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Tunnels Beach, Ilfracombe

Tunnels Beach, Ilfracombe beach, Devon

The strangely named Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe on the North Devon coast have an unusual history.

Located near the centre of town the beaches are accessed from the western end of Wilder Road. Hand carved between 1819 and 1823, the four tunnels provide a truly unique experience. Visit and learn how local entrepreneurs developed the tunnels and pools, and transformed Ilfracombe from a small fishing village into a popular seaside tourist resort.

When first constructed, and reached through the first tunnel, the western beach was allocated to men only whilst the eastern pool, accessed through the third tunnel, was strictly ladies only.

As the guidebook states 'Segregated bathing was tightly controlled; a bugler sat between the ladies’ and the gentlemen's pools – if a man attempted to spy on the ladies, the bugler would blow an alarm call and the man would be arrested.' The separation of the sexes lasted for 82 years until 1905, when mixed bathing was first permitted.

Children can play safely in the tidal pool or explore the rock pools, while parents relax in deckchairs.

Please Note: There is a small entry charge.

Facilities

 Sandy beach

 Cafe, shop or pub

 Easily accessible

 Family friendly

 Interesting geology

 Parking

 Toilets

 Lifeguard in summer

 Total dog ban

OS Explorer Map OL9: Exmoor

OS Explorer Map OL9: Exmoor

This map is part of the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series designed to replace the old Pathfinder map series. At 1:25,000 scale this detailed map shows a host of attractions including gardens which are open to the public, nature reserves and country parks as well as all official footpaths, bridleways, roads and lanes. Other facilities covered include: camping and caravan sites, picnic areas and viewpoints, selected places of interest, rights of way information for England and Wales, National Trail and Recreational Path routes, and selected tourist information. The series is aimed mainly at the experienced map user but can be used by tourists and locals alike.

Local area

Holiday Parks

Holiday Parks

Stay at a nearby Holiday Park and keep the kids amused all day! Parks in the vicinity include those at:

arrowIlfracombe

arrowBraunton

arrowLynton

arrowNortham

Hotels

Hotels

Plenty of hotels are available locally. Consider those in the local towns:

     arrowIlfracombe

     arrowBraunton

 arrowBarnstaple

     arrowLynton

Caravans

In the vicinity is a choice of camping and caravan sites offering high quality, affordable holiday accommodation. Consider camps in Mortehoe, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Braunton.

Nearby Attractions

Attractions

There's plenty more to explore in this area, too! Find more attractions and things to do nearby:

Ilfracombe

      arrowTunnels Beaches

   arrowThe Play Hut, Ilfracombe

       arrowIlfracombe Museum

       arrowLandmark Theatre

 arrowEmbassy Cinema

     arrowIlfracombe Princess

   arrowIlfracombe Aquarium

   arrowQuad Biking in Glorious Devon

Combe Martin

     arrowCombe Martin Museum

   arrowCombe Martin Wildlife Park

     arrowDean Riding Stables

Croyde

       arrowMortehoe Heritage Centre

 arrowSurf Southwest

Braunton

       arrowBraunton and District Museum

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Local Accommodation

Cottages

Cottage Holidays

There is a great choice of cottages for rent in the local area. Take a look at the beautiful cottages in Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Braunton and Lynton.

Holiday Parks

Holiday Parks

Stay at a nearby Holiday Park and keep the kids amused all day! Parks in the vicinity include those at:

arrowIlfracombe

arrowBraunton

arrowLynton

arrowNortham

Hotels

Hotels

Plenty of hotels are available locally. Consider those in the local towns:

 arrowIlfracombe

 arrowBraunton

 arrowBarnstaple

 arrowLynton

Caravans

In the vicinity is a choice of camping and caravan sites offering high quality, affordable holiday accommodation. Consider camps in Mortehoe, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Braunton.

Nearby Attractions

Attractions

There's plenty more to explore in this area, too! Find more attractions and things to do nearby:

Ilfracombe

 arrowTunnels Beaches

 arrowThe Play Hut, Ilfracombe

 arrowIlfracombe Museum

 arrowLandmark Theatre

 arrowEmbassy Cinema

 arrowIlfracombe Princess

 arrowIlfracombe Aquarium

 arrowQuad Biking in Glorious Devon

Combe Martin

 arrowCombe Martin Museum

 arrowCombe Martin Wildlife Park

 arrowDean Riding Stables

Croyde

 arrowMortehoe Heritage Centre

 arrowSurf Southwest

Braunton

 arrowBraunton and District Museum

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