Naturist / Nudist Beaches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Holkham Bay

Norfolk

Large, well known, sandy beach backed by dunes and forest, on north Norfolk coast. Access issues now resolved - naturism on beach only, not in the dunes.

Official naturist beach

Holkham is a very large and picturesque sandy beach backed by sand dunes and a forest on the north coast of Norfolk near Wells-next-the-Sea. It is part of the Holkham Hall estate, which manages the beach as a nature reserve. The beach is "suitable for everyone but... you have to be ... able to walk some distance".

Access Problems

Resolved amicably?

[Oct 2014] Naturism is allowed on the beach only. Please keep out of the dunes. See British Naturism Holkham Campaign for the latest updates.

However, it seems that this may mean below the high water mark

The west end of Holkham Beach has been popular with naturists for many years. But in July 2013, the landowners (Holkham Estate), acting together with The Crown Estate and Norfolk Police, withdrew its 'official' naturist status, and 'banned' naturism. This was in response to inappropriate public behaviour on the beach. Norfolk Police actively enforced the ban.

But, by the end of summer 2013, The Crown Estate had ended the ban on Naturism on their part of the beach (below the high water mark). Norfolk Police also accepted that ‘Naturism is not an offence’. And in Summer 2014, the Holkham Estate relaxed their ban, and agreed to naturism on the beach only (i.e. not the sand dunes). They have put up signs outlining the naturist area.

During the Winter 2013/14, the dunes were badly damaged by storm surges, so they are off limits while the fragile dunes recover from the damage.

Its a shame that the estate didn't initially try to work with naturists to stop the offensive behaviour. But all's well that ends well. Hopefully, naturists will support this compromise with the Estate, and continue to use the beach only, keeping out of the damaged sand dunes. This article in The Sun newspaper looks at the reasons for the closure.

Getting There

Satnav: NR22 1RJ

The A149 coast road runs from King's Lynn via Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea. Holkham village is just west of Wells. The 'proper' car park is located in 'Queen Anne Road'. The entrance road is opposite the Holkham Hall entrance in the middle of the village (can be missed - look for 'The Victoria' pub on the corner). Car parking is £6.50. Having parked, walk through the gate and turm left (northwards) toward the sea.

The easy access path is 1.5 - 2 miles long, past the pond, past the bird hide, past the house and outbuildings until the path takes a slight bend to the right and through a some trees. At this point paths cross - turn right (seaward) and pick your way through the trees. The path is not well marked and is not suitable for wheelchair access. Eventually the path emerges on the edge of the dunes where you will find notices requesting naturists not to use the dunes, but only the beach. Please observe them - this is private land and naturist use is generously allowed by the landowners.

".. a much quicker route via the dunes and a single track road into the nature reserve. The first gate on the left after leaving the car park seemed to be the best route. After about one mile along the road there is a wooden walkway on the right hand side of the road, this is a path for disabled / infirm walkers. Walk along the walkway until you come to the viewing platform at the end.
From here you have 2 options, 1) Walk onto the beach, go to the point on your left and walk along the beach until you see the sign denoting the start of the naturist area. 2) Turn left and walk along the dunes until you see the sign."

As an alternative, it is possible to walk along the seafront from the car park, and then along the edge of the sea shore, out of the large bay, across or around (depending on the tide) the next inlet, and then you'll find yourself at the naturist area. - a good 20 minutes 'slog' along the beach, particularly where the sand is soft - "about as far as I would walk in any heat".

You could park for free, then walk from Wells town itself along the coast path, a good hour's walks. NB the road to the left of the inlet leads to a caravan park with no parking). Or you could walk from Burnham Overy Staithe, also about 5km, along the coast path. There is a small car park about 1km east of Burnham, with a footpath to the beach, but it doesn't save much compared to starting in Burnham itself.

Description

This is an extensive, wide and sandy beach with dunes and woods behind and a nature reserve nearby. 'Bags of space available for bare foot exploring, building sand castles, roaming the dunes and swimming'. The sand is very very fine indeed and full of shells. Another fan of this beach says 'well worth going nearer the sea, but you'll NEED a wind break. The beach is a "typical windswept north anglia beach"- which means there is a constant breeze. Good for families nearer the sea, choose your spot nearer the dunes. The beach IS patrolled by Police and Wardens from time to time to PROTECT the naturists.'

"This beach is really beautiful but can be very windy. There are posts across from the trees behind to the beach itself announcing the Naturist area but these signs do say that naturism is not to be practised in the dunes but only on the beach!"

If you park at the Holkam beack car park, walk on to the beach and head west for half a mile or so - there are wonderful sand dunes and the Queen's bathing hut is in the woods just behind the nudist beach.

Facilities

There is a new cafe just before the beach with indoor and outdoor seating and toilets (only available when the cafe is open). Extensive inland (not sea) views.

There is a gastro pub near the car park tursnm-off. Best to 'stock up' with everything you will need in Wells.

Map

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Comments

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Denise and Perry

17-Apr-23

My wife and I attended Holkham Beach last August and found it to be very pleasant after the walk and having to navigate ourselves to the beach (No Signage).
Once on the beach it was evident that we have reached the Naturist area as there were many people stripped off enjoying the freedom. We walked a little further where there were no visitors and set up the shelter (It was rather windy) and stripped off.
We both walked down to the sea a couple of time and enjoyed the sea and surf. A few textile couples / families did stop or slow down on their walk as they got to us, some chatted some to possible get a closer look.
On walking back up to our shelter later in the day we did notice several other couples had set up camp near us however, they were all pleasant and were interested in our opinions on Naturism as they seemed new to the lifestyle.
We are intending to go to Holkham this May B/H possible a little chilly but as we say it adds to the fun.
Rob Montier

Feb-19

Toilets and café to the right of the car park now.
Jim Chapman

Aug-18

Went on 22/08/18. Fantastic weather we could have been on the continent. Plenty of nudists about.
Brian Ginnelly

Jun-18

Yes it is, I was there last week and plenty of naturists were about
Artur Mac

Apr-17

Hi, does any one know is it still nudist beach?
Mark Peters

Jul-16

Visited the beach 17th July 16.
Nick Smith

Jan-15

My wife and I visited this beach, we were sat at the foot of the dunes beach side, along with maybe four or five other sunbathers. I stripped off as per usual and had a walk down to the sea with our two jack rustles, saw a few other nude couples, when i returned to my wife we settled down for some serious sun bathing in a beautiful setting, after less than a hour, a female park ranger came along and told us we were in the wrong place and we had to move out down further toward the water, she went along telling everyone this. We moved down into the cold wet sand into a place we would have to move from as the tide came in, it was damp and uncomfortable. We sat for maybe fifteen min then left, don't think we shall return. I understand the keep out of the dunes rule but we were on the beach next to the dunes, not actually in them. Studland beach 100% better well worth the extra 3 got drive
Adrian Norton

Feb-14

One of the nicest, cleanest, friendliest beaches I have been to. After a long walk it is sheer bliss to undress and let the cooling breeze caress your naked body, roll on summer.............
Andrea Oakes-Ash

Sep-13

Having known this beach since a child through to adulthood, visiting at various times throughout the year, being day or night. I have never seen inappropriate behaviour, only enjoying the freedom of the sands. Yes dogs walk wild, horses frollic, children laugh, adults and teenagers do what they do,. but no harm, only respect I have found. Shame that those who wish to be are loosing one of the last safe places to be. I love this place it holds dear to me and felt it would remain a wild place that would not have to conform and where I could still be wild and travel up in the middle of the night and walk the sands.
UK Naturist Beaches

Aug-13

British Naturism Update : The wardens and police are at present taking a ‘softly, softly’ approach but indications are that they are becoming more heavy handed as time goes on. As owners of the land, [Holkam Estate] may ask people who do not comply to leave the estate. In early August we heard that they had started recording names and addresses. See
Adie

Sep-11

Visited Holkham last week. The naturist area is patrolled on a regular basis. Swimming is great when the tide is in, only one or 2 clothed people there and they were no bother, most seem to congregate near the car park end of the beach. I have found free parking in the area but don't want to give too much away!
Adie

Sep-11

Visited Holkham last week. No problems. Swimming great when the tide is in. Most people clothed and unclothed seem to congregate near the car park end.
Tom French

Aug-11

Why do people hang in the dunes when it is clearly marked to stay out of the dunes I think the authorities need to start arresting or banning people from the beach who violate the rules. The eco system of the dunes is fragile and EVERYONE who uses them is damaging this system. My wife who has been to nude beaches in 13 countries refues to go to Holkham [reacted] I have seen beaches closed to nudism due [readcted]. Please let's save Holkham from such a fate.
John

Aug-11

Holkham is our nearest naturist beach and a good beach to ride on so My wife and I have been there many times and never had a problem. I think I've met the old chap who comes and talks to everyone and as, that time, I was dressed to take photos of my wife riding on the beach I don't think anyone should read anything sinister into it. Those visiting from cities should remember that talking to strangers is what we do in East Anglia and in other rural places north of London. [redacted]
Steve and Kay

Aug-11

Been to Holkham for the first time Tuesday 2nd August. The wife and i have never been nude on a beach before but i must say we were not pestered at all. A man came and talked to us as we were sitting in the sea but he seemed very friendly and was also nude. We will be back for sure.
Tom Sawyer

Jul-11

Summer is really upon us now and waking up seems to be a joy as its warm enough to stay naked nearly all day.After a few visits to St Osyth,last weekend was spend camping in Norfolk and visiting the famous Holkham beach.To be honest i was amazed firstly its sheer size then the cleanliness,the n the sea it was as crystal clear .The Naturist section is a good 2-3 miles walk and its a relief when the clothes can come off and cooling down can begin.Theres no need to explore the naturist area really as all you have to do is head for the sea and you clock up another mile there and back if the tides out.No one seems to stare even if youre naked and they're not infact they seem to stay out of your way more that the other way around.The only sad thing was getting clothed and remaining clothed until visiting the beach next day.Next time we'll try and book at the clothes optional campsite in Weybourne then we can relax naked nealy all of the time.
Sam

Jul-11

I love Holkham. Yesterday a (female) friend and I (also female) wandered without realising into the naturist area. It was a gorgeous day so we took our tops off. [redacted] It was too creepy for us so we left.