Naturist & nudist beaches in the UK
From Dorset’s National Trust sands to Welsh dunes and Sussex shingle: each beach with its status, its mapped naturist area where we have one, and how to get there.
22 beaches
- OfficialZone mappedArdeer BeachAyrshire
- OfficialZone mappedArdeer Beach (north)Ayrshire
- OfficialZone mappedBrightonEast Sussex · Britain’s first official naturist beach, opened in 1980, east of the Palace Pier towards the Marina.
- OfficialZone mappedCleats ShoreIsle of Arran
- OfficialMorfa DyffrynGwynedd · Wide sands backed by dunes on the Welsh coast.
- OfficialZone mappedStrete SandsDevon
- OfficialZone mappedStudland BayDorset · The National Trust’s marked naturist stretch on Knoll Beach, Isle of Purbeck.
- CustomaryAbbot’s CliffKent
- CustomaryZone mappedEastneyHampshire · A quiet stretch along from Southsea, Portsmouth.
- CustomaryZone mappedFish Bench BayBridgend
- CustomaryHaven CliffsDevon · Secluded pebbles under the Jurassic Coast cliffs near Seaton.
- CustomaryZone mappedNaturist beachIsle of Arran
- CustomaryZone mappedNaturist beachBridgend
- CustomaryZone mappedShellnessKent · Shell and shingle at the eastern tip of the Isle of Sheppey.
- CustomarySker BeachBridgend
- CustomaryZone mappedSt OsythEssex · A long, quiet beach beside the marshes near Clacton-on-Sea.
- PermittedZone mappedPedn VounderCornwall · A turquoise lagoon below steep cliff paths near Porthcurno.
- PermittedZone mappedPetit Tor BeachDevon
- PermittedPortsladeEast Sussex
- NaturistBudleigh SaltertonDevon
- NaturistFairlight GlenEast Sussex · A secluded cove below Hastings Country Park, reached by a steep path.
- Check status before you goZone mappedHolkhamNorfolk · Vast sands and pinewoods. Naturist use here has changed over the years, so check the latest before you go.
Good to know
Is it legal to be naked on a UK beach?
In England and Wales, being naked in public isn’t an offence in itself. It becomes one if someone intends to cause alarm or distress. Scotland’s law works differently. Official and customary naturist beaches are the safest places to start.
What do “official” and “customary” mean?
Official beaches are recognised by the landowner or council and usually signposted. Customary beaches have been used by naturists for years without formal signs. We flag any beach whose status has changed.
Naturist or nudist — what’s the difference?
Mostly the word you grew up with. Both mean being comfortably clothes-free; naturism leans into nature, the senses and respect for others and the environment.
Know a beach we’ve missed?
We’re building a way to submit beaches. Every submission will be checked by a naturist before it goes live.