Short answer: Shaldon faces the estuary rather than the open sea, so it stays calm when Teignmouth across the water does not. The Smugglers' Tunnel is covered, and the London Inn sits on the green.
A tunnel cut down through the red cliff to Ness Cove — covered for its length, which makes it the one bit of sightseeing here that weather does not spoil. Red sand and big clam shells at the bottom, dog friendly all year.
Built around a green with the pub on it, so everything is a minute apart. Short, flat, and genuinely pretty in January light.
RSPB Labrador Bay towards Maidencombe — a proper walk, and excellent for birds of prey.
The estuary beach is the sheltered choice and the one people use. Ness Cove through the tunnel is more exposed but emptier. The estuary mouth has strong currents — stay well inside.
New Year's Day swims on this coast are organised by lifeboat crews, surf clubs and pubs rather than councils, and most are announced in the last fortnight of December on local Facebook pages. Check there rather than expecting a listing.
If you are getting in: the sea is colder on 1 January than at any point in the summer, cold water shock is the real risk rather than the temperature itself, and it is worth going in with people rather than alone. Walk in, do not dive, and get warm clothes on quickly afterwards.
Almost everywhere opens later than usual on New Year's Day, and some places do not open at all. Ring in the morning rather than assuming.
The passenger ferry to Teignmouth's Back Beach does not run in rough weather and may not run over the New Year. Check before relying on it — otherwise it is a short drive round over the bridge.
See the full Shaldon guide, filtered by who's with you.
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