The village of Treen, Penzance, is situated about three and a half miles southeast of Land’s End in Cornwall. It is renowned for its offering of cliff-walking and birdwatching, plus it is the nearest access point to the famous Logan Rock. Another Cornish gem tucked away on the rugged coast is Pedn Vounder Beach, and it happens to be a global frontrunner too.
Ranked the 25th best beach in the world by Big 7 Travel in 2023, Pedn Vounder means ‘head lane’ or ‘end lane’ when translated from Cornish. It is a sight to behold with crystal clear blue water and white sand, and Conde Nast Traveller named it one of the best beaches in Britain, 2025. But you’d never guess the beach, which is popular with nudists, is there when you first reach Treen. Nestled on the far western edge of Cornwall, the area feels worlds apart from the force of the Atlantic Ocean.
Treen is easy to reach by car and not to be missed if you’re in Penzance. It’s also incredibly close to one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches, Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre.
Its narrow lanes, lined with white-washed cottages and moss-fringed stone walls, provide all the coastal charm a visitor could wish for, but there’s more to the village than meets the eye.
The Logan Rock Inn at Treen is renowned for its great food and drinks and friendly Cornish hospitality. As for Logan Rock, this incredible natural landmark is an imposing cliff topped with an 80-tonne boulder, known as Castle Treryn (or Treen).
There’s also a family-run campsite and dairy farm. The former is ideal for overnight stays (in vehicles only) if you want to make the most of Pedn Vounder beach—it has remarkable sunsets.
I stumbled across the campsite myself in 2024, and it remains one of the highlights of Penzance. You can stay at Treen Farm Campsite by turning up and paying the very reasonable fee via the ticket machine – I paid just £10 for 24 hours for one car. There are public toilets on site and a tiny cafe that serves delicious morning coffees.
Get there early and you may bag a sea view that you can’t beat. If you’re a latecomer, a 10-minute walk leads you to the stunning Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno beaches.
Two paths leave Treen towards the cliff; a larger path winds past the Camp Site and reaches the cliff above Pedn Vounder beach, whilst the second path takes a more southeasterly route across fields to emerge onto the cliff at Treen Castle.
Both routes join the South West Coast Path at the cliff, approximately one mile away.
Pedn Vounder is unmatched when it comes to Cornish beaches. Many Britons refuse to admit that we have anything that beats tropical shorelines in the Maldives and the Caribbean, but I beg to differ.
Granted, it’s best on a bright day, but the dramatic landscape makes it a marvel.
The remoteness of Pedn Vounder only adds to its allure. Until recently, you might have had the sand to yourself. Today, however, the word is out, especially given its stake in the world’s best beaches ranking.
Yet, even at its peak, the bay’s amphitheatre shape somehow diffuses the crowds. You can sit on the water’s edge or nestle against sun-warmed boulders beneath the cliffs.
No lifeguards patrol these waters, so visitors should be cautious. Stick to the shallows and be wary of the waves when enjoying the delightful cove.
The beach is completely submerged at high tide, making it accessible only during a few hours on either side of low tide. Always check the tide times before visiting, as the tide can come in quite quickly.
Pack sturdy shoes for the walk down, as the rocks can be quite a scramble to navigate. However, young families and pets seem to do it with ease.
There are no amenities on the beach, so grab a pasty or bring a packed lunch to enjoy the views at sandy Pedn Vounder. On your way home, stop at the top of the rocks to capture the orange glow of the horizon—you won’t regret it.