The resort of Perranporth is situated on the north Cornwall coast, southwest of Newquay. It boasts a huge sandy beach backed by the sand dunes of Penhale Sands. At low tide Perran Sands beach joins up with Perranporth Beach to create a beautiful three mile stretch of stunning golden sands.

It has one of the most extensive system of sand dunes in Cornwall and is believed to be the landing site of Saint Piran. Naturists use of the northern part of the three-mile long beach for decades.

Like many beaches along this coast, the North Atlantic waves often create surf conditions that attract enthusiasts from all over the country. When the surf is up, swim with care. Windbreaks could be useful too. This beach is properly called ' Perran Bay'. Naturists are also said to use 'Holywell Bay' - about a mile to the north, beyond the village of Holywell - and some guides confuse the two. Fine for naturist use on the beach itself, and is patrolled for safety purposes by the lifeguards. They are supportive of respectable naturist use.