One of England’s most secluded beaches is one you can only reach by tunnel

Published on August 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM
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THERE’S a hidden beach in the UK that you’ll have to know the secret way to get to.

Ness Cove is tucked away on the Devon coast in the village of Shaldon.

Ness Cove Beach in Teignmouth, Devon, UK, accessed via Smugglers Tunnel.
Ness Cove is a hidden beach in Devon you can get to by tunnel
Brick tunnel stairs leading down to a beach.
The tunnel takes around five minutes with 86 steps

However, it has one of the most unique ways to visit – the only way to get to it by tunnel.

Called the Smugglers Tunnel, it was thought to have been used by smugglers transporting their goods from the boats to the village.

However, little else is known about the tunnel itself.

It has since been renovated, with lighting throughout so you can clearly see to the end.

Expect a walk – there are 86 steps, with the tunnel taking around five minutes.

And at the end there is a steep drop, meaning a steep walk back up to the top at the end of the day,

However, at the end is the beach, which you can expect to be extremely quiet.

The beach is made up of shingle and red sand.

Being surrounded by cliffs, the beach is also warmer and less windy than some of the other beaches.

Of course, being so secluded, don’t expect much else there like toilets or cafes.

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Most of these are found at the other end of the tunnel, so you will have to trek back to Shaldon .

Most people praised how quiet the beach is, due to its hidden location.

One person wrote: “The walk down through the tunnels is an experience in its own. “

Another said: “Lovely hidden beach with lovely red sand.

“Exciting walk through short tunnel with some steps at the end with just added to the overall experience.”

Staircase in a brick tunnel.
Expect a steep walk at the end

It’s not the only beach you can reach by tunnel in the UK.

Barmouth in Wales has a main beach that most tourists go to.

However, a tunnel underneath a train lets you find a hidden section.

Wales Online  explained: “This secret beach, unlike the more accessible main beach in the town centre, requires a bit more effort to reach.

“To even get to the tunnel entrance, one must follow a path from Porkington Terrace through the gardens of Orielton Hall. But those who have discovered it insist the journey is well worth it.”

And here’s how to find London’s hidden beach.

Ness Cove beach in Devon, UK, with red sandstone cliffs and rock formations.
People have raved about how quiet and wind-free it is

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