Brits looking to strip off and be at one with nature can head to a string of cut-price yet beautiful destinations.
During the coronavirus lockdowns naturism had something of a renaissance as cooped up people looked for a way to unwind.
What began for many as an experiment in their front rooms and back gardens turned into a public pursuit once social distancing measures were lifted.
In 2021 British Naturism gained 1,100 new members, a sharp rise believed to be driven by Brits discovering the joy to be had from ditching their togs during lockdown.
There are plenty of nudism beaches around Britain where you can kick your kit off and dive in the sea unencumbered.
Flights comparison website Kayak has reported a surge in tourists heading to the beach this summer – and has found 10 sunny destinations to stay in for under £100 which all have access to a nudist area
At the top of the list was West Shore on Walney Island. The lesser known island is just off the coast by Barrow-in-Furness, and you can reach it by driving over a bridge from the mainland.
West Shore beach is clothes optional and you can stay nearby for just £67 a night.
In second place, those looking to get naked on the south coast can head to Abbot’s Cliff in Folkestone.
Hotels cost around £70 a night in the Kent area and the beach offers stunning views of white cliffs and there’s even a sound mirror to enjoy.
The third best nudist beach was St Osyth in Clacton-on-Sea with rooms costing around £82 a night.
The naturist destination has plenty of swimming, boating and fishing space.
Top 10 best nudist beaches in the UK
- Barrow-in-Furness – £67 – West Shore, Walney Island
- Folkestone – £70 – Abbot’s Cliff
- Clacton-on-Sea – £82 – St Osyth
- Scarborough – £86 – Cayton Bay
- Lowestoft – £88 – Corton Sands
- Hastings – £91 – Fairlight Glen
- Eastebourne – £93 – Birling Gap & Norton Bay
- Ramsgate – £94 – Sandwich Bay
- Torquay – £99 – Petitor Beach
- Portsmouth – £99 – Eastney
For those who aren't fussed about saving their pennies, Kayak also found the most search nudist beaches in the UK.
Western Beach in Sidmouth was top of the list with fabulous views, green cliffs and a pebble beach.
Also frequently searched was St Osyth, Brighton naturalist beach and Eastney in Portsmouth.
Those considering stripping off and trying out nudism could do worse than heed the advice of Donna Price, who is a veteran and runs the Women in Naturism Campaign for British Naturism.
She is working to bump the society's proportion of female members up from their current 30 per cent.
"My husband and I got into it by accident when we stumbled onto a nudist beach," she told The Mirror last year.
"My husband hates wearing clothes and he wanted to try it. I love swimming, when I got into the water naked I loved it. That sold it for me."
