Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
June to September
About Petitor
Petitor (Petit Tor) is a small cove below high red cliffs on the northern edge of Torquay, near St Marychurch and Torquay Golf Club, about two miles from the town centre. It has been a traditionally tolerated nude beach for decades. The shore is mainly pebbles with patches of sand and large rocks, and the clear water of Babbacombe Bay makes for good swimming in calm weather. Petitor has a loyal local following, and older reports describe an informal layout with single men to one side and couples, women and families to the other; some visitors find the regulars protective of the beach and its etiquette. The cliffs are unstable: both the beach and the path down have had rock falls, so keep away from the cliff foot and check the tide, which covers much of the beach at high water. There are no facilities on the beach; everything is available in St Marychurch and Torquay.
Getting there
From Torquay take the B3199 (Babbacombe Road) to St Marychurch, then turn right at the small roundabout into Petitor Road, passing the golf club, and park at the sea end where space allows (postcode TQ1 4QF). Go through the metal gate and down the long grassy slope, then turn left to the beach. The descent is a stiff, steep walk, unsuitable for people with walking difficulties; a 2023 report said an earlier rock fall on the path had been cleared. Bus 32 from the harbour runs to St Marychurch. You can also walk round from Oddicombe beach.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Petitor as a good, clean cove with a strong local following, which some find welcoming and others cliquey. The steep path is the most common complaint; one visitor in 2014 called it dangerous, while a 2023 report said the fallen section had been fixed. Older reports mention people watching from the cliff top and an informal split between single men and couples or families. Most agree the swimming is good when the sea is calm.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no designation scheme for nude beaches in England and Wales and nudity in itself is not an offence; the Sexual Offences Act 2003 exposure offence requires intent to cause alarm or distress. Petitor has no official designation but nude use is long tolerated; there have been problems with onlookers from the cliffs, and in 2001 an air rifle was reportedly fired at sunbathers, after which police patrols increased.
Naturism at Petitor sits under United Kingdom's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United Kingdom public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 50.4872, -3.5132
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Is Petitor a nude beach?
Yes, informally. It is a traditionally tolerated naturist beach, listed by British Naturism, though not officially designated.
Is the path difficult?
Yes. It is a long, steep descent down a grassy slope and has suffered rock falls; it is unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility.
Where do I park?
At the sea end of Petitor Road in St Marychurch, where there is usually room.
Are there facilities?
None on the beach; shops, cafes and toilets are in St Marychurch.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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