformed by a magical illuminations and light show, with thousands of lights bringing the little world to life. It is the kind of attraction that sounds quaint but charms absolutely everyone who visits, and it is largely enjoyable even in showery weather.
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway
No visit to Babbacombe is complete without a ride on the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway. This funicular railway has been carrying passengers up and down the steep cliff between Babbacombe Downs and Oddicombe Beach since 1926, and it remains a wonderful experience. The short journey saves your legs the steep climb and rewards you with spectacular views over the red cliffs and the blue sea below. For children — and plenty of adults — the little railway is an adventure in itself.
Oddicombe Beach
At the foot of the cliff railway lies Oddicombe Beach, a sheltered beach of sand and shingle set beneath the towering red cliffs. It is a lovely, peaceful spot for a swim, a paddle and a beachside ice cream, with a cafe and the calm, clear waters that the bay is known for. The dramatic cliff backdrop makes it one of the most scenic beaches in Torbay, and arriving by cliff railway only adds to the sense of occasion.
Babbacombe Downs and the views
Above the beach, Babbacombe Downs is a grassy clifftop promenade with some of the finest coastal views in the whole of Devon. On a clear day you can see for miles along the coast, the red cliffs falling away to the sea below. It is a glorious spot for a stroll, a picnic on a bench, or simply standing and drinking in the view. There are cafes and pubs nearby, making it an easy and rewarding place to spend an hour or two.
A great option in mixed weather
One of the appeals of a Babbacombe day is that it works even when the forecast is uncertain. The Model Village has covered areas and is largely enjoyable in light rain, the cliff railway runs whatever the weather, and there are cafes and pubs to duck into if a shower passes through. Combined with the dramatic scenery, it makes a reliable choice for a day when you are not quite sure what the sky will do.
Combining Babbacombe with the rest of Torquay
Because Babbacombe sits at the edge of Torquay, it is easy to combine with the town’s other attractions over the course of your stay — the harbour, Kents Cavern, Torre Abbey and the Agatha Christie connections. You might spend the morning at the Model Village and the afternoon exploring Torquay, or simply make a relaxed half-day of Babbacombe, the cliff railway and the beach. Either way, it is a part of the bay that rewards a visit.
More to see around Babbacombe
The Babbacombe area has more to offer than the Model Village and the cliff railway alone. The clifftop theatre nearby stages shows and entertainment through the season, a traditional seaside treat for an evening out. There are cafes, pubs and ice-cream stops along Babbacombe Downs and down at Oddicombe, and the surrounding coast path offers wonderful walking with those dramatic red cliffs as a constant backdrop. It is an area that rewards a relaxed pace — a wander along the Downs, a ride down to the beach, a paddle and an ice cream, and perhaps a show in the evening make for a lovely, unhurried day.
Tips for visiting the Model Village
To get the most from the Model Village, allow a couple of hours at least — there is far more detail than you expect, and half the fun is spotting the humorous little scenes hidden among the buildings. If you can, time your visit to take in the illuminations as dusk falls in season, when the whole miniature world lights up. Check opening times before you go, as they vary through the year, and consider combining your visit with a ride on the cliff railway and time on Oddicombe Beach to make a full and varied day of it. The village has covered areas, making it a sensible choice when the weather is uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at the Babbacombe Model Village? Allow at least a couple of hours to enjoy the detail, the gardens and, in season, the light show.
Is the Model Village good in the rain? It is largely enjoyable in light rain, with covered areas, making it a good mixed-weather choice.
How old is the Babbacombe Cliff Railway? The funicular has been carrying passengers between Babbacombe Downs and Oddicombe Beach since 1926.
How do I get to Babbacombe from Paignton? It is a short drive or bus ride around the northern arm of the bay, towards the edge of Torquay.
Easy to reach from Paignton
Babbacombe is just a few miles from Paignton, around the northern arm of the bay, so it is easy to reach by car or bus for a day out. From Cranmore Lodge, with its free off-road parking, you can be there in a short drive, explore the Model Village, the cliff railway and the beach, and return to your sea-view base in good time to relax. For more day-out ideas, see our area guide.
Stay at Cranmore Lodge, Paignton
Make Babbacombe one of many easy day trips from a central base in Torbay. View our apartments or check availability and book online.
To enquire, call +44 (0)1803 556278 or email enquiries@cranmorelodge.co.uk. Cranmore Lodge Holiday Apartments, 45 Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NS.