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CampCompass
The Downs
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Torquay

The Downs

4.0(0)
Price on Pitchup
50.479°N, 3.514°W
Campsite
Stock
📷 Unsplash · region-matched

Dawn light catches the curve of Tor Bay through the guest house windows, that particular soft gold you only get on the English Riviera coast before the day crowds arrive.

The Downs bridges two worlds — proper camping pods for those who want their own outdoor space, and guest house rooms for when you fancy a proper bed and someone else making breakfast. It's year-round, which makes it useful for winter coast walkers or off-season couples chasing those clear November skies over Torbay. Dog owners should ask ahead — there's flexibility, but it varies by room type. Torquay's beaches, the South West Coast Path, and Agatha Christie country are all on the doorstep, and you're well-placed for both the bucket-and-spade side of the bay and the rockier, wilder stretches toward Brixham.

WiFi's available throughout, campfires are a check-on-arrival situation depending on pitch and conditions. The vibe leans more boutique stopover than traditional campsite — clean, comfortable, fairly polished, with that guest house attentiveness you either appreciate or find a bit much depending on your camping style.

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Weather Outlook
Current Conditions
18°C
Overcast
10 mph
89%
7-Day Outlook
Today
20° / 11°
23%
Sun
21° / 17°
55%
Mon
22° / 16°
24%
Tue
20° / 14°
41%
Wed
17° / 12°
13%
Thu
17° / 13°
53%
Fri
17° / 11°
43%
Source: Open-Meteo · Updated hourly
Walks Nearby

Local walks within 10 km

12 routes found via OpenStreetMap

Torquay Harbour Trail

Loops around Torquay's working harbour on mostly flat, paved paths ideal for buggies, wheelchairs and families with toddlers. Dogs welcome on leads. Expect harbour views, fishing boats, cafés and the chance to watch boats coming and going. Perfect for a gentle waterside stroll with easy access to town amenities, ice cream stops and maritime atmosphere without any challenging terrain.

Walking routeLocal network
2.27 km from campsite

South West Coast Path (Section 42: Brixham to Babbacombe)

National Trails logoNational Trails

Follows dramatic clifftop terrain with steep climbs and descents throughout, including challenging ascents at Berry Head and Sharkham Point. Not suitable for buggies or young children due to rugged, uneven paths and sheer drops. Dogs welcome on leads near cliff edges and livestock. Rewards with spectacular red sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping Torbay views, plus wildlife spotting opportunities at Berry Head National Nature Reserve.

Hiking routeNational trail
4.38 km from campsite

John Musgrave Heritage Trail

Follows the scenic River Teign through woodland and meadows near Newton Abbot with mostly flat, easy terrain ideal for families and buggies on surfaced sections. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Celebrates local heritage with interpretive panels about the area's industrial past, millworking history and natural environment. A gentle, accessible route combining riverside tranquillity with fascinating insights into South Devon's social history—perfect for a leisurely educational wander.

Hiking routeRegional network
6.94 km from campsite

South West Coast Path (Section 43: Babbacombe to Exmouth)

National Trails logoNational Trails

Follows dramatic red sandstone cliffs with steep ascents and descents throughout – this is classic Devon coastal terrain with challenging climbs in and out of coves. Not suitable for buggies or very young children due to clifftop exposure and relentless gradients. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock and cliff edges. Spectacular views across Lyme Bay, secluded beaches, picturesque fishing villages like Teignmouth and Dawlish, plus the unique experience of walking alongside the mainline railway w

Hiking routeNational trail
9.01 km from campsite

Torbay Totnes Trail (3T)

Follows a scenic 21-mile route between Torbay's coast and the historic market town of Totnes, blending coastal paths, riverbanks, and countryside trails. Terrain varies from flat seafront sections to moderate climbs inland, with some steep stretches near Totnes. Suitable for confident older children but not buggies due to uneven surfaces and stiles. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Links beaches, woodlands and charming Devon villages, offering coastal views and tranquil river scenery worth

Hiking routeLocal network
7.82 km from campsite

Walk data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Open in Maps uses Google / Apple Maps

Reel a fish near your pitch

Fisheries within 10 km

3 found · OpenStreetMap

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Facilities
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Nearby

Pubs, shops & services within 5 km

Data from OpenStreetMap · distances "as the crow flies" · walk times approximate

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