Subterranean Exploration

Along with the many sea caves in this area, there are a number of interesting man made tunnels. Some are reputed to have been used by smugglers, and the long bay would have formed an excellent area for contraband to have been brought in out of sight of the authorities. The longest surviving tunnel seems to be Frank Illingworth's Tunnel, which was first explored in the 1930s, when artifacts supporting the smuggling theory were found inside. The tunnel extends for a length of around 500ft, but is only big enough to crawl through on hands and knees! Another tunnel nearby, known as Seaweed Tunnel, extends a short distance through the cliff and is completely lined in brick. This is believed to have been used as a shortcut to the beach to allow the collection of seaweed for a farm nearby. Two other sets of tunnels, one known as 'Witches' Kitchen' and the Belle Vue pub tunnels, are located East of Frank Illingworth's Tunnel.

Pegwell Bay