September 2025. Mission: flesh out the details for some of Cornwall’s beaches on this website.
Pedn Vounder beach, Perran Sands beach and Acorns Naturist retreat.
The Captain was also scheduled to visit Portmeor Cover but failed this trip.
Pedn Vounder beach
First on the list. Before he set off, he knew that that National Trust had closed the beach, but that people were still accessing it. This report comes with the caveat that it is still officially closed and if you attempt to access it, you do so at your own risk. The Captain does not recommend that you visit it. This information is supplied for when the National Trust are able to reopen the beach.
The Captain parked at Treen Car Park (Pay & display) and followed the path out of the Car Park, then turning left up a track. See the entry for the beach for photographic directions. Do not attempt the first roped-off path as that is not designed for humans. Instead carry further on, forking left to follow a steady, but rough path down. Sure-footedness is a must. You can see the beach at this point:
The final descent onto the beach is a pretty sheer scramble, not for the faint-hearted. Once you are on the beach, however it is a little idyll of fairly coarse sand. It is not very big, but then again, only for the intrepid so you will not be crowded.
To the far end are a couple of little caves to explore. Otherwise just chill, have a swim and don’t get caught out by the rising tide. If it cuts off your escape route you will have major problems.
When the Captain was there, there was a single naturist there already, so numbers were doubled, but over the duration a few clothed visitors also arrived, including two on boards putting ashore from around the coast!
Perran Sands beach is a 2.5Km (1.5m) long stretch of sand to the North of Perranporth. The Captain made use of the Pay and Display parking at Haven Perran Sands Holiday park and walked to the beach from there (about 10 minutes but quite a descent, setting the tone for a steep climb back afterwards).
Once he arrived at the beach, this is the main area where all the activities are and the families congregate. Turn right and walk for about 20 minutes to get to the clothing optional section.
The Captain spent a lovely 3 or so hours here. There was one couple with their dogs, a solitary other naturist and the occasional passer-by – Dog walker, jogger etc.
The sand is nice and the water reasonably warm, considering it faces the Atlantic. Just watch out for the occasional undercurrent if you do attempt any swimming.
You can walk there and back undressed once you have cleared the main crowds. Just watch out for razor shells and suchlike on the sand.
And finally…
Not a beach, but the Captain stayed at Acorns Naturist Retreat in Devon, just to break up the return journey.
This is a farm that has been converted to a Naturist Retreat. There are caravan pitches available and a couple of static caravans that you can rent – this is where the Captain stayed. Clean, comfortable and warm, all you would expect from this. The site also welcomes day visitors.
There is a shower block, boules court and outdoor swimming pool. Inside there is a bar and lounge area with reading material (books, magazines) and a pool table – although when the Captain visited, a few of the balls had gone rollabout. The bar serves food as well, although check the times first. It’s more of an ‘on demand’ bar and catering.
Outside there are extensive grounds for walking in, and a pond at the bottom. There is a jacuzzi (you need to book a timeslot).
The Captain was there at the end of the season and it was quiet, with a couple of other visitors keeping themselves to themselves. All in all a nice relaxing stopover.
