A cave known for its uniquely bright colours and intriguing history has been sealed after a dramatic cliff fall.
Holywell Cave, also dubbed St Cuthbert's Cave, is a popular spot with both locals and tourists on Holywell Bay, in Newquay, Cornwall.
The cave featured in popular TV drama series Poldark and is home to a legendary holy well that is full of freshwater from a spring located above the site.
The pools of water were believed by medieval pilgrims to have healing properties, Falmouth Packet reports.
According to legend, the body of St Cuthbert was brought to the cave in 995 AD and the water gained its healing abilities after his bones touched it.
The cave and well are only accessible during low tide and the huge fall reportedly happened on Sunday.
Holywell Cave, also known as St Cuthbert's Cave, is located on Holywell Bay, in Newquay, Cornwall
A huge cliff fall covered the cave on Sunday, August 30
The collapse has completely covered the unique and colourful rocks that can be found inside the cave (pictured)
It boasted a beautiful array of different coloured rocks inside – but these are no longer visible since the collapse.
Chris Barnard, from Callington, Cornwall, used to run Poldark tours with his wife and told the BBC how shocked he was about the rock fall.
He said: 'I was shocked when I first saw the photographs because it's such an iconic location and such a popular location.
'The fact it's gone is not nice... it's gone for ever.
'The collapse must have happened overnight because, if people were inside, it could have been a catastrophe.'
David Hawken, Cubert Parish Council's clerk, warned visitors to be careful when in the area and revealed that some parts of the cliff were 'still unstable'.
He told Cornwall Live: 'It's not the only cliff fall along that stretch of beach. We've had such a dry period followed by rain, which may have had an effect.'
The magical cave appeared in series four and five of hit drama series Poldark (pictured before the collapse)
David Hawken, Cubert Parish Council's clerk, warned visitors to be careful when in the area
Mr Hawken went to the site on Sunday morning and said: 'I'd say there were hundreds of tons now covering the cave. Sadly, I won't see it again in my lifetime.
'If the cave itself hasn't collapsed then nature will eventually take care of it, but it could be some time.'
Newquay Coastguard search and rescue team shared an update about the cliff fall on their Facebook page on Sunday.
They posted: 'Sadly overnight 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 while walking along the top of cliffs and stay clear of the bottom.
'If you see someone in difficulty along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Stay safe.'