The National Trust has closed off one of Britain's top beaches to the public over fears surrounding health and safety.

Pedn Vounder beach on the Cornish coast is widely regarded for its idyllic scenery and turquoise waters.

However, the National Trust has now cordoned it off to the public, citing "dangerous" rip currents and a hazardous access path.

Pedn Vounder beach on the Cornish coast is widely known for its idyllic scenery and turquoise waters

The cliff access path has been roped off, with a red sign in front of it now reading: “Danger. No access".

The sign says: "The path has eroded in places, making it unstable, with steep drops and ending in a near vertical six metre climb down on to the beach below.”

The National Trust has said that fears have risen that swimming in the sea off the Cornish beach was now “dangerous due to rip currents”, following "regular serious incidents" that have caused emergency services to get involved.

According to RNLI logs, five incidents have taken place on the beach in the last five years, two people being injured on the path and three incidents involving the water.

According to RNLI logs, five incidents have taken place on the beach in the last five years

However, no serious incidents have been reported at the beach in almost two years.

Beachgoer, Rebecca Ley, 46, told The Times: “Getting down was always a bit challenging, and it’s definitely not one for flip-flops, but I can’t say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child.

“The final section is quite steep but it’s made of granite rock and has certainly not eroded.

“My nine-year-old made it without difficulty, as did the more than 100 other people on Saturday.

It’s a real shame... I know the beach has seen a big increase in visitors in recent years, but this decision doesn’t make any sense to me. I really hope it doesn’t hit the village campsite and cafe too badly."

The charity said that they took the decision to close the beach due to the “significant increase in potential for serious injury”, but added that the measure will only be in place temporarily.

The conservation group affirmed that consultations with local partners and emergency services took place prior to the decision being made.

The National Trust said: "We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly.

"As a charity that promotes access to nature and culture we always try to maintain access wherever it’s possible to do so, but due to the increasing erosion undercutting the cliff we have made the difficult decision to close it.

The National Trust said 'we understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly'

“In the meantime, we encourage visitors to use nearby Porthcurno beach and to follow all local signage and safety advice.”

Pedn Vounder was voted in the top ten most beautiful beaches worldwide by EnjoyTravel.com and named as one of the best that Britain has to offer by The Times.

The National Trust has owned the unofficial nudist beach since 1993.