Shaldon Beaches

Overview

Shaldon, a charming village nestled on the South Devon coast at the mouth of the Teign estuary, offers a delightful and often more tranquil beach experience. Visitors frequently wonder about its suitability for a relaxing getaway, and indeed, Shaldon provides a less commercial atmosphere compared to some larger seaside towns. The coastline here is known for its striking red cliffs, framing a variety of beaches that cater to different preferences, from bustling village spots to hidden coves.

The heart of the village is Shaldon Beach, a mix of sand and shingle popular for watersports, though caution is advised for swimming due to strong currents. For a truly unique experience, discover Ness Cove Beach, reached via a historic smuggler's tunnel. This mainly shingle beach is a favoured spot for swimming and welcomes dogs year-round. Across the estuary, a quick and scenic ferry ride takes you to the classic seaside attractions of Teignmouth Beach. Encouragingly, the bathing water quality in the area has consistently been rated as excellent.

For those seeking quieter escapes, Maidencombe Beach offers a secluded sandy cove framed by dramatic cliffs. Nearby, Dawlish Warren Beach is a popular choice, known for its extensive sandy stretches and important nature reserve. Shaldon is also considered a wonderful destination for families looking for a relaxed coastal holiday. While these highlights offer a taste, our guide features a longer list of beaches waiting to be explored in and around Shaldon.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Shaldon a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Shaldon is considered a good destination for a family beach holiday. It offers a more relaxed and less commercial atmosphere compared to some other South Devon towns. Shaldon Beach is popular with local families and is suitable for swimming, paddling, and exploring rock pools. Ness Cove, accessed via the Smugglers Tunnel, provides a more secluded beach experience. The village also has attractions like the Shaldon Wildlife Trust and events such as the Shaldon Water Carnival and Regatta, which are family-friendly.

Ness Cove Beach

Can you swim at Shaldon Beach?

While Shaldon Beach is popular for various watersports including swimming, it's important to be aware that it is not patrolled by lifeguards. Additionally, signs warn of strong currents, a deep shelving beach, and motorised craft in the area, so swimming is not recommended by Teignbridge District Council on Shaldon Beach itself due to these strong tidal currents. Ness Cove is mentioned as a good swimming area, with yellow marker buoys indicating areas where boats are not permitted, offering a safer environment for swimmers.

Ness Cove Beach

Which beach in Shaldon is best for dogs?

Ness Cove Beach in Shaldon permits dogs all year round and is a popular choice for dog owners due to its secluded nature. Shaldon Beach has restrictions: dogs are not permitted from 1st April to 30th September between Clipper Quay and the steps at the east end of the beach. However, dogs are allowed all year east of these steps.

Ness Cove Beach

How do you get to Ness Cove Beach?

Ness Cove Beach is famously accessed via an old Smugglers Tunnel. The entrance to the tunnel is near The Ness House pub and the Ness car park. The tunnel involves a sloping path and some steps leading down to the secluded beach.

Ness Cove Beach

Are there any beach hut rentals in Shaldon?

Yes, there are luxury beach huts available for holiday rental in Shaldon, offering a unique waterside experience right on the edge of the beach. These often come well-equipped with modern facilities.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What is the Smugglers Tunnel in Shaldon like?

The Smugglers Tunnel is a historic passageway cut through the red cliffs, leading to Ness Cove. It's described as a bit eerie or spooky by some, but it is lit. The tunnel has a sloping path and some steep steps towards the end. It's a unique and memorable way to access the hidden beach.

Ness Cove Beach

Is Shaldon Beach sandy?

Shaldon Beach is a mixture of sand and shingle. It gently slopes towards the Teign estuary. Ness Cove is described as mainly shingle, also graduating gently towards the sea.

Ness Cove Beach

What's the parking like for Shaldon beaches?

Parking in Shaldon village can be challenging as it's an old fishing village not designed for cars. There are two main car parks: the King George V short-stay car park near the bridge, and the larger, long-stay Ness car park, which is a 5-10 minute walk to Shaldon Beach and provides access to Ness Cove. On-street parking is limited and seasonal restrictions often apply.

Ness Cove Beach

People Also Ask

Can you get to Teignmouth from Shaldon easily?

Yes, you can easily travel between Shaldon and Teignmouth using the historic passenger ferry. It's reputed to be the oldest passenger ferry in England and operates regularly from Shaldon Beach across the Teign estuary to Teignmouth.

Teignmouth Beach

Are there places to eat and drink near Shaldon beaches?

Yes, Shaldon village has several pubs, cafes, and restaurants close to Shaldon Beach. For Ness Cove, The Ness House pub and the Ode Cafe are nearby, with facilities also available at the top of the Smugglers Tunnel.

Ness Cove Beach

What is Shaldon like compared to Teignmouth for a holiday?

Shaldon is generally considered a quieter, more unspoilt village with a strong community feel, offering a more relaxing holiday experience. Teignmouth, across the estuary, is a larger town with a livelier atmosphere, more shops, and traditional seaside attractions. Shaldon is often described as less commercial.

What is the water quality like at Shaldon beaches?

The bathing water quality at Shaldon has been classified as 'excellent' in recent years, including 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 according to Environment Agency samples. Ness Cove is also a Marine Conservation Society recommended beach.

Ness Cove Beach

Are Shaldon beaches good for watersports?

Yes, Shaldon Beach, due to its location at the mouth of the River Teign, is suitable for a number of watersports including sailing, fishing, canoeing, and rowing. Ness Cove also provides a good swimming area.

Ness Cove Beach

What is there to do in Shaldon besides the beaches?

Besides its beaches, Shaldon offers attractions such as the Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Shaldon Botanical Gardens, and Shaldon Approach Golf. The village itself is picturesque with charming cottages and local shops. There are also coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, including a notable walk to Labrador Bay. The historic passenger ferry to Teignmouth is another popular activity.

Are there lifeguards at Shaldon beaches?

No, neither Shaldon Beach nor Ness Cove Beach are patrolled by lifeguards. Visitors are advised to be aware of water safety, especially at Shaldon Beach where strong tidal currents can occur.

Ness Cove Beach