Little-known UK beach perfect for a sunny day that is only accessible by tunnel
The spot is less than a two-hour drive from Exeter and is also near various other idyllic coastal locations
The hidden spot is perfect for a summer's day out
(Image: Andy Sage via Getty Images )
Locating a picturesque beach spot in the UK might seem challenging. But travel influencer Chloe Lawford appears to have unearthed an ideal suggestion for a sunny summer's day.
Remarkably, this secluded treasure, complete with crystal-clear waters, lies beyond a historic network of tunnels. In 2023, the creator ventured there for a picnic and a quick swim in the sea – and it was nothing short of stunning.
"After paying a small fee to enter, you access the beach through these long tunnels," she said in a previous TikTok video, according to the Mirror. "The first set of tunnels leads you out to the Gentleman's Beach, which is on the left and there is a wedding venue here.
"But you can continue going through more tunnels to get to the Ladies Beach on the right. This was the more popular beach and it's where the swimming pool normally is when the tide is out.
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"But we opted to head back up to the Gentleman's Beach as it was much quieter and it was like our own private little beach." Chloe's recommendation is none other than the Tunnels Beaches, nestled along the coast of Ilfracombe, Devon.
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It's less than a two-hour drive from Exeter and is also near various other idyllic beaches such as Woolacombe and Wildersmouth Beach. According to Niche Museums, its tunnels date back to the 1820s, when hundreds of Welsh miners took two years to carve out six tunnels into the Ilfracombe hillside.
This was part of North Devon's efforts to establish itself as an ideal holiday destination, offering tourists a route to the coast on foot or by coach. Currently, adults (16 and over) are charged £4.00 for entry to Tunnels Beaches.
A ticket for children aged three to 15 is priced at £3.25, and those under three can enter for free. Discounts for students and senior citizens are available, as are family package deals. However, it's crucial to remember that cash transactions are not accepted for entry.
The Tunnels Beaches are located on the coast of Ilfracombe, Devon
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images )
Instead, you'll need to pay with a card, Apple Pay or Android Pay. "It was such a lovely day and the water was super clear. We were desperate for a swim," Chloe continued.
"We had a little picnic and then went for a swim, although there were lots of jellyfish in the water, so we didn't brave too long of a swim and we sort of had a quick dip.
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"But it was still super refreshing. If you're down in Devon, you must visit this beach on a super sunny day." Chloe's experience quickly became a hit on TikTok, with other users chiming in to praise the beach's allure.
One person wrote: "This is down the bottom of my road, I have a season ticket and spend every day I can there! Bliss." Another added: "Omg I've been there it was so cool but more rocky then sandy."
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