Short answer: Shaldon sits on the sheltered estuary side opposite Teignmouth, reached by a passenger ferry. The Smugglers' Tunnel leads through the cliff to Ness Cove, and there is a tiny primate-focused zoo on the headland.
The village across the water from Teignmouth, and prettier than its bigger neighbour by some distance. It sits on the estuary rather than the open sea, which makes it noticeably more sheltered, and it is built around a green with the pub on it.
The passenger ferry runs from Teignmouth's Back Beach, which saves a second parking charge and is more fun than the drive round over the bridge. Check operating days out of season.
Ness Cove is reached through a tunnel cut down through the red cliff — red sand and stones, big clam shells, and dog friendly year-round. The tunnel is the bit children remember.
The London Inn on the green is the village pub — dog friendly, with fish and chips and a catch of the day worth ordering. The Ferry Boat Inn sits by the ferry slip with an outdoor grill at weekends. The Clipper on the Strand is the big all-day place over two floors.
The Ness, up by the tunnel entrance, has the best view in Shaldon looking across to Teignmouth. The Bucket & Spade up at Coast View has a rooftop terrace.
Half a day, or a full one combined with Teignmouth across the water.
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