RESIDENTS and holidaymakers have been left devastated after a cliff collapse covered a popular cave at Holywell Bay.

Holywell Cave at Holywell Bay has been cordoned off following the incident, which is thought to have happened overnight Saturday.

The cave has been sealed off after a cliff collapse (Picture: Kev Richens)
The cave has been sealed off after a cliff collapse (Picture: Kev Richens)

The cave, also known as St Cuthbert’s Cave or the Pink Cave, has become a landmark as a natural spring drips from the roof, creating colourful red, blue, and white mineral deposits and stepped limestone pools. People for centuries have made pilgrimages to the sacred spring water to heal sick family members.

The cave has become a landmark as a natural spring drips from the roof, creating colourful red, blue, and white mineral deposits and stepped limestone pools (Picture: Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club)
The cave has become a landmark as a natural spring drips from the roof, creating colourful red, blue, and white mineral deposits and stepped limestone pools (Picture: Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club)

The picturesque cave was featured as a filming location in the BBC series Poldark.

The picturesque cave was featured as a filming location in the BBC series Poldark
The picturesque cave was featured as a filming location in the BBC series Poldark

Steve Peck Club, the chairman of Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club, said: “We believe the cliff collapsed in the middle of the night. As soon as the tide was low enough, a team surveyed the scene to find thousands of tonnes of rock and debris scattered on the north end of the beach, completely smothering the ancient holy well.

“There have been reports in the lead up to the collapse that huge cracks and holes were forming above the cave causing an overhang on the Kelseys above.

“As it’s tidal, it cannot be cordoned off but we are warning all visitors to the area to keep away from the cliff path. The unusually dry summer and the recent rain could be a contributing factor.”

People for centuries have made pilgrimages to the sacred spring water to heal sick family members
People for centuries have made pilgrimages to the sacred spring water to heal sick family members

People from across the world who visited the colourful cave during their holidays in the past have been saddened by the news.

Gary Williams said: “It is such sad news. I have visited a few times now. It was such a magical location. To think of all the people that's visited that cave over the many hundreds of years it's been in use.”

Nicola Warburton added: “The Holywell cave was one of my favourites. I'll always remember the first time I saw it., I felt like an old world explorer discovering an ancient place. I was blown away with that cave. Mesmerized by it.”

People have been urged to keep away from the area as there is a danger of further cliff collapses due to the dry weather and recent rain.

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard said: “Sadly a substantial rock fall has sealed off the cave to Holy Well on Holywell Beach.

“This area is still unstable and we advise that you to stay clear of this rockfall. Heavy rain after a prolonged dry spell may lead to further incidents along the coast path. Keep clear of the edge whilst walking along the top of cliffs and stay clear of the bottom.”

A spokesperson for Holywell Surf Life Saving Club said: “We are deeply saddened that our Holy well is no longer accessible. A massive overnight rockfall has completely devastated the area. We urge people to take even more care around all cliff tops and bases, the recent rain after such a dry spell will create instability and increase the likelihood of further rock falls.”