Holkham Naturist Beach

The eastern stretch of Holkham Beach is Norfolk's designated naturist area, a proper sweep of golden sand backed by marram grass and pine woodland. It's wonderfully low-key - no gates, no fees, no fuss. Just park up near Holkham village and walk across the dunes to find your spot. The beach itself is vast and largely quiet, which is exactly why people come here. You'll find a mix of regulars and curious first-timers, all getting on with what they're doing without any awkwardness.

This is fundamentally a beach for adults. Families with kids should stick to the main section closer to Peterstone - the naturist area isn't really set up for paddling and sandcastles. What you get instead is proper solitude, long views across the North Sea, and the kind of peace that's increasingly rare on English beaches. Summer weekends can draw crowds, so midweek visits or shoulder seasons work better if you want elbow room.

Allow 2-3 hours minimum, longer if you fancy a proper walk along the tideline. The whole Holkham estate is glorious for rambling - miles of woodland and open ground. Nearby Pinewoods Holiday Park and The Norfolk Brickyard sit just a couple of miles back from the coast, making them decent bases for exploring both the naturist beach and the wider North Norfolk shoreline. Bring a windbreak and layers - this isn't the Mediterranean, and Norfolk's coastal wind doesn't take prisoners.