Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About The Strangles Beach
The Strangles is a remote, north-west-facing cove on the north Cornish coast about a mile south of Crackington Haven, below high cliffs. The main beach is mostly pebbles and shingle with large rocks; as the tide falls a good expanse of sand appears, and scouring around the rocks leaves deep pools that warm up in the sun. Naturists generally gather at the northern end of the main beach, and on busy weekends move further north to Little Strand, a separate cove a few hundred metres along reached around or over a projecting rocky point. Little Strand is the traditional clothing-optional spot and is the most secluded, but it can be cut off by the rising tide. The cliff is high enough that the beach is not much overlooked from the coast path. There are no facilities and no phone signal. The sea is not safe for swimming because of strong currents, so treat it as a sunbathing and rock-pool beach.
Getting there
From the A39 at Wainhouse Corner drive to Crackington Haven, then up the hill south of the village about a mile to Trevigue. Park in the small National Trust area on the left about 150 m past Trevigue farmhouse, or at the roadside (satnav EX23 0LQ). A footpath opposite runs fairly level for about 200 m to the clifftop, then descends a steep, distinct path with one or two exposed sections to the beach; allow 15-20 minutes each way. Steps at the bottom were reinstated in 2014. Wear sturdy footwear; only for fit, mobile visitors. Arrive on a falling tide.
What visitors say
Visitors love the wild setting and say the walk down is beautiful, though the climb back is hard work. Regulars report few clothed visitors outside peak season and a peaceful, mostly naturist crowd at Little Strand, while busy summer weekends can bring many textiles and few naturists on the main beach. Several mention that much of the sand can be stripped away after storms. Tide timing is the key tip.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no official designation; nudity at the northern end and at Little Strand is accepted by local custom and the beach is mixed use. The land above is National Trust; no enforcement or conflicts were found in sources up to 2020.
Naturism at The Strangles 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. 50.7274, -4.6497
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the naturist area at The Strangles?
At the northern end of the main beach and at Little Strand, a smaller cove a few hundred metres further north past a rocky point.
How hard is the walk?
About 15-20 minutes down a steep cliff path with some exposed sections; the climb back up is demanding.
Can I swim?
Swimming is not advised because of strong currents; rock pools at low tide are the main way to cool off.
Are there facilities?
None. Toilets and food are at Crackington Haven, and refreshments are sold at Trevigue in season.
When should I go?
On a falling tide; Little Strand can be cut off at high water and the main beach shrinks considerably.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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