Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A landslide has sparked the evacuation of a revered 'hidden gem' beach in Devon. Owners of Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe confirmed the closure of a private beach after being forced to take action due to safety concerns for the public. Rocks crumbled onto the beach last Wednesday (April 16) during the day whilst visitors were at the beach and had to be evacuated. Owner Jamie McLintock made a statement on Facebook announcing the closure: “We have taken the difficult decision to remain closed to day visitors and season ticket holders for the 2025 season due to the risk of rock falls at the top of the Ladies’ beach”. Jamie explains how he took action on the day: “Around lunchtime, rocks came down on the slipway at the top of the Ladies’ beach. We had to evacuate the beach. I cordoned it off, but as I went down to check, some more rocks had come down,” he says. Their other establishments are unaffected and will continue to run over the 2025 season. Tunnels Beaches is also a wedding venue and they own another beach named the Gentleman’s beach. The couple, Jamie and Zoe, bought the business in 2000 and renovated their old Bath house to make accommodation. Jamie assures that “our weddings and accommodation bookings are not negatively impacted in any way whatsoever.” Social media saw several negative comments about how the closure was ‘planned’ to help their wedding business, Jamie responded: “This is not a grand plan for the weddings, it's a safety issue and only concerns this one beach, we wouldn’t put people at risk for the sake of money. Staff are not majorly affected and we have kept them in the loop whilst making this decision.” The tunnels were hand carved from the rock in 1823 and became a favourite spot for Victorian visitors to Ilfracombe. The creators established separate Ladies' and Gentlemen’s beaches, each with their own tidal pool. A bath House was also built, and visitors were charged an entrance fee from the outset.