From golden sands to hidden coves, the UK has no shortage of beautiful beaches where clothing is optional. Some beaches are officially recognised as naturist, while others simply have long-established areas set aside for those who prefer to sunbathe without swimwear.
If you’re thinking of visiting, it’s worth knowing the boundaries of naturist zones and following a few simple rules to ensure the safety and comfort of all beachgoers: respect others’ space, avoid drawing unwanted attention to fellow beachgoers, and remember that exhibitionism isn’t part of the experience. Nudist beaches aren’t amusement parks, so don’t ogle.
Many of these beaches are tucked away in quieter, wilder locations, making them a perfect escape for those seeking seclusion – and a closer connection with nature.
Best nudist beaches in the UK
Studland Bay, Dorset
Naturism at Studland has long been a part of the peninsula’s history, with 900 metres of Knoll Beach marked out where clothing is optional – the history of this tradition stretching back as far as the 1920s. This area was expanded in 2013. The beach at Studland Bay is famed for its bright golden sand and sand dune backdrop, with impressive views of Old Harry Rocks. You can also go horse riding along Studland Bay (but clothes are required for this particular activity).
Morfa Dyffryn, Wales
Located on the west coast of Wales, Morfa Dyffryn has attracted naturists since the 1930s and is the best-known naturist beach in Wales. The one-kilometre stretch for naturists is quite a walk from the nearest car parks, so those keen to strip off will have to embark on a half-hour stroll to reach the designated spot. Like Studland Bay, Morfa Dyffryn is backed by sand dunes, which play host to a range of rare flora and fauna.
Cleat’s Shore, Isle of Arran
Believed to be Scotland’s only official nudist beach, Cleat’s Shore is very much off the beaten track, located near Lagg on the southwest tip of the Isle of Arran, an island off the west coast of Scotland. If an icy blast around your nethers appeals, this is the beach for you.
If you want to try going one step further (and a few degrees cooler), Crakaig Beach is even further north into Scotland – but this one’s not an official naturist spot.
Haven Cliffs Beach, Devon
Sand is undoubtedly a superior consistency under your nude buttocks, but Haven Cliffs offers a stony beach with views out over Axmouth Harbour. It’s not as secluded as many other spots featured here, but it’s easy to access from Seaton in East Devon – with a dramatic cliff backdrop of jagged Jurassic Coast rock.
Holkham Bay, Norfolk
Nude sunbathing has been a feature of Holkham beach for many years, but was formally recognised in the 1950s. Like several of the other beaches featured here, naturism is not permitted in the sand dunes. The beach is managed as part of the broader nature reserve, a beautiful stretch of north Norfolk coast with golden sand, dunes and a stretch of pine forest. It’s an important nesting ground for breeding pairs of oystercatchers (and other wading birds), little terns and ringed plovers.
Druridge Bay, Northumberland
Though not an official naturist beach, Druridge Bay has a stretch unofficially used for over 50 years. This unspoilt coastline is a haven for birdlife, so keen birdwatchers are often found in the area. If you’re looking for power in numbers, the North East Skinny Dip charity event takes place every year around the autumn equinox, with swimmers running into the sea naked at sunrise for a bear-all dip to raise money for mental health charity Mind.
Rocken End, Isle of Wight
Another unofficial but long-established naturist beach, Rocken End on the Isle of Wight is one of the most remote spots on the island, accessed only by a hike and a scramble down to it. But the views are worth the challenging descent. The northern end of the beach here (towards Blackgang) is the section for naturists to head for. Fossil hunters are often found here too, with an abundance of fossils found in the cliffs nearby.
Pedn Vounder, Cornwall
Sadly, access to this Poldark filming location has now been cut off by the National Trust, due to the damaging impact of coastal erosion on the path. This unofficial nudist beach was one of Cornwall’s most secluded beaches, but popularity rose in recent years, putting pressure on the emergency services due to the dangerous rip currents.
Shellness, Isle of Sheppey
The Isle of Sheppey is an island off the northern coast of Kent, separated from the mainland by a narrow section of sea which is known as the Swale. On Sheppey is an official naturist beach near Leysdown-on-Sea, backed by the Swale National Nature Reserve. There are lots of broken shells underfoot (hence the name, perhaps), so naturists would be advised to wear shoes, if nothing else.
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Top image: Naturists welcome at Studland Bay, Dorset (credit: Getty Images)
