A beach in England has been ranked as one of the 50 best beaches in the world – beating exotic shorelines in Hawaii, Jamaica and even the Maldives. Only two beaches in Britain made it onto Big 7 Travel’s top 50 list – Rhossili Bay in the Gower Peninsula of Wales and Pedn Vounder in Cornwall.
Pedn Vounder was the top-rated beach in Britain, coming in 25th on the list. The unspoiled beach looks more like a tropical island than England’s coast and has been a popular spot for locals for years, but it seems the secret is now out of the bag.
People now travel from all over the country to sink their toes in the pristine white sands of Pedn Vounder and to swim (or even skinny dip) in its turquoise waters. The beach is known unofficially as a nudist beach, but that doesn’t put visitors off.
In the summer, sandbars create shallow lagoons that warm up in the afternoon sun. The walk from the car park to the beach offers stunning views of the Penzance coast and this hidden bay is one of several beautiful beaches in the area.
You’ll have to clamber down some steep cliffs to get there, but visitors say it’s easily done if you’re moderately-fit and they promise the beach is well worth the effort. One visitor, Amber Willis, wrote: “Absolutely stunning beach with the best water I’ve seen in England!
“Its a mission to get down but if you like a challenge, are able bodied and fit then this will be easy. Bring all of your supplies for the day because there’s no going back! Enjoy the secluded privacy of this beach and the perfect sand and sea.”
Harvey Dobson said: “Fantastic hidden beach. Difficult to get to but worth it. Certainly easier on the way back up.” And Chris Baker, said: “A real gem of a place … What people say about the scramble down rocks to get to the beach is true, but it’s not quite the danger some make out. Just be sensible and it’s fine. And yes, there are absolutely naturists here.”
Another visitor said: “Best beach I’ve ever been to! Incredible natural beauty, about a 20 min hike from the closest car park … once you get there it’s an incredible beach, beautiful clear water, 100% worth going.”
And Ray Bell wrote: “We called Into this beach on our way to St Ives and what a beautiful place it was … Sun was out waves were crashing and I just couldn’t resist to dive in. Also, if you like a skinny dip, this is a perfect place. Would definitely go back.”
Big 7 Travel said of Pedn Vounder: “Cornwall has long been a summer getaway destination for local families, but its gorgeous coastline has caught the eye of international travellers. Despite the crowds, Pedn Vounder is still one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. Combining crystal clear blue water and white sand, it’s proof that you don’t need to hotfoot to the Caribbean for a tropical island-inspired getaway.”
How to get to Pedn Vounder beach from Birmingham
Pedn Vounder is around a five-hour drive from Birmingham city centre via the M5 and A30. You can also catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Penzance, which takes around five-and-a-half hours, then catch the Land’s End Coaster bus towards Mayon.
Source : Birmingham Live