Vault Beach — western naturist end
Gorran Haven, Cornwall, England
A curved sand-and-shingle bay near Gorran Haven, with traditional naturist use at its quieter western end. The hillside walk from Lamledra opens out to a broad view of the sheltered-looking bay and the Dodman coast.
Nudity policy
Customary clothing optional at western end
British Naturism and local visitor guidance identify the far western end as traditionally clothing optional. It is unofficial; the eastern arrival end is a shared family beach.
Remain clothed on paths and at the eastern entrance, and respect current signs and other visitors. Old painted rock markings are not a verified present-day boundary.
Facilities
No facilities on site.
No listed facilities are confirmed on the naturist stretch. Parking, toilets or refreshments on the approach are described separately below.
Access & visiting
Public beach access on foot, with no beach-admission ticket, membership or overnight stay required. The National Trust’s Lamledra approach car park asks for a donation; this is separate from beach access.
Age & supervision
Family eligibility is based on the primary visitor guidance for ordinary public shoreline use, with no separate adult-only admission system identified. No numerical minimum age is published. Adults should supervise children and assess tides, terrain and access conditions; customary naturist use does not establish formal designation or extend to every part of the coast.
Age policy sourceWhen to go
Open coast; weather, tides and local restrictions affect access. Naturist use is most likely during warmer months.
Directions & Parking
Getting there
Head to Gorran Haven and follow the local approach to the National Trust’s Lamledra car park, PL26 6JS. Use Lamledra for Vault Beach; Penare is a different car park serving the Dodman and Hemmick.
Parking
Park in the Lamledra donation car park. The National Trust specifically identifies it as the access for Vault Beach, which is not itself National Trust-owned. The lanes are narrow, so leave passing places and private entrances clear.
Finding the naturist area
Follow the established downhill beach path from Lamledra across the grassy slope to Vault/Bow Beach, allowing around ten minutes for the descent. On reaching the eastern end of the beach, turn right/west and walk along the main bay away from the entrance; naturist use is at the far western end.
Where naturism applies
This is a customary section, with no verified current signed line. Stay within the main beach and do not round the western rocks into smaller tidal coves; the western end has no separate exit. Return by the same established beach path.
- The National Trust describes steep, uneven and potentially muddy paths. Wear footwear suitable for the descent and allow longer for the uphill return.
- There are no confirmed facilities on the naturist stretch; bring water and use village facilities before walking down.
- Check the day’s tide, sea conditions and any local path notices before leaving the approach.
Access guidance checked 2026-11-11. Follow current signs and any instructions from the venue or land manager.
Sources & last check
Location, facilities and nudity policy checked against these sources on . This is a desk check, not an on-site inspection.
- British Naturism — Vault/Bow Beach and western customary naturist use
- National Trust — Lamledra donation car park, Vault access and path terrain
- National Trust — Cornwall coastal car parks and Lamledra postcode
- We Are Cornwall — Lamledra descent, western naturist end and lack of beach facilities
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