Where to swim with kids: a parent’s guide

Torbay is unusual on the south coast for shallow, gently-shelving beaches and a sheltered bay that knocks the swell off the prevailing wind. Three beaches stand out for swimming with younger children.

Goodrington Sands

The flagship family beach. Long, flat, sheltered, lifeguarded in season. Splashdown water park is at the back, the steam railway runs along the cliff above. Parking can be horrific in August – get there by 9am or after 4pm.

Meadfoot Beach

A long sandy bay east of Torquay harbour with a smaller crowd, a tidal sea pool at the far end, and a cafe at the back. Park at the top, walk down. Calmest water in the bay on a south-westerly.

Oddicombe Beach

Reached via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway (a journey in itself), Oddicombe is shingle rather than sand but has the most consistent swimming water – protected by the headland in all but easterly winds.

For confident swimmers: Maidencombe (smaller, quieter) and Broadsands (south of Paignton) are worth the walk.