Life’s A Beach

One of the biggest draws of tourists to the Bay is our beautiful coastline, soft, sandy beaches, and gloriously warm microclimate. With easy-access town centres, quaint hidden coves, being part of global geopark and more fish and chip shops than you could throw a seagull at, you’d expect it to be a surfing hotspot, right?



For an area of the UK which is so heavily dependent on beach tourism, Torbay Council seems to have completely neglected - and in some cases, actively made decisions detrimental to - our local beaches. Torbay Council uses South West Water to supply the area, which has had severe consequences for the quality of our local water. Just last year, South West Water was fined £2.1 million pounds for committing pollution offences across the Devon and Cornwall areas, and Paignton and Brixham were still affected by the Cryptosporidium outbreak almost a month after the first few cases. This damages tourism which is the life blood of the area.

There are a number of thriving watersports companies such as Freedom Boat Club, and there have been several surf schools set up around the Bay in hopes of attracting the same middle-class surfer bros that injected fresh cash into Cornwall. And many of these small businesses are doing a great job, with highly experienced instructors, and headquarters located conveniently close to the beach. Tor Bay, Torquay and Paignton have been a popular UK tourism destinations for nearly 200 years, and our locals are proud of our area’s natural beauty that keeps tourists coming back year after year. 

However, there’s no escaping South West Water’s damaging practices. Surfing communities are passionate about marine conservation, and take great pride in maintaining the cleanliness and biodiversity of local beaches. So it’s no great surprise that this irresponsible attitude towards our beloved beaches has caused the Bay to be slated online by experienced surfers. 

One wrote, “…I have surfed it twice in four years and got really sick due to the sewage outfalls.”

A letter from members of the public to South West Water addressed the community’s concerns, highlighting that not only was the water highly polluted, but beach-goers were not adequately informed of the situation:

“The only way we can obtain information about water quality at (Meadfoot) beach is via the Surfers Against Sewage web site.”

And as if the pollution weren’t enough, antisocial behaviour and other social issues have caused Tor Bay’s once beautiful beaches to be covered in litter. Just walking along Paignton seafront this morning, I was worried to be wearing my sandals, due to the amount of smashed alcohol bottles on the pavements. The Council seems to like blaming these social issues on a ‘minority’ of irresponsible people but fails to care enough to clear it up. However, it’s important to note that these problems do not occur in a vacuum. More likely, it has to do with the lower than average wage, risks increased homelessness, lack-lustre policing, and drug and alcohol abuse problems.

Perhaps, we should take a leaf out of the Victorians’ book and return Torbay to its former glory as a health spa destination? In its heyday, millions would flock to Torbay to take in the sea air, which was reputed to be a miracle cure for everything from stress to tuberculosis. And while that may not be considered scientifically sound these days, there is certainly something to be said for the holistic health benefits of spending time outside, in a tranquil, natural environment. After all, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are referred to as the English Riviera, abundant with exquisite scenery, and the soothing sounds of the waves. 

So perhaps instead of investing in shopping centres, corporate hotels and road reorganisation schemes, maybe Torbay Council should consider appreciating the beauty that’s right on their doorstep. Perhaps allocate some of their budget to mindfulness classes, or perhaps a beach yoga class, à la California?