if you like rugged and wild, go to strangles just past crackington haven in north cornwall, it is surrounded by national trust land and is spectacular. one end (far right) is considered as a naturist beach and we have had some very special days there. energetic but short walk 1 mile back up,  watch the tides as the naturist end is under water at high tide, just standing on the beach nude  with no sounds other than crashing waves and views that just inspire the heart is something you never forget

Pednevounder in West Cornwall is quite special. But it is a mixed beach, attracting both textile and naturists. And yes, there is something of a scramble to get to it, but well worth the effort. It's just across the bay from the Minack Theatre.

Views of the beach here, courtesy of Google: http://tinyurl.com/oqgsnbs

Mike

Perranporth is a large beach and far end has been naturist friendly for years.
Recommend go to village of Rose and you will see cars parked in lane mainly walking the dogs. but about 1/2hours walk will get you to beach. 🙂
Also when tide is out there is a small cove you can wade or swim to near cliffs.

Pednevounder in West Cornwall is quite special. But it is a mixed beach, attracting both textile and naturists. And yes, there is something of a scramble to get to it, but well worth the effort. It's just across the bay from the Minack Theatre.

I'd second Pedn Vounder. Absolutely beautiful beach, naturist or otherwise.  There is a nice write-up of it on Cornwall Beach Guide here:
http://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/west-cornwall/pedn-vounder.htm

HTH

Perranporth is a large beach and far end has been naturist friendly for years.
Recommend go to village of Rose and you will see cars parked in lane mainly walking the dogs. but about 1/2hours walk will get you to beach. 🙂
Also when tide is out there is a small cove you can wade or swim to near cliffs.

the naturist area on this beach belongs to the military. last i heard naturism was banned from here and its regularly patrolled

Perranporth is a large beach and far end has been naturist friendly for years.
Recommend go to village of Rose and you will see cars parked in lane mainly walking the dogs. but about 1/2hours walk will get you to beach. 🙂
Also when tide is out there is a small cove you can wade or swim to near cliffs.

the naturist area on this beach belongs to the military. last i heard naturism was banned from here and its regularly patrolled

It is correct to say that the military tried to ban naturism on the beach, but I don't believe they own the foreshore. In any case, that was a few years ago, and my understanding is that BN successfully negotiated with the local authority, the MOD and the police to point out there was no legal reason to prevent naturism on the beach. The proposition was finally accepted, and there is no problem stripping off there.

However, similar to Holkham, it would be sensible to remain dressed if on the land behind/above the beach.

Mike

Perranporth is most definitely Naturist at the north end.  🙂
The Lifeguards on quad bikes will visit but they are only making sure everything is safe. You can chat with them if you wish.
BN have held a Beach Day there for the last few years during Nudefest and we finally got good weather last year. About 60 nude on the beach that day, but I have been when there were about 80 there in the past.  🙂

Pednvounder is awesome!
The best beach I have ever been to in England. For mountain goats only though but kids manage to get down easily.

Vault has not been mentioned. This is probably the easiest to visit and is very interesting.
This is a good website for info: http://www.natcorn.org.uk/
Also: http://www.bn.org.uk/activities/places_database.php/_/beaches/
or on a map: http://www.bn.org.uk/activities/placestogo.php

We are staying in Holywell Bay at the moment. Can we get to the naturist section of Perranporth from here?

round the headland to the south - I seriously doubt that's a safe route though
There is a coastal path that goes across head of cliffs I think at this point so you'd have to double back when you got to the town - or drive [parking limited & pricey as I recall though - someone more local here would be able to give more detail I'm sure]

Another vote for Vault Beach near Goran Haven.  I've also been to Arthur's Beach nr Falmouth and enjoyed my time there also.

We are staying in Holywell Bay at the moment. Can we get to the naturist section of Perranporth from here?

Yes, just follow the coastal path around the headland/cliffs.
It is a 2.5 mile walk each way and reasonable fitness is required. There are a few fairly steep bits and a slightly exposed section. It is not dangerous if you stay on the path and is a walk all the way (no climbing apart from 2 stiles).
It is a super beach and there is no hassle or unsuitable users. The lifeguards will visit but they expect nudity. Enjoy!

I am visiting Newquay for a week.  Can anyone tell me if there is a beach near there that can be easilly reached by public transport (or taxi)?  Thanks

Perranporth is the closest popular naturist beach to you geographically about 6 miles south west to the naturist end but you may have to get a bus to Perranporth village and walk the beach  - it looks about 1.75 to 2 miles long ! When I was last in Cornwall (2012) they were discussing big cuts to bus services so can't help with that.

Would have thought there would be some discreet cove closer to Newquay but I've not heard of one. Hope you enjoy your stay there

I visited Cornwall this summer and enjoyed Perranporth beach.  As other posters have said if you go to the north end, it's still used by naturists.  A really beautiful place with nothing but my thoughts and a good book.

Wish I was back there now  🙂