Tunnels Beaches

Coming from a coastal town where the beach and the rocks are free, it did feel strange to pay. BUT, it was fab, we went during October half term, with our wellies on and well wrapped up. We spent around 2 hours splashing in the tidal pool, looking for crabs. We were fortunate to see an Octupus on the rocks, waiting on the tide to take it back to the sea :). After we were dried and hungry we went into the café and grabbed a hot drink, the kids can use the soft play for an additional £1. The tide pool looked amazing and I would definatley come back here in the summer. We had a really lovely few hours. It was really busy for the time of year with other famillies.

Very unusual entry through a tunnel to a nice beach. If the weather is good, there is no better place to go in Ilfracombe.

Quite a weird and wonderful experience, «Tunnels Beaches» doesn’t sound very interesting but it really was a nice day climbing, walking and bathing. Make sure you do check the tide times before you go in, but you can get re-​admission via a stamped hand as we did when the tide was in. You probably want it at least half out when you arrive.
As you enter through the cliffs the first bits you get to are viewing platforms up the cliffs which you can look over a couple of coves west of the main Ilfracombe beach. You can step down to the beach from the lower two platforms on to the beach.
Now you have choice of two main activities, theres a huge abundance of rock climbing, large rock pools with associated animals hiding in them and plenty of places to explore, climb, walk and such forth. You can walk up and down rocks both sides of the Tunnels you walk out of, just be aware of the tide.
The main other attraction is the gentlemans bathing pool, which is uncovered by the tide, a large pool that gets left full by the tide, and man man surrounds and warms up with the sun (if its out!). Quite deep and jaggedy in places you have to be careful but it really is good fun.
Highely recommended for all ages!

Hand carved in the 1820’s when going to seaside was in fashion with the Victorians these beaches are a must see for anyone in this part of Devon. Not your typical sandy beaches they are far less popular than Woolacombe but in my view much nicer for all the history associated with them.

The tunnels beaches in Ilfracombe are great and a must for visiting when staying in North Devon. There is such amazing history to them and the stories that the pictures tell lead you think back to how things were 100 years ago.
It is great that places like this are preserved for our generation to enjoy. On a hot day this is the best place in Ilfracombe to catch the sun and go swim in the sea.

Wish I had got some pics — but alas I had no camera with me that day. This is THE best place I have been to date for those who like to rockpool. My son adores anything that involves fishing around in either dirt or water for critters and has a little backpack he takes everywhere on hols with all his kit in. Move over David Bellamy! Lol
It was a few quid to get in — which seems a bit much at the time as its a beach to all intents and purposes. When I had actually read all the signage on the walk down to the waters edge I understood why. Its a man made private facility that was carved from the rock into the coastline in the 1820’s. Baically you walk through these gently sloping tunnels down to the enclosed area by the seafront and the tide leaves wonderful pools in the rock of varying sizes.
The scenery is rugged, breathtaking and has been left unspoilt by modern man. There are no little stalls or commercialism to disturb the effect — which I think is a definite plus and the be commended. The small fee you pay helps with the upkeep of the site and any maintenance — and is well worth it.
I recommend you take wellies or some kind of sturdy footwear as to get the best idea of the views, and to get the most of the pools you need to climb a bit. Or just sit and stare out to sea in peace and catch a few rays. It would be lovely to have a picnic here I guess too.
The victorians used to go into the sea in specially built bathing machines — so that the opposite sex would not see them in their state of relative undress. There are actually two seperate areas still apparent now, so that the men and women could be segragated into different pools. Not in operation now but this is not a place to sit posing in your bikini, its all about good old fashioned fun and games and exploring the coastline.
Two tips — 1/​be sure to read the signs about the tides so you get a decent amount of time to explore.2/ Don’t drop your mobile phone into the rock pools like my hubby did, sea water and mobiles don’t mix!
Right by the entrance to the tunnels (before you pay) is a small café which is in a surf shack type style (sorry cannot remember the name) and it serves decent food with a small play area. Good place to dry off and refuel.