Vault Beach - Gorran Haven - Cornwall

General

Vault Beach is located in an area of National Trust-owned land at Dodman Point, south of St Austell. Nude use of the far end of the beach has continued for many years. The beach itself is [I am informed] privately owned.

Getting There

Google Map

StreetMap

Gorran Haven is reached via the B3273 south from St Austell. The road passes Mevagissey and becomes unclassified before reaching the village. From Gorran Haven drive or walk to Lamledra - up a steep hill with 'No Through Road' signs and continue west to the National Trust car park and the Youth Hostel. From here a public footpath runs down to Vault beach. Once on the beach walk to its south-western end - nearest Dodman Point

Description
This part of the Cornish coast is beautiful, comparatively unspoiled and well looked after. The beach consists of coarse sand, with some rocks and backed by steep slopes rising high above the sea. Fine sand may be found at low tide. Good swimming. The beach ends in a rocky foreshore that goes south west and west to Dodman Point a mile away. A good beach for those with children.

Facilities
There are no toilets in Lamledra or in the National Trust carpark, the nearest facilities, toilets, shops etc. are in Gorran Haven.

Water Quality
No up-to-date information available.

Selected Visitor Comments

2001 - "...we found Vault Beach perfect. I found access not too difficult even though I am partly disabled and use a walking stick. The path down is very steep but tackled slowly with caution should not prove a problem. It is a must to bring all supplies & refreshments with you as we found none available near to the beach."

April 2005 - "This really is a beautiful beach... There can be quite a lot of seaweed dumped on the beach at the start where the footpath descends onto the sand. The sand is quite coarse and the swimming can be tricky because of rocks, but there is a good area towards the end of the beach, which is the main nudist area. The nudist status is unofficial but I have been visiting this beach for nearly 30 years since I was a small child and there have always been people swimming and sun bathing nude at the far end."

2005 - "As others have mentioned, Vault Beach is unspoiled, wild and perfect for naturists. The lack of facilities only serves to make this place even closer to nature... well worth a visit just to see this part of the coastline which is, for the most part, deserted with the exception of naturists and the occasional broad minded dog walker. (Dogs are allowed on this beach too!! ) I would recommend bringing plenty of drinks on hot days however. We didn't and by the time we ended our trip and returned to Gorran Haven we were absolutely bone dry."

August 19, 2009 - "The water may have been bracing but this was ideal for a truly wild swim as it is a really calm bay with no huge waves. A long sweep of sand, and plenty of space to find your own spot on the beach too. Well worth a visit. good swimming!"

2010

Robin 2010-09-02
We've spent many years enjoying Vault Beach, the natural swimming is one of life's greatest relaxations. What a shame that.. men believe they can masturbate in public here without offending people. I've witnessed men pleasuring themselves alongside families, it is unacceptable. The far end of the beach turns to rock and there is a constant stream of men disappearing behind the rocks. For this reason, don't go behind the cove, stay half way along the beach, just past the textiles, there will be no problems since this area is enjoyed by oouples and familes. Enjoy your swimming.

rich 2010-09-08
I started nude bathing this year for the first time and found it very relaxing the beach clean the sea is so clear it was the best thing i have done but i do tend to agree about.. the far end... such a shame because it gives everyone a bad name.