Hallsands is composed of two settlements; a `new' one up on the cliffs and an old ruined village on the rock ledge below. This is a world-famous case of coastal erosion which occurred early in the 20th century.

For at least four hundred years prior, a settlement of some 37 houses existed in a row above the beach. In 1897 a contractor won a contract to work on the Devonport Dockyard (further west at Plymouth). The contractor was permitted to remove shingle from offshore and between 1897 and 1902 some 500,000 tons was taken. As a result the beach fell over 10ft (3.5m) and exposed the houses to the sea. Only one house survives today.