UK beaches uncovered - the topless top five

So summer’s here and for those who dare to bare, here is Let’s Talk Breasts’ guide to the best beaches in the UK and the etiquette to observe…

1. Studland Bay, Dorset

The northernmost part of this gorgeous, award-winning seashore forms the only naturist beach officially sanctioned by the National Trust. Also known fondly as ‘Nudland’, this is definitely one of the best nudist beaches you could hope to visit.

The 900m-long nudist area is to be found within the section signposted Knoll Beach, and is clearly marked with green-topped posts. Here you will find calm, shallow waters, clean white sands and handy dunes for added privacy. Nudists can benefit from both a parked refreshment kiosk in the middle of the beach and a floating ice cream shop, and covering up in the queue is not required. Further along Studland Bay, sunbathers will find a restaurant, souvenir shop, toilets and showers, although respectable dress is required for these areas.

Studland’s exceptional topless experience is heightened by the swift removal of any lingering observers by horseback police.

2. Black Rock Beach, Brighton

Next to Kemptown by the eastern end of the promenade, topless sunbathers can strip off at Black Rock Beach in Brighton. History was made when this was proclaimed the first public naturist beach in Britain on 1st April 1980, against strong opposition from local authorities.

Black Rock Beach is far from the sweeping sands and friendly acceptance of Studland Bay. It’s largely shingle, although enthusiasts have remarked that the pebbles pleasantly retain the heat from the sun, and the beach has been awarded a blue flag.
Unfortunately, this destination has earned a slight reputation for attracting voyeurs, and there’s no restriction on who can enter.

But on the plus side, it’s easily the most accessible naturist beach by public transport in the UK, and although it’s mostly populated by gay men, groups of girls and single ladies come here too. In terms of temperature, the south of the UK is usually hotter than the north and the water is suitable for swimming in high season.

3. Kinshaldy Beach, Fife

The visitors of this Scottish beach enjoy three miles of golden sand backed by dunes – weather permitting, of course!

Although naturists may find they have to walk quite some way before stripping off (as other sunbathers may object), this really is an exquisite area of natural beauty, which many have described as being quite ‘spiritual’. A small, blue plastic drum marks the beginning of the nudist section, although often this is either blown over by the wind or knocked down by horses. The sand dunes are striking but can be prickly under bare skin without a blanket to protect you from the long grasses. The nudist area is often fairly deserted and is definitely not overlooked. One for those who prefer isolated naked sunbathing.
Please note there are no facilities on this beach.

4. Morfa Dyffryn, Gwynedd

Situated on the west coast of Wales, Morfa Dyffryn has been frequented by nudists since the mid-1930s, but was only officially made clothes-free in 2000. It is part of Snowdonia National Park nature reserve.

The kilometre of flat, sandy beach backed by dunes is popular with tourists but easily large enough to cope with an influx, and there is plenty of privacy to be had if required. Although the water here is clean, it is undeniably cold, with cool breezes coming off the sea in even the hottest weather. Windbreaks are advised for topless sunbathers’ comfort.

There are no facilities save some toilets adjacent to the car park at the southern entrance.

5. Pedn Vounder in Cornwall

Our final recommendation is less physically accessible but worth the effort as it is easily one of the country’s most breathtaking beaches. If you’re afraid of heights it would probably be best to give it a miss, but those who don’t mind a steep descent down a rough, rocky path will be rewarded with unforgettable views and stunning rock foundations.

There are warnings at certain areas of the beach of particularly strong currents, but topless visitors to this sandy stretch will enjoy views of the Treryn Dinas cliffs and Logan Rock. Although the beach has no facilities, it is a popular destination for holidaymakers and can become crowded in the summer months.

Nude beach etiquette

In the UK, naturist areas are unofficially governed by the following guidelines, which should ensure a peaceful, uninterrupted trip:

• Don’t strip off until you reach the designated area, which is usually the furthest area from the entrance to the beach.
• Maintain a respectful distance from others and don’t stare or use binoculars.
• Be mindful when taking photographs and don’t include strangers in the shot.
• Always have something close to hand to use as a cover-up, and if anyone asks you to get dressed (meaning a fellow sunbather as much as a policeman or member of facilities staff), then do so immediately.
• Sexual activity in public places is not permitted under the Sexual Offences Act unless you are in a very isolated spot with an exceptionally low risk of being seen. If others are present and complain, you could face prosecution.
• Take your litter home with you and leave the beach as clean as you found it.

For more information regarding going topless and the law, please read our articles Topless or not and The politics of breasts.