Nestled amongst the dramatic cliffs of Treryn Dinas in Cornwall sits one of the planet’s finest beaches. Featuring pristine turquoise waters, powdery sand and an authentic slice of picture-perfect Cornish living, visitors will feel transported to Hawaii, reports MyLondon.
Back in 2023, Big 7 Travel unveiled its ultimate selection of the world’s most spectacular beaches that simply cannot be missed. Pedn Vounder emerged as the sole UK beach to secure a place on the prestigious list, remarkably climbing to an impressive eighth position globally. The rankings were compiled using historical media coverage, official Blue Flag designations and expert input from the Big 7 Travel editorial team, with Costa Rica’s stunning Playa Conchal claiming the coveted number one spot in 2023.
The podium positions in 2023 featured Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Australia (second place), alongside Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos (third place). For 2025, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands reached the top spot.
But what makes this Cornish gem so extraordinary? Cornwall boasts a spectacular coastline that draws thousands of British holidaymakers and international visitors to its shores annually.
Big 7 Travel noted that whilst Pedn Vounder does draw considerable crowds, it remains “still one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches”. Visitors could easily mistake this secluded cove for something plucked from a tropical haven.
The designation Pedn Vounder derives from the Cornish language – ‘pedn’ signifying head or end, and ‘vounder’ meaning lane, literally translating to ‘end of lane’. At the beach’s eastern headland sits the renowned Logan Rock, an 80-ton rocking stone, which was displaced in 1824 by a group of British sailors, eventually transforming into a tourist attraction.
The beach featured in a dream sequence in BBC’s Poldark, so you may well recognise this lush and formerly concealed treasure.
One detail visitors ought to be aware of is that Pedn Voundor serves as an unofficial naturist beach, so if you’re easily shocked you may wish to steer clear during the sweltering summer months. Dogs are also permitted on the beach throughout the year.
The beach presently boasts a 4.4 out of five star rating on Tripadvisor, based on 36 reviews. Past visitors have lauded its crystal clear waters and soft sand, but cautioned about the challenging descent to reach the shoreline.
One individual commented: “This is a very beautiful beach, stunning weather worn cliffs form a grand backdrop to Crystal clear water. Swimming is fantastic, cold crisp, beware of the strong currents here though.”
Another remarked: “Anyone saying this place is anything other than divine is not telling the truth. It IS tricky to walk down to, and you do need to be very careful. Lots of nudists (July) so not for the anyone prudish. Possibly best bathing beach ……. in the world??”
A third visitor said: “So the beach once you manage to get down to it is just the most gorgeous, idyllic treat. Soft white sands lead you out into warm turquoise waters that lap the shore gently. It’s a large cove with a number of smaller coves to both sides so naturists and clothed sun bathers can mix relatively happily. On my visit the split was probably 30% naturist.
“The cliff face is the most extraordinary jumble of weather worn, precariously balanced rocks, giving the place a feel of old world “Tolkien” country, a beautiful and inspiring area.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
