**Hidden Devon Beach Offers Seaside Escape – Only Accessible Through Historic Tunnels**
As temperatures rise across the UK, many will be searching for the perfect coastal hideaway – somewhere away from the crowds, yet brimming with natural beauty. In North Devon, a little-known gem, accessible only via tunnels carved deep into the cliffs, might just fit the bill for those seeking a unique day out by the sea.
The secluded attraction in question is Tunnels Beaches, located in the coastal town of Ilfracombe. At first glance, this stretch of coastline may look much like any other, but what sets Tunnels Beaches apart is its remarkable entryway: a labyrinth of atmospheric passages etched through solid rock nearly two centuries ago. This historic network, painstakingly crafted during the 1820s, remains as intriguing today as it was when first opened to Victorian holidaymakers.
The story of these tunnels is a testament to the area’s ambition to become a prominent seaside destination. Miners, many hailing from Wales, laboured for two years to drill six tunnels through the Ilfracombe hillside, opening up access to the previously secluded beaches below. Today, visitors can still retrace these steps, swapping modern beach towels and swimwear for the once-required formal attire and bathing machines of the early 19th century.
For those making the journey, Tunnels Beaches is reached after paying a modest entry fee. Adults (aged 16 and over) are charged £4, while a ticket for children between three and 15 years old costs £3.25. Little ones under the age of three enjoy free admission, and concessions are available for both students and pensioners, making it an accessible outing for families and groups. However, those planning a visit should note the site only accepts digital payment formats such as card, Apple Pay or Android Pay.
Travel influencer Chloe Lawford visited the beach last year and shared her experience online, drawing attention to its distinctive character. In her TikTok account of the day, Chloe described the sense of discovery as she emerged through the tunnels onto the first secluded cove, known as Gentleman’s Beach. With its quietude and exclusivity, the beach offered her group a peaceful retreat, far from the more bustling Ladies Beach just beyond—another cove accessed by pressing onward through the rock-hewn passageways.
Of particular interest to families, the adjoining Ladies Beach is the site of a tidal swimming pool, revealing itself when the sea recedes. However, Chloe and her party found the relative solitude of Gentleman’s Beach more appealing, and settled in for a picnic followed by a refreshing swim. She did note, with candour, that the presence of jellyfish encouraged only a brief dip, but this did little to dampen the appeal of the adventure.
The visually stunning location has proved popular among social media users, with Chloe’s video sparking excitement from locals and visitors alike. One Ilfracombe resident commented online that he spends as many summer days there as possible, making full use of his season ticket, while another observer lauded the site’s unique rocky beauty.
Ilfracombe’s Tunnels Beaches is also well-placed for those keen to explore more of North Devon’s coastline. Within easy reach by car are the soft sands of Woolacombe and the scenic Wildersmouth Beach, making the area an inviting base for beachgoers. Situated less than two hours’ drive from Exeter, the beach is accessible for a day-trip, yet remains hidden enough to avoid the crowds that pack more familiar hotspots.
For modern visitors, the tunnels offer not just a shortcut to the sea, but a passage through time – linking contemporary holidaymakers to the area’s rich Victorian heritage. The experience of walking through cool, echoing stone before stepping out into daylight adds a sense of discovery to any excursion.
With its blend of history, natural charm and relative seclusion, Tunnels Beaches stands out as an intriguing alternative to busier UK seaside resorts. As the summer unfolds, this secret stretch of Ilfracombe coastline may well become the backdrop for memorable days by the water, for those willing to seek out its hidden entrance.