Naturist beaches in the UK: Brighton, Norfolk, Dorset, Devon, Wales and Arran
From Brighton's pebble beach to a remote shore on the Isle of Arran, the UK has a handful of recognised naturist beaches. How they work, the etiquette, and our 7 addresses across England, Wales and Scotland.
The UK has no tradition of large naturist resorts, but it does have a few recognised naturist beaches, some of them signed by the local council or the landowner. Our directory lists 7 naturist beaches in the UK, from the south coast of England to Wales and Scotland. Here is how they work, and where to find them.
How naturist beaches work in the UK
A naturist beach in the UK is usually a section of a larger beach, marked by signs, where people can sunbathe and swim without clothes. Outside that section, the normal beach rules apply, so walk to the signed area before undressing. Most of these beaches have no facilities: bring water, sun cream and something to sit on, and take your rubbish home.
South coast of England
In Brighton, the Brighton Naturist Beach opened on 1 April 1980 as the UK's first public naturist beach. Officially called the Cliff Bathing Beach, it lies about a mile east of the pier towards the Marina, screened by pebble banks.
On the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Studland Knoll Beach has a naturist section of about 900 metres on the National Trust beach, marked with signs and posts. The nearest car park is the Knoll Beach car park.
In north Kent, on the Isle of Sheppey, Leysdown Naturist Beach is a signed area of about 250 metres, around two kilometres south-east of the village, beyond the main town beach.
In East Devon, below the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Budleigh Salterton Naturist Beach is a signed section at the far western end of the pebble beach, reached from Rolle Road and Steamer Steps.
Norfolk
On the north Norfolk coast, Holkham Bay Naturist Beach lies within the Holkham National Nature Reserve, towards the western part of the bay. Naturism is permitted on the beach itself but not in the dunes. Access is on foot from Lady Anne's Drive.
Wales and Scotland
On the Gwynedd coast between Barmouth and Harlech, Morfa Dyffryn Naturist Beach is a signed section of about a mile inside a National Nature Reserve, reached from the Traeth Benar car park.
At the southern tip of the Isle of Arran, Cleat's Shore is a remote sand and shingle beach near Lagg, with no facilities, reached by a track past the Lagg Inn and looking out over Kilbrannan Sound.
Etiquette on a naturist beach
- Stay inside the signed area and respect the boundaries.
- Do not stare, and never take photos of other people.
- Naturism is not sexual: any sexual behaviour is out of place and can be reported.
- Keep the dunes and nature reserves intact, and follow the rules of the landowner.
- Check the weather and the tide before you go, especially on remote beaches.
Find them on the map
Our page naturist places shows every naturist beach in the UK on a map, with directions. On the move, open "Near me" to see the places closest to you.
