Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Polgaver Beach
Polgaver is the beach at the far end of Carlyon Bay, near St Austell on Cornwall's south coast, one of three once-separate beaches (with Crinnis and Shorthorn) that now run together. It has a place in naturist history: a regional news film dated 1971 records it being opened as Cornwall's first official nudist beach, by the comedian Freddie Starr with the blessing of the Cornwall Tourist Board, and it was long one of the most popular nude beaches in the area. Since then the redevelopment of Carlyon Bay into a beachside village has changed it, and the film archive notes that naturists have all but disappeared; a local walking guide now calls it a little too public for nude use. British Naturism's listing says some naturists still use the foreshore pending redevelopment. The sand here formed from old mining waste and is coarse and gritty with chunky quartz grains, and the sea piles it into steep, hidden drops at the water's edge, so take care paddling. Do not expect a naturist crowd.
Getting there
Polgaver lies at the eastern end of Carlyon Bay, reached from the South West Coast Path between Charlestown and Par or along the shore from the main Carlyon Bay beach access. Parking near the bay is limited and the redevelopment has changed paths over time, so check current access locally. The nearest facilities are at the Carlyon Bay development and in Charlestown. There is no step-free route to the shore.
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. Polgaver was opened as an official nudist beach in 1971 with tourist board backing, but redevelopment of Carlyon Bay has largely ended naturist use and no current designation is known (2026).
Naturism at Polgaver Beach 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. 50.3380, -4.7250
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 Polgaver still a nude beach?
Only marginally. It was Cornwall's first official nudist beach, but redevelopment has driven most naturists away; British Naturism says a few still use the foreshore.
Why is the sand so coarse?
Carlyon Bay's beaches formed from mining waste washed down the Sandy River, leaving gritty quartz sand that can form steep drops at the water's edge.
Are there better nude beaches nearby?
British Naturism lists Gribbin Head to the east and Porthluney Cove to the south-west.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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