General
Located west of Plymouth between Downderry and Whitsand Bay.

Getting There

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StreetMap

Approach via the A374 - either from Torpoint and the ferry from Plymouth, or from Trerulefoot on the A38, then west on the A387 toward Looe. Turn left on to the B3247 south toward Seaton and Downderry. There is limited parking on the road to the east of Downderry, or a small car park in the village. In either case please do not park where you might cause an obstruction or otherwise upset local residents.

Access on foot is from the road along the cliff top [B3247] , the footpath crossing fields to reach the path which descends the cliff - making it suitable only for those with good mobility. [see also Trip Report, below]

Walking along the beach from Downderry itself is possible, but PLEASE NOTE: great care should be taken to check the tides before so doing. It can be very easy to get cut off by the rising tide if you are the wrong side of one the numerous rocky outcrops along this beach.

Description
Downderry is variously described as a sandy beach, or consisting of "pebbles and gritty sand" . The numerous rocky outcrops provide good screening, making for seclusion and a beach "ideal for naturism". The first small shingly bay is mainly for clothed families. The second is more sandy and more for naturists. The third bay (still not a great distance - an easy walk) is in the words of one beach user "paradise, a huge expanse of sand, not many people, but yes some of them (sorry, males) are there for more than a nice tan."

Warnings about being cut off by the tide also apply once you actually reach the beach - great caution is required.

Facilities
There is a small shop in the villiage for last-minute provisions.

Selected Visitor Comments

June 14, 2008 - "The beach is great and the rocky outcrops keep everything nicely separated. We stayed in the first of the naturist friendly bays, not having the energy to go right round to the others (it was hot this weekend!), but the third bay does look spectacular from a distance - seemed to be much lighter sand and less pebbly/gritty than the one we stayed on. Next time we'll try to make it further round."

November 02, 2008 - "A great beach and if you want to stay local at a naturist campsite then look up www.carbeil.co.uk just 10 mins walk to the naturist beach."

April 25, 2009 - "A highly recommended beach here. I have been for a fair few times and it is a very peaceful and tranquil area. No noisy teenagers or families with kids. There are some very friendly locals, naturist aswell, who use the beach and do come up for a chat. I strongly recommend it for anyone who would like to 'get away from it all'. The first section is for the textiles and around the first rocks is a smaller section where naturists are seen. The main section for naturists is the longer beach. However be prepared for the tide. It can reach right up to the rocks and you could be trapped unless you have the facilities to enter the water and get around to the smaller beach. So look out there."

August 07, 2009 - "A fantastic little beach, I cheat and come around by kayak. a great little sun trap . Hope to see more people down there net time."