Lee Bay & Ness Cove – Epic Rock Pool Crabbing

If you like your crabbing trips with a bit of exploring thrown in, Lee Bay and Ness Cove are two of the more unusual spots on this site. These aren’t harbour wall spots — this is proper rockpool crabbing at low tide, which is a completely different experience and brilliant fun for curious kids.

🎣 Lee Bay

Lee Bay sits between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe in North Devon, a small sheltered cove in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At low tide the beach opens up into a network of rockpools packed with shore crabs, shrimps, and small fish hiding under seaweed and in rocky crevices. It’s more rugged than most spots on this list, but that’s exactly the point — the rocks and crevices mean there’s always something to find. Flipping over a bit of seaweed to find tiny creatures darting around never gets old for kids.

🎣 Ness Cove

Ness Cove is a genuine hidden gem — keep it under your hats. It’s found in Shaldon near Torquay and is only accessible through a former smugglers’ tunnel, which makes it feel like an adventure before you even get to the beach. The cove has a history loved by pirates and smugglers, and once you’re through, there are rockpools and crevices packed with marine life to explore. It’s not suitable for anyone with limited mobility given the tunnel access, but if you’re able to get there it’s well worth it.

🪱 Gear and Bait

Neither spot needs traditional crab lines or nets — this is hands-on rockpool exploring. A bucket for temporary keeping, sturdy footwear, and a sense of adventure are the main essentials. If you do want to drop a line at Ness Cove there are some deeper spots by the rocks where it can tempt out a bigger crab, but it’s not necessary. If you’re coming via Shaldon you can pick up basic crabbing gear from local shops before heading through the tunnel.

🚗 Parking

Lee Bay has a small car park just above the beach — spaces are limited so get there early, especially in peak season. For Ness Cove, use Shaldon Beach Car Park, which has a café and toilets, then walk through the tunnel to the cove.

🍦 Nearby Facilities and Food

Lee Bay is quiet with limited facilities — pack a picnic and a flask rather than expecting to find a café. Ness Cove is close enough to Shaldon that you can walk back after rockpooling for cafés, pubs, and ice creams.

🦺 Safety and Accessibility

Both spots have uneven, slippery rocks — sturdy shoes with grip are non-negotiable, and sandals or flip flops aren’t suitable. Neither spot is pushchair or wheelchair friendly. Keep little ones within close reach near rock edges, and always check tide times before you go — low tide is the only time these spots work, and you don’t want to get caught out as it comes back in.

📝 Final Thoughts

Lee Bay and Ness Cove aren’t about hauling up bucketloads of crabs — they’re about the adventure of getting there, exploring, and finding those hidden pockets of marine life. If you want a crabbing trip that feels like a proper seaside treasure hunt rather than a quayside session, these two are hard to beat. Just check the tides, wear the right shoes, and enjoy the discovery.