Real, curated ideas for Shaldon — the smugglers' tunnel, the tiny zoo, the estuary beach and where to eat, filtered by who's actually with you.
Shaldon is the village across the water from Teignmouth, and it is prettier than its bigger neighbour by some distance — a green with a bowling club, Georgian houses, a beach of pulled-up boats and a passenger ferry that has been running for centuries.
For a day out with children it has two things nowhere else has. The Smugglers' Tunnel is a passage cut down through the headland to Ness Cove, and walking through it is genuinely exciting the first time. Beside its entrance is Shaldon Wildlife Trust, a tiny conservation zoo full of small primates where you can be within a few feet of the animals.
One safety note: the estuary currents here are strong and Shaldon Beach is not a swimming beach. It is for crabbing off the quay, watching boats and eating chips. Ness Cove round the headland is the one to swim from.
Listings last checked: September 2026
The village beach on the estuary — small, relaxed, with boats pulled up on it, rock pools, and a quay children crab from. Strong tidal currents make swimming unwise. Cafés and pubs are directly behind it and the Teignmouth ferry runs from here.
Reached through the Smugglers' Tunnel cut down through the cliff — red sand and stones, big clam shells, cormorants diving offshore. Dog friendly year-round. Two car parks and toilets at the top, nothing on the beach, and not buggy or wheelchair accessible.
A tiny conservation zoo on the headland specialising in small primates and lesser-known species, where the enclosures let you get genuinely close. About an hour, and your ticket lets you come and go all day. The keeper experience is excellent. Junior explorer booklets for children.
An RSPB reserve on the cliffs between Shaldon and Maidencombe, excellent for birds of prey and with dolphins seen offshore. Paid parking, panoramic views over Torbay and very little light pollution at night. It is a working farm — livestock, so dogs on leads.
Beachfront pub by the ferry slip with an outdoor grill at weekends doing burgers cooked to order, including well-regarded vegan ones, plus local beer and cider. You can take food and drinks onto the beach. Live music at weekends.
The big all-day place on the Strand — breakfasts, burgers, fish and specials over two floors plus a balcony and a large outdoor area. Order at the counter, no booking needed, gluten-free options. Queues at peak times, but it turns tables fast.
Up on the headland by the tunnel entrance, with the best view in Shaldon looking across to Teignmouth. Sunday roasts get particular praise and children's meals are sensibly priced. Big beer garden. Book at weekends.
The village pub on the green, dog friendly, with fish and chips and a catch of the day worth ordering, plus a specials board that is easy to miss. Outdoor seating overlooking the bowling green. Ask about tables — some are much better than others.
Café up at Coast View with a rooftop terrace and big views, doing good breakfasts and a well-liked Sunday roast at reasonable prices. Quieter than the places down on the Strand. Open until eight most days.