Ness Cove
Ness Cove guide: a secluded shingle cove at Shaldon reached through the Smugglers Tunnel, with rock pools, yellow swim buoys and dogs welcome all year.
At a Glance
Beach Type
shingle
Dogs
Yes - year-round
Lifeguard
No
Access
Moderate (steps/path)
Activities
Stay near Ness Cove
Closest cottage just 400m away
Ness Cove is a shingle cove enclosed by the red cliffs of Ness Headland, at Shaldon. The only way onto the beach is the Smugglers Tunnel, a passage through the cliff with a sloping path and steps. It suits a quiet day of rock pools and a paddle, and dogs are welcome all year.
The Smugglers Tunnel
The beach is reached through the original Smugglers Tunnel, which has a sloping path and steps. Some people believe smugglers built the tunnel, while others think the owners of Ness House cut it in the 1800s to reach the beach. The tunnel has a dark entrance and a winding path through the cliff, ending in a view of the beach.
The beach and swimming
The cove is mostly shingle, with patches of coarse red sand that show at low tide, backed by towering red cliffs and full of rock pools. The water is usually calm, and yellow marker buoys keep boats out of the swim zone.
There is no lifeguard on duty, so stay alert, especially with small children.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted at Ness Cove all year round, unlike neighbouring Shaldon Beach, which has a summer ban. Clean up after your dog.
Nearby
The cove is easy to reach from nearby towns such as Teignmouth and Torquay. Teignmouth’s beaches are the obvious next stop, and Torquay’s coves, including Babbacombe and Anstey’s Cove, make a second day.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to Ness Cove?
- Through the Smugglers Tunnel in the cliff at Shaldon, which has a sloping path and some steps. The beach lies at the foot of Ness Headland.
- Are dogs allowed at Ness Cove?
- Yes. Dogs are permitted at Ness Cove all year round, with no summer ban.
- Is Ness Cove lifeguarded?
- No. There is no lifeguard on duty, so stay alert, especially with small children.
- What is the beach like?
- It is mostly shingle, with patches of coarse red sand at low tide and plenty of rock pools, enclosed by red sandstone cliffs.