9/03

My wife and I recently visited the same Cornish beach reported on the web site last year. Our experience was less positive, but not totally discouraging.

Apart from a few exceptions like Sandbanks and Bournemouth in Dorset, most British beaches do not see many topless bathers, especially during the peak summer holiday period when the beaches are crowded with families. Our experience in Cornwall was similar. It is a little odd since so many British women do sunbathe topless when they go abroad.
We visited the beach on two days. The first was very busy indeed and not one topless bather was to be seen. My wife was reluctant to be the first on a very crowded beach and kept her bikini top on.

The next day we tried again. This time the beach was less crowded and as Gill unpacked her stuff on the beach, a lady came along, sat on the sand near us, undressed quickly and started to sunbathe topless. Gill soon joined her and another lady nearby joined in too. The three of them sunbathed topless all afternoon. The other people on the beach paid no attention at all. Another instance where someone needs to be brave and be the first.

--Paul and Gill, Birmingham, England

8/02

To find a good beach that has a south facing aspect whilst being located on the north coast of Cornwall was one of our best finds this year. We found the beach to be splendid. The site is at Godrevey near Gwithian on the beach road out of Hayle in Cornwall. The National Trust headland has a small daily charge but this provides a sense of security and also helps to limit numbers. The three fields provide excellent parking and whilst we were there an ice cream van selling Cornish ice cream was in attendance till early evening. Loos are also provided - a bonus.

The beach is accessible from the right hand side of the bottom field overlooking the bay with a well-constructed path to the sandy beach. Here with views toward St Ives and surfing, the cliff and rock outcrops offering shelter with sun on most days.

The bay is situated close to the Southwest costal path, offering gentle walks with fantastic views of miles of sand, and ocean that is wild, and restless. In the distance surfing with groups enjoying riding the waves.

On the beach nearby there were many other top free women, some with their families, including young children. Local bronzed ladies helped to swell the numbers at weekends, obviously a popular topless venue for both locals and holidaymakers. Many knew each other and thought nothing of joining up to exchange stories whilst their men went for a swim or to fetch their lunch or use the nearby loo or bring back ice creams. Because of this, I was less inhibited. I was not uncomfortable at all when I sunbathed top free. It was a wonderful feeling, the warm breeze, with the sun on our bodies and of course my husband Lain didn't mind at all. A very relaxing place offering us an undisturbed day good views and I felt so good that we did not want to leave this seventh heaven.

--Kim and Lain, Northampton, England