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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.
Access & Parking
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.
Trip Report - June 2005
"As others have mentioned, Vault Beach in Cornwall is unspoiled, wild and perfect for naturists. The lack of facilities only serves to make this place even closer to nature. We went in June 03 and are planning to go again in three weeks time. It is 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."
Trip Report - April 2005
"This really is a beautiful beach and has no facilities at all. 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."
Trip Report 2001
"My husband and I visited Vault beach in September 2001. This is
only our first year as nude bathers but 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 non available near to the beach. The beach is pebbles
at Dodman Point but the water was very nice."
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