Looking for a nudist beach in the UK where you can bare all? I’ve got you covered with these (bare) essentials. From the far north of the UK to the southernmost tip, there’s a huge range of stunning nude or naturist beaches that cater to those who want to get back to basics.
Learn more about the best nudist beaches in the UK
Searching for beaches near Manchester where you can be wild and free? Or maybe you live in the capital and want to know where your closest beach to London is? Discover our round-up of the best nude beaches in the UK with options for adventurers and those seeking peace and tranquillity.
1. Brighton Naturist Beach, East Sussex
One of the most popular nude beaches in the UK is Brighton Naturist Beach. Found in the liberal city of Brighton, around one mile from the main beach, it was the UK’s first official nudist beach.
It’s a shingle beach with many pebbles and stones, so it’s advised that you bring sturdy beach footwear. The water here is very popular for taking a dip, especially during the hotter summer months.
To get to Brighton nudist beach from the train station, hop on the 12 Coaster bus which takes around 20 minutes. There are heaps of food and drink establishments nearby, too, so you won’t have to travel far to refuel.
Beach facilities: cafes/restaurants, toilets, parking, shops, lifeguard, deck chair hire
2. Studland Nudist Beach, Dorset
If you’re looking for nudist beaches in the UK surrounded by nature, say hello to Studland Naturist Beach. A potentially long journey to get across the Hartland Moors, depending on where you’re travelling from, it’s located on a long stretch of sand in Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve.
Four miles long and surrounded by nothingness, Studland Naturist Beach is ideal if you want to sunbathe in the nude in peace. You can get to the beach from Bournemouth, which is only eight miles away, by taking a ferry across a small strait.
Alternatively, drive the long way around. There’s not much in the form of facilities at the beach, so pack water, food and anything else you may need.
Beach facilities: seasonal food van (summer only)
3. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, East Sussex
Another must-visit spot is Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. This beautiful naturist beach just a short stroll from Rye consists of small stones and pebbles and it’s backed by stunning sand dunes.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is also around two miles away from the popular area of Camber Sands. So, if you want to strip down and be at one with nature, the further west along the beach you travel, the more secluded the area is.
Planning on taking a dip? Be aware that the Rother Estuary runs alongside part of the nature reserve which can cause riptides and strong currents. Closer to Camber, there are plenty of food and drink shops.
Beach facilities: parking, toilets, disabled access
4. Druridge Bay, Northumberland
This nudist beach in the UK offers an annual skinny dip every September for people who want to get involved. A spectacular beach in its own right, Druridge Bay (not far from Amble) also backs onto the Northumberland Coast County Park.
As well as the annual charity dip in September, there’s always something to look forward to. You could also join the local naturist club, The Three Rivers Outdoor Club, which regularly comes together to swim, camp and relax outdoors.
While the beach isn’t completely secluded, it’ll still take you a while to reach the closest cafe, so make sure you pack snacks. You can get to it in around 40 minutes by car from the popular city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Beach facilities: visitor centre, toilets, parking, cafe
5. Craikaig Beach, Scotland
Looking for a naturist beach in Scotland? Venture all the way to Sutherland on the northeast coast and you’ll come across the beautiful Craikaig Beach. It’s found just up the coast from Golspie (home to Dunrobin Castle) and is officially one of the only recognised nude beaches in the country.
Craikaig Beach is made up of soft, golden sand and is wonderfully secluded. There’s a pool you can bathe in close to the mouth of the river, while a campsite sits just next door if you fancy staying overnight. The track leading to the beach isn’t the best maintained, so go slow.
Beach facilities: toilets, campsite, parking
6. Pedn Vounder and Treen, Cornwall
For those looking to bare all in the southernmost tip of the UK, Pedn Vounder and Treen in Cornwall is the one. This stunning sandy beach, with its steep, rocky backdrop, is ideal if you want to be at one with nature.
Located about a 30-minute walk south of Treen and not far from Porthcurno, you’ll only be able to access the beach on foot. The beach is only accessible at low tide, too, so be sure to check the tide times before you plan your trip. As it’s remote, there are no facilities nearby or any shops, so make sure you plan for the day, especially if it’s hot.
Note that the beach isn’t accessible for those with mobility issues.
Beach facilities: none – it’s only accessible on foot from Treen
7. Rhossili Bay, Wales
England’s not the only place with great nudist beaches in the UK. You’ll also find fantastic nude beaches in Wales, with Rhossili Beach being one of the best.
Located on the Gower Peninsula on the south coast of Wales, it’s reachable from nearby Rhossili by car in about six minutes. On the northern end of the beach, you’ll find a naturist’s paradise where you can soak up the sun and go for a swim. Other highlights include the shipwreck of Helvetica and the Worm’s Head rock formation.
Even though it’s remote, there are lots of facilities to enjoy at Rhossili Beach – think shops, toilets and places to eat. You can easily spend the whole day here!
Beach facilities: parking, toilets, cafes/restaurants, shops
8. Holkham Bay, Norfolk
If you’re both a naturist and a bird watcher, then there aren’t many better nude beaches in the UK than Holkham Bay! It’s a sublime strip of coastline that’s backed by sand dunes and a pine forest. There’s also a nearby bird sanctuary for you to enjoy.
Located around a 70-minute drive north of Norwich, this beach is worth the journey. Nevertheless, you’ll have to travel to nearby towns, such as Wells-next-the-Sea, for a wider choice of facilities and shop. When the tide is low, the shore becomes extremely wide. So if you’re looking for some privacy? This is the beach for you.
Beach facilities: parking, cafe, toilets
9. Winterton Dunes Nature Reserve, Norfolk
This is another nude beach in Norfolk. Similar to Holkham Bay Beach, Winterton Dunes offers a sweeping coastline and an abundance of wildlife, including seals, butterflies and birds.
You can reach it by car in about 40 minutes from Norwich or there’s also the Coastal Clipper bus that runs regularly from Great Yarmouth, taking around 20 minutes.
Winterton Dunes offers a range of facilities, such as a fish bar, a car park and coffee shops, so you’ll be able to spend the whole day enjoying the scenery.
Beach facilities: parking. cafes/restaurants, toilets, disabled facilities
10. Walney Island, Cumbria
For those that want some peace and quiet when visiting the best nudist beaches in the UK, Walney Island Beach near Barrow-in-Furness won’t disappoint.
Stunning sand dunes provide the backdrop to this fine sandy beach. With the northern part of the beach serving as a nature reserve, you’ll also be spoilt for choice with wildlife, such as the region’s only colony of grey seals.
To get to the north end of the beach, you can walk from Earnsie Bay in about 20 minutes. There aren’t any facilities near the naturist beach, so you should come prepared with food and drink.
Beach facilities: parking, cafe and toilets 20 minutes away on foot
11. Botany Bay, Kent
Last but certainly not least is Botany Bay in Broadstairs, Kent. Another of the most spectacular nudist beaches in the UK, you can swim in the sea whilst taking in the beautiful white chalk cliffs that surround it.
A sandy beach that’s close to the seaside town of Margate, you can reach it in about eight minutes by car. It’s the northernmost of the seven near Broadstairs and the most secluded. Within a relatively close vicinity are food, drinks and toilet facilities, which makes this a great spot to relax for the day.
Beach facilities: toilets, parking, deck chair hire, lifeguard, disabled facilities
Nudist beaches in the UK FAQs
As mentioned above, Brighton Naturist Beach was Britain’s first official nude beach in the UK. It was opened for naked bathing in 1980, an event that shocked locals but was applauded by the UK’s nudist community.
Naturism is legal in specified places across the UK, so you don’t need to worry about breaking the law if you visit a nudist beach. According to the British Naturism Beach Code, you should just make sure you act appropriately, respect other people’s space and avoid being a nuisance.
Going to a nudist beach is just the same as going to a regular beach – just with fewer (or no) clothes on. Still, if you’re a first-timer to one of the sandy shores, you might want to consider the following:
- Don’t stare at others – it’s rude in any situation but especially on a nudist beach
- Avoid taking pictures of yourself or others
- Wear sunscreen all over your body (and I mean all over)
- Avoid inappropriate behaviour, including anything sexual – you’re still in a public space
Looking for more fantastic beaches? Discover KAYAK’s guides to the best sandy spots near cities like Bristol or Glasgow. Or why not try out some of the best wild swimming spots across the UK?
