Location
United Kingdom
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Sunny Cove
Arthur's Beach, also known as Sunny Cove, sits below the South West Coast Path on the south side of Falmouth, roughly midway between Swanpool and Maenporth beaches. British Naturism lists it in its beach directory, and the cove is known locally as clothes-optional; a small 'Clothes Optional' sign hangs on a tree at the beach entrance. It is not one beach but three small coves divided by rock ledges and backed by cliffs. The shore is coarse sand and pebbles with many rocky outcrops, and seaweed can pile up; getting into the water means picking your way over stones. The far cove is likely to be cut off at higher tides. Because it is unmarked and awkward to reach, it is rarely busy: a contributor counted about a dozen people on a midweek July day. There is no lifeguard, phone signal is patchy and there are no facilities.
Getting there
From the Swanpool Beach car park, cross the road and join the South West Coast Path heading south up the slope. After a few hundred metres pass the Home Guard war memorial on the right; the unmarked beach track is about 50 paces further on the left. It starts as gravel, turns to mud and winds steeply down through gorse and scrub, with ropes on the final drop. Long trousers help against gorse. Not wheelchair accessible.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no official designation; the cove is locally known as clothes-optional and signed as such informally. Nudity in England is lawful unless intended to cause alarm or distress.
Naturism at Sunny Cove sits under United Kingdom's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
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. 50.1325, -5.0794
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
How do I find Arthur's Beach?
Take the coast path south from Swanpool; the unmarked track is about 50 paces past the Home Guard memorial, on the left.
Is it the same as Sunny Cove?
Yes, British Naturism lists it as Arthur's Beach aka Sunny Cove.
Is the path difficult?
Yes, it is steep and muddy with ropes at the bottom and gorse along the way.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…