Devon, England, United Kingdom

Ness Cove Beach

Ness Cove Beach is a small, secluded beach cove known for its unique accessibility. The beach can only be reached either from the sea by boat or through a tunnel that has been carved out of the cliff face. This tunnel, known as the Smugglers tunnel, has a rich history dating back to the olden days when it was used for smuggling contraband to avoid paying taxes. Today, the tunnel is well-kept, clean, and well-lit, featuring a level concrete floor and steps with handrails. However, it should be noted that the tunnel has steep steps and may not be ideal for those with push chairs or prams unless assistance is available.

Once out of the tunnel, visitors are greeted by a wooden balcony with more steps leading down to the beach. The beach itself is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, and can get quite busy. Despite its popularity, the beach retains a sense of seclusion, making it a lovely place to relax and perhaps take a swim.

Discover places to stay near Ness Cove Beach and enjoy the unique experience of accessing the beach through the historic Smugglers tunnel.

In terms of amenities, there is ample parking available at a reasonable cost, as well as easily accessible toilets. There are also a number of eateries nearby for visitors to enjoy. The area surrounding the beach offers great views and walks, with plenty to see and explore, making it possible for visitors to spend an entire day here.

What to do at Ness Cove Beach?

Amenities

Ness Cove Beach amenities include parking and toilet.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Ness Cove Beach include The Bucket & Spade, Cafe-Ode, Ness House Pub, Restaurant & Hotel, Teignmouth, The Clipper Cafe, Crab Shack, LJs Beach Shack and Captains Table.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the unique access to the beach through a tunnel and its historical significance as a former smuggling route as the most liked features. The beach's secluded nature and the beautiful views it offers are also appreciated. However, some visitors find the access challenging due to the steep steps, especially for those with pushchairs or prams.

Where to Stay near Ness Cove Beach?

Visitors to Ness Cove Beach often stay in the nearby town of Shaldon, which offers charming accommodations and is just a short distance away. Others might choose to stay in the larger town of Teignmouth, enjoying its broader range of amenities and the convenience of visiting multiple attractions along the coast.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Ness Cove Beach?

Latitude: 50.5359207 / Longitude: -3.4982899

Ness Cove Beach is located in Devon. The following map of Ness Cove Beach shows the exact location.

Ness Cove Beach: Weather Today

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, making it better suited for a brisk coastal walk than relaxing by the shore. While the sky remains clear and bright throughout the day, the air temperature reaching 13.3 °C feels quite chilly, especially when combined with the strong, persistent breeze blowing across the sand. The sea is far too cold for swimming at 11.9 °C, and with waves reaching 1.5 m, the water is quite turbulent. If you do head out to Ness Cove, make sure to wrap up in warm layers to protect yourself from the wind. It is certainly not a day for sunbathing or lounging, but the fresh air and open horizon offer a refreshing, albeit bracing, experience for those who enjoy the rugged coastline.
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Air

Low / High8.3°C/13.3°C
Feels Like (High)11.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature11.9 °C
Wave Height1.5 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:01/20:22
Sunshine Hours12.9 hrs
UV Index4.25
Cloud Cover0%
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Wind

Speed24.5 km/h
Gusts43.2 km/h
DirectionE

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