England might not be known for plentiful sunny days, but Cornwall—the rugged peninsula on the country’s southwestern tip—is actually home some of the best beaches in Europe. If you know where to look, that is.
Sure, there may only be a short number of weeks in the year when UK weather is suitable for sunbathing and sharing a portion of fish and chips between sea dips, but the unpredictable British climes make our shorelines no less beautiful. And if you’re planning an English beachside escape this summer, one UK beach boasts sands so white and sea so blue, it’s often compared to Bali. In fact, it’s often voted one of the best beaches in the world.
Pedn Vounder—roughly translating to ‘end of the lane’ from Cornish—is a hidden beach located on the rugged Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall near Porthcurno. Famous for its turquoise water, white sand, and dramatic granite cliffs, it’s easy to see why it’s often compared to the pristine beaches of Indonesia or the Caribbean.
How to get there
The only downside is that Pedn Vounder isn’t particularly easy to get to. It’s approximately a six-hour drive From London—or, for a car-less route, you can take the train from London to Penzance. From Penzance, it’s a 20-minute drive or bus ride to the nearby village of Treen.
Because the beach is tidal, much of the sand disappears at high tide, so make sure to check the tide chart carefully to ensure you’re visiting at low tide.
