Downderry Beach

Downderry is a small village on the south-east Cornwall coast between Looe and Seaton, facing Whitsand Bay. The main beach below the village is a family- and dog-friendly beach of coarse sand and rock. The naturist area is to the east. Walking east from the village, you pass a series of undeveloped coves separated by rock outcrops. British Naturism's listing, taken from a 2007 guide, says the second and third bays are best for naturist sunbathing. Other guides describe a secluded half-mile beyond Bass Rock, or simply the eastern end of the beach. The coves are sheltered when it is windy and are not overlooked by any development. There are no facilities. The rock outcrops between the bays can cut you off on a rising tide, so walk out on a falling tide and keep an eye on the time. Carbeil Holiday Park, a naturist campsite with a pool, is about half a mile from the village, and many of its guests use the beach. Visit Cornwall, the county tourism board, describes it as an unofficial naturist beach that walkers find as they head east.