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Beach

Cornwall, England

Porthzennor Cove

Porthzennor Cove is the tiny beach at the bottom of the village of Zennor — one of the most isolated and characterful settlements on the far west Cornish coast, where D.H.

Beginner
Family-friendly Field verified
  • Day use
  • Hike In
Porthzennor Cove

About this place

Porthzennor Cove is the tiny beach at the bottom of the village of Zennor — one of the most isolated and characterful settlements on the far west Cornish coast, where D.H. Lawrence lived and wrote during World War I. The cove itself is small and rocky, sheltered by the headlands that define this section of the north-facing Penwith coastline, with dramatic granite cliffs and clear Atlantic water.

Informal C/O use at Porthzennor is long-established among those who make the journey — the approach involves the SW Coast Path or a walk through the village, and the cove's small scale ensures that only those specifically seeking it out tend to arrive. The Zennor area has a bohemian and artistic heritage that creates a relaxed attitude toward outdoor nudity.

Visitor notes

Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team

Who visits

Zennor village visitors, Penwith Coast Path walkers, West Cornwall naturists.

How to find it

Drive to Zennor village (off B3306 between St Ives and St Just). Walk down through the village to the cove — short walk but involves cliff path descent.

Things to watch out for

Very small cove — arrives quickly at capacity. Rocky, exposed coastline. No facilities.

Last updated

Etiquette & ground rules

Tiny cove with a quiet informal C/O tradition that fits the character of the isolated village.

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