Corton Sands - near Lowesoft

Suffolk

North of Lowesoft. Not the prettiest beach. Its 'official' status has been withdrawn, but its still used.

Corton Beach

These concrete blocks may have been placed on the beach to deter coastal erosion!

Jan-05 • london wh on Flickr

cortonbeach nuffcortonsands 50249732568

This formerly official beach was first designated in 1979. It can be found in the very north of Suffolk, about two miles to the north of Lowestoft and is also known as Gunton Sands.

In 2009 Waveney District Council announced that significant beach erosion during the past 20 years had led to a reduction of some 80% of available beach space at Corton and, following an "extensive public consultation" a decision was taken to "de-designate" the naturist beach.

"Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: The Council has been working with British Naturism to establish some important criteria for any new facility. These criteria incorporate the needs and wishes of both the naturist and local communities."

While the Council have decided not to allocate another beach for naturists to use, they have also revoked a local byelaw which prohibited naturists from using other beaches in the area

During the summer of 2010 naturists continued to use the "traditional" beach and statements issued by the local Police and  Waveney District Council have made it clear that they have the right to do so. In a statement issued on 28th June 2010 the Council said:

"Although the beach is no longer designated specifically for naturist use, by-laws do not prohibit nude sun-bathing and it is not an illegal activity. However other activities - [reacted] - are illegal and police will continue to take action against anyone carrying out any activity which causes harassment, alarm or distress. This also includes anyone who is abusive towards naturists using the beach."

Getting There

Satnav: NR32 4PR

Corton Village is just off the A12 between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth to the north. From Great Yarmouth head south on the A12 towards Lowestoft. Follow the dual carriageway until you get to the outskirts of Lowestoft where it ends, past a large roundabout where the new sewage treatment plant is. When you get into the 40mph zone, take the next left turn (seaward) to Corton on the B1385. At the end of this road turn right at the 'T' junction and continue through a wooded section to the (free) car park entrance on the right, marked as the parking for the 'Dip Farm Pitch and Putt' (but it seems that beach users also park there). Otherwise there is extremely limited (and unofficial) road side parking on the left a little further along the road.

A marked "Public Footpath" runs from the north end of the car park (the bottom left-hand corner by the old entrance to Pleasurewood Hills) across the road and through trees to steps that lead down to the pebble beach. [We think this is known locally as "Tramps Alley"]

At the bottom of the steps, the previously designated naturist beach was about 150 yards to the north (left).

Description

The beach is described as being a about 100 yards in length, not very wide and composed of stones, gravel with some patches of sand here and there. Running along the back of the beach is a high grassy ridge, sloping sharply down to a concrete sea defence wall used as a path. Wooden breakwater barriers divide the beach, and come quite close to the sea wall, giving quite a narrow beach at high tide. Non-naturists must walk through the naturist part to get to their part of the beach, either between the ends of the breakwater barriers and the sea in front of you, or on the concrete sea defence path behind you. You are also overlooked from the rearby a small holiday caravan park.

Other visitors are less complimentary:

"[redacted] it was a very weird vibe and I was feeling quite paranoid quite quickly... the beach is pretty gruesome itself and the sea is not at all nice (sewage outfall actually comes down through the beach, although this is rarely obvious"

"Clientel when I've been there is a mix of folk - the odd couple [and] singles - its not a family beach - no sand. In my view this is a great shame.. all along this coastline there's loads and loads of wonderful sandy beach - some of it pristine clean - and where do they put the naturist section? Where you wouldnt want to go ! My advice - for what its worth - dont go [to Corton]... go to eaither Holkham if you want an official beach, or go to Winterton dunes (but if you do please respect that its not an official beach and is a major bird reserve)

Facilities: A recent visitor reports that the caravan selling hot drinks etc in the car park was no longer present. Toilets are signposted from the car park. It is also reported that "the shop is under new management, blessed with a complete and much needed refurb, they do teas and coffees (china cups I might add) and hot and cold food to eat in or take away." Anything else you could possibly want available in Lowestoft.

Camping: Many visiting naturists stay at the 'Azure Seas' textile camp site, ideally placed close to the beach. Local Tourist Information Office: tel 01502 565989.