Naturism in the UK: what the law says and how to find a beach or club

In short: In England and Wales, being naked in public is not an offence in itself; prosecution depends on conduct, intent and the effect on other people. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published guidance on handling naturism cases, and the national body, British Naturism, comments on it. This guide explains the framework in plain language, shows how to tell a designated or traditional naturist spot from an ordinary beach and gives first-timers practical etiquette. It is information, not legal advice, and it does not cover Scotland or Northern Ireland, which have separate rules.

What the CPS guidance says

The CPS legal guidance on "Nudity in Public" covers naturism where none of the features that would bring behaviour within a criminal offence are present. Where conduct does fall within a statutory offence, such as section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the guidance says it is better practice to charge that offence. Section 66, as described by law firms, requires a person to intentionally expose their genitals intending that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress.

British Naturism, the national organisation, publishes its own reading of the guidance, which we treat as advocacy rather than an official statement. On its page it says the guidance states that it "will normally be appropriate to take no action" unless people were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress; that the guidance suggests nudity would at most amount to an offence under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986, which British Naturism does not accept; and that, in its view, section 66, outraging public decency and public nuisance do not apply to naturism. It also notes that the guidance treats an anti-social behaviour order as a last resort. The page does not date the guidance, and the case of R v Bates (March 2013) is referred to as background. Because secondary sources date the CPS guidance to 2013 and because the law can change, check the current CPS page before relying on any of this.

What this means in practice

Two lessons follow. First, intent and context matter: the guidance and the commentary distinguish naturism from conduct meant to alarm, distress or sexually shock. Second, "not an offence in itself" is not a licence to be naked anywhere: landowners, councils and operators can set their own rules, and local byelaws and site conditions vary. Many people therefore choose places where naturism is clearly established.

Designated, traditional and tolerated beaches

You will meet three situations. A designated beach is signed by the landowner or authority as clothing-optional. A traditional naturist stretch has been used by naturists for years without formal designation. A tolerated spot is simply a quiet part of an ordinary beach. We have not verified a current list of designated beaches, because the figures in older press reports are dated and British Naturism's own listings change. Before you travel, check the landowner's or council's website, any signs on site and British Naturism's information, and prefer places where the status is clear.

Clubs and organised events

Naturism in Britain is also organised through clubs and events with their own membership and rules. We have not evaluated individual clubs for this guide. When you contact one, ask in writing about visitor policy, whether couples may attend, any photography rule, the cost and the dress rule for the clubhouse and for arrival and departure. A well-run organisation will answer these questions without pressure.

Etiquette for first-timers

These are editorial recommendations in line with common naturist practice:

1. Towel underneath and a reasonable distance from strangers.
2. No photographs of people, ever, and keep phones away.
3. No sexual behaviour. It is the line between naturism and an offence, and it endangers tolerance for everyone.
4. Respect the boundaries of the designated area and cover up where the signs require it.
5. Be considerate of families, dog walkers and other beach users.
6. If asked to cover up by a landowner or officer, do so calmly and ask for the rule in writing afterwards.

Planning as a couple

Talk through what you are both comfortable with, and agree a signal for leaving without explanation. Pack sun protection (the British coast is not immune), water, a windbreak and a towel large enough to sit on. Check tide times and the weather, and plan the journey back before it gets dark. Starting at a quiet, well-signed spot is easier than testing the limits of a tolerated one.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to be naked in public in England and Wales? Not in itself. Prosecution depends on conduct and intent; see the CPS guidance and take advice for a specific situation.

Does the guidance cover Scotland? No. Scotland has a separate legal system that this article does not cover.

Do I need to join British Naturism? Not for every place, but some clubs and sites have membership rules; check each one.

Are naturist beaches common? The number of formally designated beaches is small compared with places used by custom; check each location.

Can I take photos? No. Photographing people is a serious breach of privacy in any naturist setting.

Sources (accessed 10 November 2026)

• Crown Prosecution Service, "Nudity in Public - Guidance on handling cases of Naturism": https://www.cps.gov.uk (legal guidance section)
• British Naturism, "CPS guidance on prosecuting naturists" (commentary, undated): https://www.bn.org.uk/news/news/cps-guidance-on-prosecuting-naturists-r240/
• Kingsley Napley LLP, "Public nudity: staying within the law" (14 August 2015): https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/our-insights/articles/public-nudity-staying-within-the-law/