Ness Cove in the picturesque county of Devon is one of the British coast’s best kept secrets, and is unique in how it’s only accessible through a special tunnel
A beautiful beach is hidden along the UK coastline – but you can only get there by going through a tunnel.
Ness Cove in Shaldon, near Exeter boasts a dramatic set of cliffs, a nice beach, secluded surroundings and an entrance like no other. One of Devon’s best kept secrets, many people do not realise it’s there until they pop through the dark secret tunnel and are greeted by an exceptional coastline view.
In an area of the country often bustling with day-trippers in the summer thanks to its award-winning beaches and picturesque coastal towns, Ness Cove offers a rare bit of seclusion and privacy – and the feeling that you’ve just uncovered something very special. Here are six features of Ness Cove that make it worth checking out:
Tunnel
The beach at Ness Cove is only accessible by a five minute walk through an old stone-built tunnel dug into the cliffs. But you don’t need to worry about bringing your own torch, as it’s lit up by a string of lights on the ceiling. It’s located close to the village’s little zoo, and opens out to a fantastic view a few metres above the beach.
The entrance lies directly next to an even older now boarded-up tunnel, which local legend says was made by smugglers bringing in goods from far ashore in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cargoes of tea, tobacco, spices, silks and spirits would have been brought in the dead of night to avoid paying duties to the crown at major seaports.
Privacy
Not as busy as some of the other beaches in Devon, Ness Cove has a secluded feel that comes with its unusual entrance and the fact that it’s essentially sealed off from all of the surrounding world. Looking back you can see the cliffs and in front of you is the sea, with no noise or roads around to disturb you.
Cliffs
The towering red cliffs overlooking the beach are a special feature of the cove, and are partly covered by lush greenery. They’re very old indeed, and form part of the Jurassic Coast along the south of England
Beach
The beach is a mixture of shingle and sand, making it not too hard and not too soft. It’s also never too far from sea, meaning you don’t have to spend ages trudging out to the water.
Sea
If you fancy a dip in the sea you’ll be in the right place, as Ness Cove opens out right into the English Channel. You can swim or paddle to your heart’s content – but just be careful to check when the high tide is, as the water can come close into the cliffs, creating a dramatic spectacle.
Easily accessible
Despite being hidden, Ness Cove is quite accessible. It’s located just across from the village of Shaldon and is only a short drive from Exeter city centre, which is well connected to the rest of the UK by public transport.
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