Beautiful UK beach with crystal clear waters can only be reached by tunnel
Finding postcard-worthy beaches in the UK might seem like a tough task. Nevertheless, wanderlust spirit Chloe Lawford, a travel blogger, has discovered a stunning, secluded coastal gem that's just perfect for those warm summer days. Situated behind a historical network of tunnels, this hideaway boasts crystal-clear waters and an atmosphere of tranquillity.
This year, the avid adventurer made her way to this enchanting spot for a relaxed seaside picnic and a refreshing dip, resulting in a truly breathtaking excursion. Documenting her experience on TikTok (@chloelawfordtravels), she disclosed: "After paying a small fee to enter, you access the beach through these long tunnels.
"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. 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 enthusiastically recommends Tunnels Beaches, hidden away on the Ilfracombe coastline in Devon, reports the Express. Conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Exeter, this idyllic destination is also close to other noteworthy locations such as Woolacombe and Wildersmouth Beach.
Niche Museums sheds light on the history of Tunnels Beaches, dating back to the 1820s when droves of Welsh miners took two years to hew six tunnels into the Ilfracombe hillside.
This massive undertaking was part of North Devon's initiative to cement its reputation as an ideal holiday locale, creating pathways for tourists to tread or coach their way to the seaside.
Currently, adult admission to Tunnels Beaches is modestly priced at £3.75 for those aged 16 and up, whilst tiny tots under three enjoy free entry. Prices for children aged three to 15 are set at an affordable £3.
Budget-conscious visitors can take advantage of the discounts on offer for students and seniors, not forgetting the family deals available to sweeten the deal - though do note, they only accept card payments on-site.
"It was such a lovely day and the water was super clear," enthused Chloe, sharing her experience. "[...]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.
"However, it was still super refreshing. If you find yourself in Devon, don't miss out on popping by this beach when the sun's beaming down."
Chloe's glowing recommendation swiftly turned heads on TikTok, with numerous others on the platform echoing praise for the site's splendour.
A resident nearby commented: "This is down the bottom of my road, I have a season ticket and spend every day I can there! Bliss."
Meanwhile, a second person shared their own memories, exclaiming: "Omg I've been there it was so cool but more rocky then sandy."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Seaside town 'one of Britain's best' with glorious beaches and top restaurants
Whitby in North Yorkshire has been named one of the UK's best seaside entertainment spots, and it's easy to see why with its sandy beaches, historic landmarks and top-rated restaurants Recognised as one of the UK's top seaside amusement locations, this charming coastal town has long been a hit with those yearning for a traditional beach holiday. Nestled at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby in North Yorkshire is steeped in a rich history rooted in maritime, mineral and tourism trades. Its appeal as a tourist hotspot is further amplified by its close proximity to the North York Moors national park and the heritage coastline, not to mention its eerie link to the horror novel Dracula. The town's most iconic landmark is undoubtedly the ruined abbey perched on the East Cliff. Other notable features include the swing bridge spanning the river and the harbour, safeguarded by the grade II listed East and West piers. Whitby's nautical history is honoured through statues of explorer Captain Cook and whaler and scientist William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that graces the West Cliff, reports the Express. The town also boasts a robust literary tradition, having been featured in numerous works, television programmes and films, most notably Bram Stoker's renowned novel, according to Yorkshire Live. If Whitby doesn't tickle your fancy, you might consider this stunning town on the Welsh coast. A recent survey ranked Whitby seventh on the list of the UK's top holiday entertainment destinations. The survey considers factors such as the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall and local train stations. Whitby boasts a variety of highly-rated dining establishments, ranging from cosy coffee shops to gastropubs and sea-view restaurants. There are three five-star rated eateries on TripAdvisor, ideal for those seeking a delicious meal. First up is Lush Coffee on Silver Street, which earned the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023. Promising a 'warm welcome', this coffee shop offers freshly brewed coffee, quintessential Yorkshire Tea, hearty full English breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, burgers, and an array of homemade cakes and treats. They also provide outdoor seating and welcome dogs. For those in search of a more upscale dining experience, Ditto, another five-star rated establishment and recipient of the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023, could be just the ticket. Situated a mere stone's throw from the beach on Skinner Street, this family-run restaurant is the perfect spot for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in a special meal while visiting the town. Just around the corner, Beckett's has scooped up the bronze for top-notch dining in Whitby, with an impressive 875 TripAdvisor reviews lauding its selection of hot beverages, savoury treats, breakfasts, brunches, and cakes, all acclaimed for their "excellent quality". Make sure your itinerary includes Cranberry Swamp – a firm favourite among breakfast aficionados, Al Taco for some Mexican flair, and The Postgate Country Inn for a slice of British tradition. No coastal getaway is complete without sipping on a cold beer, a glass of prosecco, a sophisticated cocktail or a refreshing mocktail under the warmth of the sunshine. Whether you're seeking a serene spot to relax or a lively evening filled with karaoke entertainment, Whitby's varied pubs and bars cater to all tastes. Whitby is dotted with hotels and B&Bs suitable for every budget, some with stunning sea views that are truly unrivalled. TripAdvisor heralds Hillcrest as the crème de la crème of hospitality, ideally situated close to the bustling town centre and easily accessible from a treasure trove of local shops, eateries, pubs, and attractions. The establishment is not only bike-friendly, offering secure storage, but with their insider knowledge, they're ready to point you towards exceptional spots for cycling, rambling, and watersports such as paddle-boarding and surfing. On top of that, their luxurious rooms offer ample space for families. Other establishments in Whitby receiving high praise include The Stables, The Penny Hedge Lodge, and The Belfry. Whitby is home to one of Yorkshire's most pristine and secure beaches, recently honoured with a Blue Flag. This international recognition is bestowed upon well-kept beaches boasting superior water quality. There's an array of other beaches to explore as well. Whitby West Cliff Beach, a favoured sandy location interspersed with rocky patches, is supervised by lifeguards from May through September. The beach extends from Upgang Beach to the River Esk's mouth and is conveniently situated on Whitby town's northern fringe, just a brief stroll from the town centre. Access points to the beach are scattered along Cleveland Way, North Terrace, and North Promenade. On sun-drenched days, families gather on the sandy stretch between Upgang Beach and West Pier. A line of colourful beach huts are available for hire, and deckchairs and windbreaks can be found near the slipway at West Pier. From May to September, a seasonal dog ban is enforced on Whitby West Cliff Beach. However, dogs are permitted all year round on the nearby Tate Hill Beach. Other popular beaches in Whitby include Sandsend Beach and Runswick Bay.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
One item you should never put on your suitcase or risk losing your belongings
As many of us prepare for summer holidays, security specialists are warning travellers of a simple habit that could leave them at risk As British holidaymakers gear up for their summer breaks, security experts are sounding the alarm over a common travel practice that could potentially lead to substantial losses at home. Last year saw three-quarters of UK adults jetting off abroad, a trend expected to continue through this summer season. Concurrently, there's been a spike in luggage loss incidents, with airlines misplacing 33.4 million bags in 2024. To combat this issue, many passengers opt to put their full home address on their luggage tags, aiming to facilitate the return of lost items. Yet, security professionals caution that this good intention might inadvertently invite burglars by signalling that your house is vacant. "Putting a residential address on your luggage is basically saying 'this house is empty, help yourself'," cautions Carlos Dhunay, a home security specialist and director at Telcam Security Solutions, reports the Liverpool Echo. Large parts of the UK experienced 226,489 reported burglaries in the year ending March 2024, with empty properties being particularly vulnerable to theft. The pertinence of this advice is underscored by the fact that TikTok searches for "how to put on luggage tag" have surged to 86,000 within a single week. Carlos recommends omitting the home address from luggage tags entirely. "Instead, use a mobile number, an email address, or even your workplace," he suggests. "That way, airline staff can still get in touch if needed, but you're not advertising that your house is unoccupied." He also suggests a proactive approach, such as taking photos of your luggage and noting its make, size, and any unique features. This can expedite the recovery process if your bag goes missing. How to safeguard your home whilst you're on holiday: Besides avoiding the luggage tag pitfall, Carlos advises taking additional measures to protect your property while you're away. He says: "Leaving a light on 24/7 can actually signal that you're not home. Instead, use smart lights or timers to simulate normal activity patterns. Motion-activated lights and other outdoor security lighting are also effective at deterring potential burglars. "Before jetting off, ensure to pause milk, newspaper and other deliveries as a pile-up is one of the most obvious signs of an empty house. Speaking of deliveries, ask a neighbour to keep an eye out for any post. The Royal Mail also provides a 'keepsafe' service, which holds mail until you return home. "Tools and ladders should be securely locked away, as burglars could utilise them to break into your house. Avoid discussing holiday dates or duration in public or around strangers. And, if you plan to use an "out of office" at work, don't mention that your house will be vacant." He adds: "Ask a trusted mate or family member to check in while you're away. Opening and closing curtains, switching on lights and watering the garden can create the illusion that your home is occupied. "Never advertise on social media that you are away - wait until you're home to post. There are more than 16.3 million uploads from airports, revealing potentially dangerous information about holiday location and duration, and these may be seen by potential burglars."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Dying city' in the hills of Italy crumbling as tourists flock to historic town
Civita di Bagnoregio, in the Alta Tuscia region of central Italy, is slowly disappearing as the tuff hill it was built on crumbles - but tourists are still flocking in their droves A quaint town tucked away in the Lazio hills, less than two hours from Rome, is experiencing a tourist boom as visitors flock to see it before it's too late. Civita di Bagnoregio, situated in central Italy's Alta Tuscia region, perches atop a fragile tuff hill that's gradually eroding. Dubbed "the dying city" since the 1960s, recent studies in 2020 revealed that the hill shrinks by an average of seven centimetres annually. Researchers have calculated that the land surrounding Civita has diminished by 20 to 25% over the last half-millennium – a decline that's expected to persist. Boasting a rich history that dates back around 2,500 years, Civita di Bagnoregio was established by the Etruscans, reports the Express. The city once lay on a crucial route linking the Tiber River to Lake Bolsena, serving as a key communication pathway. The Etruscans, cognisant of the area's seismic volatility, undertook measures to safeguard it from earthquakes by constructing dams and drainage systems for effective rainwater management. Following the Etruscans, the Romans continued these protective efforts, but subsequent neglect led to rapid deterioration and eventual desertion. Compounding the issue, the tuff hill beneath Civita is continuously worn away by the erosive forces of two rivers in the valley below, along with the relentless wear of rain and wind. Civita di Bagnoregio is undeniably one of Italy's most picturesque and distinctive towns, appearing to float in mid-air on foggy days. Currently, the ancient village is home to around ten steadfast residents, their deep love for their homeland keeping them rooted there. Thanks to these individuals, Civita retains its predominantly medieval characteristics, enchanting the numerous tourists who visit each year. Access to the village is provided by a towering 300m concrete bridge, constructed in 1965, which links Civita to the nearby town of Bagnoregio. At the end of this bridge, the Porta di Santa Maria opens onto the quaint alleyways that define Civita. The streets are adorned with the Renaissance palaces of the Colesanti, Bocca and Alemanni families, alongside typical low houses featuring small balconies and external stairs characteristic of medieval architecture. There's certainly no shortage of sights to see and activities to enjoy in Civita. Highlights include the compact Antica Civitas Museum, housed within a residential building, and the cave of San Bonaventura. This ancient chamber tomb, carved into the tuff wall, is named after Friar Bonaventura da Bagnoregio (1217-1274), the biographer of Saint Francis of Assisi.
