Shaldon
Shaldon
Shaldon is quintessentially English, especially when locals play bowls on the tiny central village green. You could even think the Spanish Armada may be appearing off the Ness at any moment! As you would expect, the green is overlooked by the local pub, and each Wednesday in the season, there is a local gift market, the 1785 day! People dress up in Georgian costumes, and there are often entertainers, including local musicians.
​
The green is central to the Village; leading off from this, you can explore further inland (but not too far) or walk to the water's edge, where you can walk down the estuary at low and mid tide. The estuary stretches across to Teignmouth, its larger neighbour, and the UK's oldest running ferry from the beach can reach it! The main channel is relatively deep water, so you will see the occasional larger industrial boat moving up or down the far channel under the guidance of the Shaldon and Teignmouth Pilot.
​
Walking to the top of Shaldon, along the shore front and then a narrow road, you will find the Shaldon Wildlife Centre, a dedicated conservation “zoo.” This “Trust” is next to the public car park, the most accessible place to park to reach the Ness beach.
Golf: There is always golf to be played, and with the steep contours of this region, it’s not a course for the faint-hearted! The course is situated above Shaldon and a little distance toward Torquay. The coastal footpath runs in both directions and alongside the Golf course, but it’s a couple of hours' walk to Torquay and has some severe inclines! You may need some training first! The beauty of this walk, however, is the views, which are spectacular across Lyme Bay from many vantage points.
​
There are several restaurants and pubs in Shaldon, and they are well worth a visit. Most have been renovated recently and offer excellent fare. We will be listing some shortly.
​
If you are a fisherman, then Shaldon and the River Teign is for you. The area is famous for its summer bass fishing from the estuary mouth, off a boat or from the shore or the deep water channel off the bridge. Winter brings flounder and plaice. Bass can be caught on lure or using live sand eel, purchased from the sandbar in Teignmouth.
​
There’s also Ness Cove, which lies at the foot of the high-rise Ness Headland. Ness Cove is accessed via an original Smugglers tunnel, which is a couple of minutes long and has some steps. It is one of our most secluded and picturesque beaches, but it is often not found. Shaldon Tourist Information Centre near Ness Cove Beach is also seasonal, so check for details on opening dates and times.
​
In 1909, the ferry entered the modern era and installed an engine. There were no more oars, and when the tide was high, you may imagine they were relieved when petrol replaced muscle! The boats have been traditionally painted black and white for 300 years and remain this way today! Records show that a ferry has been operating since the 13th century—before the Pilgrim Fathers reached their new home!
​
To find out more about this great place, visit the Shaldon tourist website. This is a picture of the tunnel to the beach and back!
