Devon's seaside cove: A once-popular tourist spot in decline
- Beacon Cove in Devon was historically known as 'The Ladies Bathing Cove' and was favored by Agatha Christie.
- The area once featured a grand building and was a popular tourist destination until its closure in 1988.
- Today, the cove is largely abandoned, with discussions ongoing about its future amidst a decline in seaside tourism.
In Devon, England, Beacon Cove, a small pebble beach, has a rich yet largely forgotten history. By the early 20th century, it became known as 'The Ladies Bathing Cove,' favored by the renowned murder-mystery novelist Agatha Christie. She recounted a near-drowning incident during her youth while visiting the cove. The area once boasted a grand Italian-style building that included a ballroom and a reading room where Charles Dickens performed. However, the decline of UK seaside resorts led to its closure in 1988, followed by the demolition of the Marine Spa in 1998 to make way for Living Coasts, a zoo-aquarium that featured various marine life. Living Coasts thrived until its closure in 2020, leaving behind a haunting reminder of its past. Today, the cove is desolate, with only a few visitors per hour, and the remnants of Living Coasts loom over the area, sparking discussions about its future. The local community is divided over potential developments, reflecting a broader trend of neglect faced by many seaside attractions in the UK.