Connect with nature and be free!
‘Going naked’ can be more comfortable and liberating, allowing for a more direct connection with nature. And without swimsuits, there’s the added bonus of an all over tan! Naturism promotes body acceptance and positivity, encouraging people to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Some people enjoy the experience of swimming and sunbathing without clothing. After experiencing naturism, swimming in the sea with a swimming costume on can be like getting in the bath with your underwear on!
For more information, read this interesting article from Goldsmiths University of London, ‘The naked truth – research finds nudism makes us happier‘. And visit the British Naturism website too.
Naturist beaches in Norfolk
Norfolk has two main naturist beaches, the well known one at Holkham on the very top of the north Norfolk coast, and the second, located roughly half way between Winterton and Horsey, in the east of the county. As with most naturist beaches, both beaches require quite a trek to reach them – a cycle can be advantageous. There’s also a lesser known one at Trimingham near Overstrand (see bottom of this page).
Note that Holkham is an official naturist beach, whilst Winterton/Horsey is unofficial. But it’s not an offence to be naked in public in England and Wales unless it can be proven that the intention is to upset and shock. So, wherever you are, whether official or not, it’s just a matter of using common sense and politeness – and not exposing yourself to others unnecessarily.
Holkham or Winterton/Horsey?
Both beaches are utterly amazing, though our preference is for Horsey/Winterton (in east Norfolk). The east coast of Norfolk is totally underrated and often overlooked. But if you haven’t visited the beaches here you’ve missed out. This stretch of coastline is still largely an undiscovered treasure. See ‘Tripadvisor names Horsey among best beaches in Europe’ (2026).
Holkham, close to Wells, is a hot spot for tourists who flock there during the summer holidays, whilst Winterton/Horsey is much quieter and you really feel you’ve fully escaped from the stresses of modern life. Being there is like removing yourself from time!
Holkham
Due to ‘indecent activities in the dunes’, naturism is now only permitted on a particular area of the large flat beach (with the dunes ‘out of bounds’ and often roped off, making it difficult to escape the wind – so a shelter of some type is usually a must). The beach and dunes are regularly policed by estate rangers, either on foot or in buggies, which can be invasive.
Naturism in the dunes (owned by the Holkham Estate) hasn’t been permitted since 2013. To avoid a complete ban of naturism on Holkham beach British Naturism stepped in and saved the day, asserting that the beach below mean high tide belongs to The Crown Estate (therefore national property) and Natural England.
Being consigned to the beach means you are more exposed and more likely to have other beach visitors close by, with less privacy. Plus, there’s hardly a day when Holkham beach isn’t quite windswept, even on the hottest of days. It’s nearly always windy on Holkham beach (a wind break or shelter is strongly recommended).
However, Holkham is nonetheless a spectacular beach, made famous in many films and if in north Norfolk, quicker to drive to. Even the Royal Family love this stretch of beach and are regular visitors. So putting aside the points above, it is still a superb naturist beach in a truly amazing location.
Winterton/Horsey
Winterton/Horsey, on the other hand, offers a much wider variety of environments for you to enjoy. The dunes offer privacy and an escape from any wind, with stunning views of the coastline and marshes on either side. Plus, on the dunes there’s good phone and internet connectivity (whilst connectivity on Holkham beach can be intermittent).
On the beach, the sea wall and dunes themselves can provide the perfect wind break, and the large ‘rock armour’ groynes offer secluded, out of the wind, spots too. The rocks get very warm in the sunshine and are great for languishing on and warming up after a swim.
Trimingham
And don’t overlook Trimingham near Overstrand. This beach doesn’t seem to be very well known any more but is fantastic.
Swimming
When it comes to swimming, the sea is very different at both locations. Holkham offers very shallow sea levels (you often have to walk miles just to get to knee level!). But because of this, the sea and sands heat up nicely in the sunshine, and the beach offers a much safer bathing experience.
At Horsey/Winterton the sea shelves off quite quickly and care should be taken with currents. You also have to be comfortable with the prospect of the occasional seal popping up nearby!
So with respect to swimming in the sea, Holkham wins out, offering an altogether safer experience. The only slight fly in the ointment for Holkham is that at full high tide (but only when very high), there is no naturist beach!
Occasionally high tides flood the entire beach, but thankfully this doesn’t happen too often. Most of the time, the tide doesn’t fill the whole beach and there’s plenty of dry sand available, though you can end up on your own little island of sand, with the surrounding sea still easily crossable.
Parking
Parking is also a consideration. The main car for Holkham beach, Lady Anne’s Drive is owned and operated by the Holkham Estate who charge £13.50 for a full day’s parking (2025) the cost has increased massively in recent years. Parking at Horsey Gap NT car park is £8.50 for the day (2025).
Both beaches are superb, so whichever you choose, you are bound to have a wonderful time!
Holkham Naturist Beach
Holkham Naturist Beach is one of the more well-known nudist beaches in England. It’s part of the expansive Holkham National Nature Reserve, which offers a stunning and unspoiled natural environment. To the east, Wells-next-the-Sea beach is a short walk away.
Here are some key details about Holkham Naturist Beach:
- Location: The beach is situated near the village of Holkham, within the Holkham Estate. The naturist section is typically found to the west of the main beach area, away from the more frequented parts of the beach. From the Lady Anne’s Drive car park, it’s approximately a 2 km walk to the naturist beach. It is possible to cycle along the path behind the pine forest to save time. When walking back at the end of the day, beware of mosquitoes (staying away from the forest helps!).
- Environment: Holkham Beach is renowned for its wide, sandy shores and extensive dune systems. The beach stretches for miles and is backed by pine forests and dunes, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquillity. The area is known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The expansive and open landscape allows for a sense of freedom and space.
- Wildlife: The nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including many bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. The beach and surrounding areas are rich in biodiversity, with the opportunity to see seals, wading birds and various coastal plants.
- Community: The naturist section of Holkham Beach attracts a diverse and friendly community of naturists. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the freedom of naturism in a respectful and welcoming environment. The east end (closest end) of the naturist beach tends to be more popular with couples and families (and not so far to walk).
- Rules and Regulations: Visitors are expected to adhere to naturist etiquette and local guidelines. This includes respecting the privacy of others, keeping the area clean, and behaving appropriately.
- Seasonal Use: The beach is most popular during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is suitable for sunbathing and swimming. On very hot days it tends to be one of the hottest Norfolk locations available. The wind is often persistent, and dry sand billows across the beach, but often the wind provides some welcome relief from the heat. Just keep your bags zipped up or you might find they slowly fill with sand – not good for your sandwiches and snacks!
- Facilities: There are no facilities on Holkham beach. The ‘Lookout’ visitor centre, operated by the Holkham Estate is sited near the car park (behind the forest) providing snack and drinks. Visitors should bring their own essentials such as water, food, wind and sun protection. We recommend stocking up at the nearby Co-operative supermarket in Wells beforehand.
Holkham Naturist Beach is a well-loved spot for those who appreciate naturism in a beautiful and natural setting, offering a serene escape with plenty of space and stunning scenery.
Location Map
Winterton/Horsey Dunes
Winterton/Horsey Naturist Beach is located roughly half way between the village of Winterton-on-Sea and the Horsey NT beach car park.
It is known for its tranquil and scenic setting, attracting naturists who seek a peaceful environment to enjoy the sun and sea without the constraints of clothing. Here are some key points about this beach:
Location Map
- Location: You can either park at Winterton and head west along the beach (or dunes) or park at the Horsey Gap NT beach car park and head east along the beach (or dunes). There is a good track which runs along the back of the dunes from Horsey, suitable for bikes.
Some people park at Horsey Mill NT gated car park, and head from inland towards the beach, but this tends to be a less popular option, though you do go past the Nelson Head pub and restaurant. Use the links at the bottom of this page for more help with directions.
Of course there’s no defined naturist beach, as this isn’t official, but it’s generally deserted anywhere between Winterton and Horsey. The rock groynes are all numbered. If you arrive between groynes 45 to 55, you’re probably there! - Environment: The beach features a mix of sand dunes and sandy shores, providing a natural and unspoiled setting. The dunes offer some privacy and shelter from the wind. The sand is luxurious – white and dusty, almost like a Carribbean beach, one of this beach’s best selling points! See ‘Tripadvisor names Horsey among best beaches in Europe’ (2026)
- Wildlife: The area is part of the Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve, which is home to various species of flora and fauna, including seals and a variety of birds. This makes it an attractive spot for nature enthusiasts.
- Accessibility: While the main beach is easily accessible by car and foot, the naturist section requires a bit of a walk from the main access points (45 mins+). There are no facilities nearby, so visitors come prepared.
- Community: The beach is popular with a friendly and respectful naturist community. It is important for visitors to adhere to naturist etiquette, which includes respecting the privacy of others and keeping the area clean.
- Rules and Regulations: As with any public naturist beach, it is important to follow local guidelines and regulations. Use common sense, be polite and don’t risk offending anyone. As this is an unofficial naturist beach, it’s particularly important to be discreet and respectful to others.
- Seasonal Use: The beach is most popular during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is conducive to sunbathing and swimming. In the winter the numerous seal colonies arrive on this stretch of coastline for pupping and some of the beaches are literally packed with seals. But don’t worry, there aren’t so many in the summer, although it’s highly likely you will spot them, either bobbing up and down in the water, chilling out on their backs in the sea or languishing on the beach.
- Facilities: There are no facilities at the beach. The nearby village of Winterton-on-Sea has some amenities such as parking, cafes (including fish & chips) and shops, but it is advisable to bring essentials like water, snacks and sun protection. There is a good pub, only a short walk away, The Nelson Head. It offers food and drink and gets very good reviews. Pre-booking ahead is often required for food, such is its reputation and popularity.
Winterton/Horsey Naturist Beach offers a serene and natural environment for those who enjoy the naturist lifestyle, set against the backdrop of beautiful coastal scenery and diverse wildlife. It is a truly amazing beach, completely away from the world – our favourite.
Trimingham, near Overstrand
Trimingham beach is a very remote beach between Overstrand and Mundesley (but much closer to Overstrand). It’s been an unofficial naturist beach for decades but has seen its numbers dwindle in the last ten years.
A few decades ago it was even popular with many naturist families, but these days it’s often deserted. But that might be good thing if you like really getting away from everything and everyone!
It’s superb beach and definitely a hidden gem which few know about. It boasts large swathes of open beach and sometimes handy little coves in the cliffs for privacy (though this depends on what the previous winter has eroded away).
Location Map
- Location: The easiest way to access the beach is from nearby Overstrand. You can walk to it from Overstrand in roughly 45 minutes. Or there’s free parking on Clifton Way, a road between the beach and a residential zone of mainly bungalows. Then, go straight down to the beach and head east. Naturists tend to locate roughly from where the sea defences ends. From here there’s a big open beach until you get to more sea defences starting at Trimingham (continue walking east from here and you’ll eventually reach Mundesley – not recommended unless you love long distance walking!).
Another option is to drive to Trimingham village and park in the long layby before you enter the village (from the Cromer/Overstrand side) – there’s usually always plenty of spaces). Follow the footpath which diagonally crosses a field towards a small wood on the edge of the cliffs. Then you climb down! Years ago, this used to be maintained, with steps carved into the cliff to help (maybe for visitors to Woodland Holiday Park opposite the layby), but those days are long gone. So be warned, it’s not for the faint hearted and not particularly recommended! - Environment: At low tide there’s plenty of open sandy beach. At high tide the sea comes right up to some parts of the cliff, so you need to keep an eye on this. By the cliffs there are usually some spots with dry deep sand. The beach usually has a small stretch of chalk bed exposed (which is fantastic for fossil hunting) and many flints. Watch out for this when the tide is in as it can be a surprise when you step on it unexpectedly. The cliffs are extremely unstable with groundwater creating tiny waterfalls and deep wet clay/mud pools. For this reason we advise using discretion about exactly where you camp. Don’t go underneath any precarious looking cliffs. They collapse every now and again, so play it safe.
- Wildlife: It’s a nature haven with some quite unusual flora and fauna to be discovered. There are often cormorants drying off in the sun on the sea defences, with their big wing spans spread out (like batman!).
- Accessibility: Again, like nearly all naturist beaches it’s a little bit of a hike to reach.
- Community: As it’s one of the quietest and little known beaches, you’ll rarely see many people down there.
- Rules and Regulations: Use common sense, be polite and don’t risk offending anyone. As this is an unofficial naturist beach, it’s particularly important to be discreet and respectful to others.
- Seasonal Use: Definitely best in summer. Unlike Holkham and Winterton, the cliffs cast huge shadows on the beach during the winter (and across the sea) so it can be very cold. Outside of May to August, the other naturist beaches are usually the better choice.
- Facilities: There are no facilities so bring essentials like water, snacks and sun protection. The nearby village of Overstrand has a small village store. There’s the excellent White Horse pub and the Sea Marge hotel (which Winston Churchill used to stay at) – these both serve top food. There is also a cafe above the cliffs (before you head towards Cromer).
Trimingham is a great option if you’re located anywhere close to Cromer, Overstrand or Mundesley. It’s a totally unspoilt remote beach where you can strip off and enjoy solitude …well, that’s if it doesn’t suddenly become popular because of this page!
Useful Links
- Tripadvisor names Horsey among best beaches in Europe (EDP 2026)
- British Naturism
- British Naturism – Winterton dunes nature reserve – Horsey gap beach walk
- Holkham Estate & Hall
- Saturday Walkers Club – ‘Winterton Dunes – Horsey‘
- Goldsmiths, University of London – The naked truth – research finds nudism makes us happier
- BBC – This is where you can be naked in public in the UK
- Friends of Horsey Seals