To access Ness Cove Beach in Shaldon, visitors must first navigate the historic Smugglers Tunnel – a confined passageway featuring sloping pathways and steps descending towards the coastline. The peculiar and somewhat intimidating entrance has sparked considerable curiosity online after TikTok account @ukhiddengems posted footage revealing precisely what lies inside the tunnel. Despite the rather eerie approach, visitors insist the beach awaiting at the far end is utterly magnificent.
According to Visit South Devon, Ness Cove ranks amongst the region’s hidden treasures. A statement reads: “Nestled amidst sheltering cliffs, Ness Cove stands out as one of our most secluded and scenic beaches.”
The tourism website also highlights how reaching the beach via the original Smugglers Tunnel forms part of what makes the destination so unforgettable for those who venture there. Situated near popular destinations including Teignmouth and Torquay, the beach has grown increasingly sought-after amongst both residents and holidaymakers seeking somewhere more tranquil, removed from crowded coastal resorts.
The beach itself comprises predominantly shingle, sloping gradually towards the water, rendering it a favoured swimming location during milder months. However, numerous visitors claim the genuine attraction lies in the feeling of seclusion and tranquillity provided by the imposing cliffs encircling the cove.
While many people online expressed their eagerness to visit, others joked that the spot ought to remain a well-guarded local secret. One person commented: “Many a happy day there, when I was a child 50 years ago!”
Another added: “Ness Beach… shhhhh don’t tell… we love it there.” Others confessed the tunnel itself evoked childhood memories, with one visitor saying: “I still get scared remembering how my brothers would hide along the tunnel and jump out on me!”
Reviews on TripAdvisor have similarly commended the beach, with one visitor describing it as “the most unusual but enjoyable walk to a beach” they had experienced. Another added: “It’s a lovely wide beach and less busy than others nearby. Good fun.”