Torcross is at the water's edge and as a result has been at the mercy of the sea on numerous occasions. Recently in 1951 and 1979 it was nearly demolished. The present sea wall dates from 1980.

Although the busy A379 passes along the narrow coastal strip between the sea and Slapton Ley inland, walking along the beach is pleasant and avoids the road.

Slapton Ley is Devon's largest natural freshwater lake. It was created at the end of the last Ice Age when the shingle bank was formed by retreating glaciers. In the water, which is nowhere deeper than about 9ft (3m), live eels and pike, which grow to a large size and keep the duck population in check.

Nearby is a Field Studies Centre, established by the Studies Council, and used by students.

The area was made a protected area for birds as long ago as 1896.