Down on the south coast lies the picturesque Vault Beach. Part of the St Austell Riviera near the charming fishing village of Mevagissey, this unspoilt but magical ‘no-frills’ location is a sheltered, secluded, gently shelving shale beach. Here’s everything you need to know…

PENARE WEATHER

Beach Overview

Tucked below Dodman Point on the Roseland side of St Austell Bay, Vault Beach is a long, quietly beautiful sweep of pale shingle and coarse sand that feels wonderfully off‑the‑beaten‑track. Sheltered by high cliffs and open to wide southerly views, it has a wilder, more natural feel than the nearby village beaches. At lower tides the strand widens for big, bracing walks; at higher tides the shingle bank steepens and waves can slap against the shore with real energy. (Note: the eastern end of the beach has a long‑standing clothing‑optional/naturist tradition.)

PENARE WEATHER

Lifeguards & Safety

There is no RNLI lifeguard service at Vault Beach — treat it as unpatrolled. The shingle bank can shelve steeply and the shorebreak turns punchy on spring highs or in longer‑period swells. Rip currents can develop near the headlands. Keep swims parallel to shore and within your depth, avoid inflatables in offshore winds, and supervise children closely. Mobile signal can be patchy below the cliffs; check conditions before you commit to the water and know your exit points.

Surf & Watersports 

Vault is primarily a spot for sea‑swimming, snorkelling on calm days, and paddle boarding when winds and swell are light. Launch away from bathers, hug the middle of the bay, and give the rocky ends a generous berth. When a groundswell wraps in, the shingle bank can produce a heavy shorebreak—great to watch but not ideal for inexperienced swimmers or SUP. For consistent surf, head to north‑coast breaks.

Tide tips: Mid to low tide offers more strand to spread out and easier shingle footing. As high tide approaches the beach narrows and the shore can dump; plan your launch/landing accordingly, and always allow time to walk back before the tide pushes into the coves.

Dog Rules

Vault Beach is dog‑friendly all year. It’s popular with walkers, so please keep dogs under close control around picnics and wildlife, and tidy up to keep this quiet gem pristine.

Facilities & Accessibility

There are no facilities directly on the beach. Access is via coast‑path tracks and steeper footpaths from nearby parking, with sections over uneven, shingly ground, so it’s not ideal for wheelchairs or buggies. The closest facilities are in Gorran Haven and Mevagissey (toilets, cafés, shops). Parking options include National Trust car parks for Penare/Dodman Point or inland above the beach; allow time for the walk‑in and return climb.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

This is superb walking territory. From the beach, short climbs link you to the South West Coast Path for panoramic loops over Dodman Point with its day‑mark and far‑reaching views down the Roseland. Westwards the path rolls towards Gorran Haven via little coves; eastwards you can stride on to Hemmick Beach and quiet farmland lanes for circular routes.

Places to Eat Nearby

For easy beach‑day bites, head to Gorran Haven for cafés and takeaway treats by the harbour. In Mevagissey, narrow streets around the inner harbour brim with fish‑and‑chip shops, bakeries and pubs for post‑walk suppers. Country‑pub options dot the lanes inland if you’re making a longer circuit.

Rainy‑Day Options

If the weather turns, swap the shingle for the Mevagissey Museum and harbour galleries, or make for the Lost Gardens of Heligan — a brilliant mix of indoor exhibits and sheltered garden trails that work in all weathers. Between showers, the headland viewpoints around Dodman Point deliver moody seascapes without committing to a full beach day.