Ness Beach

Ness Beach, also known as Ness Cove, is a secluded sandy beach located on the south coast of Devon, England.

Ness Cove is a remote, secluded sandy beach approximately 950 metres wide, backed by the characteristic red cliffs of the Devon coastline. The beach is tucked away underneath the cliffs of the Ness Headland and is popular with locals due to its seclusion and tranquility.

Access to the beach is through the Smuggler's Tunnel, which leads visitors through the rocks of the Jurassic Cliffs out onto the beach. The tunnel's history is unclear, but the cove itself was once a haunt of smugglers. Beyond the tunnel, steps lead down to the beach, which can be slippery when wet, making access difficult for those with mobility problems.

At low tide, a delightful beach of fine red shingle and coarse sand is revealed, suitable for children to explore and hunt for crabs and shellfish in the many rock-pools. However, the sand is not ideal for building sandcastles. Marker buoys prevent boats from getting too close to the designated swimming area, but there is no lifeguard service. Visitors are advised to check tide tables before visiting, as most of the beach is submerged at high tide.

There are no facilities on the actual beach, but toilets, shops, and cafes can be found at the cliff-top end of the tunnel. The beach is dog-friendly, with no restrictions on dog-walkers apart from the usual duty to clean up after their pets, and a designated dog-exercise area. In the evenings, the beach is sometimes available for private barbecues. Visitors are advised to avoid the area of beach directly underneath the cliffs due to the risk of rock-falls.

Ness Cove is located just around the headland from Shaldon beach, on the South Devon Coast. The beach is backed by the 18-hole Shaldon Approach Golf Course, and the South East coast path runs alongside the golf course.

Ness Beach is adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Cove Sand Shingle

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