A tourist has shared their surprise after uncovering a hidden beach that looks like something out of a movie - and now others can't wait to plan a visit to the stunning location.
While some tourists love uncovering secret spots, others avoid them completely - worried about what might be hidden there. But one traveller is urging people to push past their nerves and visit a breathtaking hidden beach in South Devon, saying the view is more than worth it once you finally step out onto the shore.
To reach Ness Cove Beach in Shaldon, visitors first have to walk through the historic Smugglers Tunnel - a narrow passageway complete with sloping paths and steps leading down towards the sea. The unusual and slightly daunting entrance has left many people intrigued online after TikTok account @ukhiddengems shared footage showing exactly what it looks like inside the tunnel.
Despite the slightly eerie approach, people say the beach waiting at the end is absolutely stunning. According to Visit South Devon, Ness Cove is one of the area's hidden gems. A statement reads: "Nestled amidst sheltering cliffs, Ness Cove stands out as one of our most secluded and scenic beaches."
The tourism site also explains how accessing the beach through the original Smugglers Tunnel is part of what makes the destination so memorable for visitors. Located close to hotspots including Teignmouth and Torquay, the beach has become increasingly popular with both locals and tourists looking for somewhere quieter, away from packed seaside resorts.
The beach itself is mostly made up of shingle, and gently slopes towards the sea, making it a popular swimming spot during warmer weather. However, many visitors say the real appeal is the sense of privacy and calm created by the towering cliffs surrounding the cove.
While plenty of people online said they now desperately want to visit, others joked that the location should remain a 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 admitted the tunnel itself brought back 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 also praised the beach, with one visitor calling it "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."
