Location and the Beach
This is the best sandy beach available for naturist use in north Cornwall. Sandy beach and clear water, though surf can be heavy and rough. Steep sand dunes behind. Naturists use the far north end of the beach
A delightful open beach but rather too dangerous for swimming as the sea is rough and there are rip tides. The lifeguards are at the southern end only. The northern end is also used by surfers (but the sea is rough and only suitable for really experienced surfers - don't be tempted). Do not be put off by textiles as they happily coexist with naturists - surfers will just get on with their surfing and the lifeguards might turn up to check or collect their warning signs. With a strong westerly wind, shelter can be obtained in the dunes. Access is either from Perranporth, along the beach or from Holywell bay (National Trust carpark) and take the cliff path southwards.
Directions
Detailed information on access... Perran Beach is almost two miles long with the town of Perranporth at the southern end and Ligger Point at the northern end. Naturists use the northern end of Perran Beach (which is sometimes referred to as Penhale Sands). It is possible to walk the full length of the beach (textile except for the naturist section) but take care close to the rocky outcrop (Cotty's Point) at the southern end as the tide comes up to the rocks - it is not safe to pass when the tide is on the way in if it is more than half way in! Thus, when the tide is coming in you MUST leave the beach and follow the coast path inland and over the large dune. You may approach the naturist beach from various directions but whichever way you go it is probably a mile or two walk.
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Park in the NT car park in Holywell a mile or so north of the beach. Follow the coast path southwards keeping the cliffs and sea to your right and the MoD land on your left. The land on the right of the path is grassy and slops down to the cliff top so if you are of a nervous disposition you might prefer to walk further to the left and stay close to the MoD fence. Once you have crossed Ligger Point the path drops down to the beach.
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The closest place to park is "Perran Sands Dunes car park", but it is relatively expensive. The car park is accessed through the "Perran Sands Holiday Park" and it is at the north west corner of the park closest to the naturist beach. Walk from the car park towards the north and west (towards the sea) and the naturist section is less than one mile.
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If you don't want to take the cliff top path and don't want to pay but are happy to walk through the dunes then parking near Rose may be the best option. Rose is a small hamlet just outside Perranporth to the north east of the town. From the centre of Rose drive a short distance north until you come to a T junction. Park on the other side of the T junction. From here follow the footpath that continues north towards the ruins of St Piran's Church and a cross. Before reaching the church turn left and head west towards the sea. (This actually takes you quite close to the Perran Sands Dunes car park.) When you reach the sea head north to the naturist section.
- The final option is to park in Perranporth and walk the full length of the beach to the north. This is probably no further than some of the other walks but you may find it boring to walk on the beach and if the tide is coming in (and more than half way in) you MUST take a detour over the dunes at Cotty's Point for safety.
Last update: 03 May 20