Arthur's Beach - Falmouth

Cornwall (south coast)

3 small coves at the bottom of a trail down from the cliff top path. Pebble beaches.

Sunny Cove seen from Pennance Point

via Geograph

Arthur's Beach is located between Pennance Point and Newporth Head about one 1 mile south west of Swanpool Beach on the western outskirts of Falmouth. It is said to have more naturist users than some other, better-known, naturist beaches in the area.

Getting There

By car: from Falmouth, drive out to Swanpool and park. Satnav: TR11 5BG

By train: Falmouth can also be reached by train, with a regular service from Truro. Alight at 'Falmouth Town' Station and walk south-westwards past Swanpool Point to Swanpool Beach

About 200 metres south of Swanpool, at a right-hand bend, the coast path diverges from the road. Follow this footpath - resisting the temptation to take any short-cuts through the undergrowth - for about half a mile until you reach an obelisk dedicated to the Homeguard of WW2.

Just beyond the memorial (about 2 metres) and on the opposite side of the path another narrower path leads down toward the sea. Follow this for 400 meteres and you arrive at the outer edge of Arthurs Beach. A small length of rope is there to help people get down the final 4 feet of steep path to the beach. Then head westwards (right) to the first Naturist section.

Going on further westwards, across a flat rocky outcrop brings you out onto the larger and more spacious second naturist section of the beach.

Description

The beach (which is not overlooked) consists of pebbles - so windbreaks are difficult to use and some form of mat to sit or lie on is recommended.

The first naturist section said to be frequented by "Old Boys, Couples and some topless women". The second, larger, area tends to be frequented by gay men, younger couples and sometimes a few clothed alternative young couples.

There is some passing sea traffic going to and from Falmouth and some boats are said to anchor off the beach so that their occupants can go nude swimming.

Other Beaches in the Area

A little further south westwards from this beach, a beach near Rosemullion Head has long been reputedly used by naturists. Its popularity may have declined significantly, however, since it is now overlooked by a popular section of the South-West Coast Path.