Heads up: the A379 coast road over Slapton Sands is closed after storm damage, so arrive via Kingsbridge. Sea defence works also run on the seafront until spring 2027, and the Tank car park is closed. What it means for your stay →

Visitor information

Torcross sea defence works 2026–27: what visitors need to know

Last updated 24 September 2026. We'll update this page as the works progress.

We'd rather you hear it from us before you book. The Environment Agency is strengthening the sea defences along Torcross seafront with a new rock armour revetment, a scheme worth nearly £20 million. It's being built by Kier, and it will protect the village, the A379 and the homes along the front, including At The Beach, for decades to come. While it's being built, there will be some disruption.

7 Sep 2026Tank car park closes; contractor sets up the site compound
From ~17 OctRock armour placement begins on the beach (subject to marine licence)
Autumn–winterMain rock armour works, about 4–5 months
Spring 2027Main works expected to finish; car park reopens around June 2027

What's happening

Rock armour will be placed in 5-metre sections in low-tide windows, in a band about 25 metres from the sea wall out towards the sea. Work starts at the southern end of the seafront, where At The Beach is, and moves north towards the slipway. The northern slipway is also being extended so it can become the main way down to the beach at lower beach levels.

What it means for your stay

  • Parking: the public Tank car park is closed until around June 2027. At The Beach has its own private, code-controlled car park at the rear for guests.
  • Noise: expect construction noise during working hours, especially while the rocks go in during the autumn and winter. Times follow the tides. Apartments at the back of the building are affected less.
  • Beach access: the long sweep of Slapton Sands stays open, but access right by the works will be limited. Follow on-site signs and fencing.
  • Village life: the Start Bay Inn, the village shop, the coast path and Slapton Ley walks all carry on as normal.
  • Getting here: separately from these works, the A379 along Slapton Sands (Torcross to Strete Gate) has been closed since storm damage in early 2026. Approach Torcross via Kingsbridge.

Booking tip: if quiet matters to you, ask your letting agent which side of the building your apartment faces, and whether they have any flexible terms during the works. Our apartment list links straight to each agent.

Common questions

Is the beach at Torcross still open during the sea defence works?

The wider Slapton Sands beach stays open. Near the southern end of Torcross seafront, access will be affected while rock armour goes in, and the northern slipway is being extended to become the main access point. Follow any signage and fencing on site.

Where can I park in Torcross during the works?

The public Tank car park is closed from 7 September 2026 until around June 2027. At The Beach guests can use the private rear car park, and there's other public parking in the area, including Slapton Ley car parks further along the A379.

Will there be noise?

Probably, during working hours. Rocks are placed at low tide, so work times shift each day with the tides. Apartments at the back of the building will notice it less than seafront ones.

Sources: Stokenham Parish Council, EA update (Aug 2026), South Hams Today, and letting agent guest notices.