Cornwall, England
Basset's Cove
Basset's Cove is a small, sheltered cove on the North Cornwall coast near Portreath, tucked between the headlands on either side and accessible via a path from the cliff top.
- Day use
- Hike In
About this place
Basset's Cove is a small, sheltered cove on the North Cornwall coast near Portreath, tucked between the headlands on either side and accessible via a path from the cliff top. The cove has an informal C/O tradition among locals and regulars who appreciate the natural shelter and relative seclusion compared to the more visited Portreath Beach to the east.
The cove is rocky at its edges with a small sand patch accessible at low to mid tide. The cliff-top approach offers views along the North Cornwall coast toward St Agnes Head to the south and Godrevy Lighthouse to the west — the same stretch of coast that inspired Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse'. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status applies along this whole section.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Portreath area locals, North Cornwall coastal walkers, regulars who know the access path.
How to find it
From Portreath, follow the SW Coast Path westward. Basset's Cove is a short distance west of Portreath — look for the path down to the cove from the cliff top. Access involves a rocky scramble.
Things to watch out for
Rocky approach to the cove. Accessible mainly at low to mid tide — check tide times. Atlantic swell can be significant.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Small, quiet cove — the limited space means the group atmosphere sets quickly. Informal C/O among regulars.
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