The “most beautiful beach in Cornwall” – and arguably the world – has managed to stay under the radar, attracting fewer crowds than its popular neighbours in St Ives or Newquay.
Tucked away beneath the rugged cliffs of the Penwith Peninsula, Pedn Vounder offers a slice of coastal paradise so exotic you might think you’ve been whisked off to the Caribbean.
Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine pale sands, framed by jagged cliff tops, create the illusion of a day spent on a deserted island, with the lack of crowds adding to this impression.
In 2022, the beach received international recognition, being ranked among the world’s best beaches by Big 7, outshining luxury destinations in Jamaica and Thailand that Brits spend thousands of pounds to visit.
While Pedn Vounder is easy to spot from above, reaching its stunning sands requires a trek on foot down the ancient headlands, and it’s only accessible at low tide – making it even more elusive, reports Cornwall Live.
It’s worth noting that getting to the beach is generally considered physically challenging, requiring sturdy footwear and some advance planning.
Fans of the hit BBC series Poldark may recognise its surroundings, as it featured under the slightly altered name of Nampara Cove in a dream sequence.
However, anyone planning a visit should be prepared for some unexpected sights, as many visitors choose to enjoy the beach in their birthday suits.
Cornwall Beaches acknowledges it as West Cornwall’s most renowned location for naturism, cautioning potential visitors on the website: “Remember, the cove has been used this way for many years before Poldark hit the screens.
“If you are worried that might spoil your Instagram pics, bear in mind they were probably here before you, and some of them come here all year.”
The coastline has also made headlines this week following the National Trust’s decision to block access to the “unofficial path” leading down to the shore due to safety concerns.
The organisation declared: “The path has eroded in places, making it unstable, with steep drops and ending in a near vertical six metre climb down onto the beach below.”
A representative told The Independent: “Due to increasing coastal erosion, an unofficial and steep pathway across National Trust land leading to Pedn Vounder beach in Cornwall has become increasingly unsafe and is now temporarily closed.
“We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community, and have not taken the decision lightly.”
The Trust also issued warnings about potentially hazardous “rip currents” that have previously resulted in maritime incidents.
However, speaking to The Times, recent holidaymaker and resident Rebecca Ley said: “Getting down was always a bit challenging, it’s definitely not one for flip flops, but I can’t say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child,
“My nine-year-old made it without difficulty, as did the more than 100 other people on Saturday. It’s a real shame”.
The temporary closure is anticipated to extend through the summer holidays’ peak season, with no confirmed date for the path’s reopening.