The village of Shaldon is scattered around the mouth of the Teign Estuary on the edge of the English Riviera, protected by the imposing red sandstone headland of the Ness. Featuring rows of fishermen’s cottages, thatched homes and period buildings descending in formation down greenery-clad hills and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder by the water, it is undoubtedly one of the most attractive villages in the county.
If you are looking forward to a holiday in South Devon, you’ll find a veritable haven in the form of Shaldon. Quieter than many of its neighbouring towns and villages and enjoying its own temperate microclimate, it is the kind of destination that beckons for year-round exploration and relaxation. Be it a solo break, romantic getaway or family holiday, there will be something for everyone looking to enjoy a real taste of Devon life.
Things to Do in Shaldon, Devon
Fill your holiday in Shaldon with leisure and play, from beach bathing to pitch and putting to vista viewing. To fuel your imagination, here are some of the top things to see and do.
Shaldon Beach
Shaldon’s sand and shingle beach is like a magnet in summer, popular for bathing, swimming, sailing, rowing and paddling. That said, it’s just as inviting in winter, perfect for rejuvenating walks with four-legged friends, steaming flasks of tea and warm towels at the ready. Together with its beautiful views of the coast, its gently shelving shore and sheltered position combine to create a tranquil haven for beachy sojourns. To capitalise on space, make sure you head over at low tide, but just keep in mind that beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. For extra choice when it comes to days à la mer, the nearby beauty spots of Teignmouth beach and Ness Cove beach, accessed via an old smugglers’ tunnel, are also great choices.
Teignmouth Ferry
One of the many things that makes Shaldon so attractive is that you can easily leave your car behind for a while and embrace all the many things to see and do nearby. In the spirit of this adventure, the Teignmouth passenger ferry provides a great way to get around, operating daily between Shaldon beach and Teignmouth beach. The oldest passenger ferry in England, it welcomes aboard people, dogs, bikes, pushchairs and more and grants great access to an extended array of attractions. Hop aboard and head to Teignmouth for a few hours or the whole day, exploring the town’s variety of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, as well as its Victorian Pier, lido, play park and more.
Walks
If you love walking, you will love holidays in Shaldon. Owing to its position on the South West Coast Path, it offers walkers countless opportunities for both short and long-distance walks, following the coast path north and south. A particularly spectacular walk is the 4.5-mile ramble from Shaldon to Labrador Bay, which wends through the RSPB Nature Reserve at Labrador Bay and affords views as far as Lyme Bay. A high level route with steep sections, it’s not for the fainthearted, but certainly worth the effort. For an even more challenging route, you can also pick up the Templer Way from Teignmouth, which extends for 18 miles all the way to Haytor on Dartmoor and cuts through open moorland, meadow, woodland and more.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Whether you’re travelling with tots or teens, there are lots of brilliant family-friendly attractions in Shaldon that’ll keep all generations enraptured and entertained. Located within an acre of woodland garden, Shaldon Wildlife Trust invites you to learn about and help protect some of the most vulnerable animals in the world. At Shaldon’s Golf Course, you can practice your pitch and putt whilst overlooking glorious views of the coast. To explore the beauty of the natural world, Shaldon’s Botanical Gardens are the place to go, meanwhile a 10-mile trip to Haldon Forest’s Go Ape centre will allow you to relish a whole new perspective of the county from the treetops. Of course, a trip down to the local beach - set at the foot of the village - is a must, and if you fancy continuing your exploration of the coast, you can also take part in guided river and sea cruises from Teignmouth.
Events in Shaldon
One of the most popular events in the year, Shaldon Regatta takes place every August and boasts over 120 events that all the family can enjoy. Over 200 years old, it is one of the oldest events of its kind in the country and continues to unite visitors and locals alike with all kinds of water-based fun, whether you’re a rower, sailor, swimmer or spectator. Also in August each year is the Shaldon Water Carnival. Described as something between a carnival and a regatta, the festival is all about colour, creativity, entertainment and, of course, water. Hard to condense into words, it’s best experienced first-hand!
Tempted for a coastal sojourn? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Devon here.
