Restrooms
Not AvailableNo
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableNo
Parking
AvailableYes - paid £3.50 for the day
Nudity Policy
NOT REQUIREDNudity is not required
The Good
- Stunning Scenery: Holkham Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with vast stretches of sandy shoreline backed by sand dunes and a peaceful forest. It's a nature lover's paradise.
- Space and Privacy: This beach is extensive, offering plenty of space for walking, exploring, and setting up a spot away from others. It’s perfect if you enjoy a sense of freedom and seclusion.
- Naturist-Friendly: Despite past controversies, the nude area is well-marked and provides a safe and welcoming environment to enjoy the beach.
- Safe Shallow Waters: The beach has shallow waters, making it safe for swimming, especially for families with children.
The Bad
- Long Walk to the Beach: Accessing the naturist section of Holkham Beach involves a long walk, which might be challenging for some. It’s around a 1.5 to 2 km trek from the car park, and the path is not well-marked.
- Windy Conditions: The beach is known for being quite windy, which can make it uncomfortable at times. A windbreak is recommended.
- No Amenities on the Beach: There are no facilities like toilets or food vendors directly on the beach. You’ll need to bring everything you need with you, and stock up at the nearby cafe or in Wells-next-the-Sea before heading out.
- Past Issues with Voyeurs: The dunes were once a hotspot for inappropriate behavior, leading to a temporary ban on naturism. Although the situation has improved, occasional reports of discomfort around the dunes still surface. There have been no reports of bad behaviour on the beach.
The Naked Truth
Holkham Hall Beach is one of the most picturesque nude beaches in the UK, offering vast, sandy stretches (no pebbles!) and a serene natural setting. While the walk to the beach can be long and the wind a bit intense, the sense of freedom and the beauty of the surroundings make it worth the effort. Just be mindful to stick to the designated naturist area and respect the rules about staying out of the dunes. It's a great spot for those who want to enjoy naturism in a natural, peaceful setting.
Insider Tip
Bring a windbreak. Even on hot days the beach can cool down very quickly.
Who's Here
Mostly couples and singles, with a younger crowd and families on hot weekends
Beach Surface
Sand
Access Difficulty
Medium - 1 to 2km walk is required
Photos
Our Visit
Contributor Review – Claudette Perreault
Local Expert. Visited 2024
I recently spent a day at Holkham Hall Beach with a girlfriend, and I have to say, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable beach experiences we’ve had in a long time. We initially planned to just tan topless, but after soaking in the vibe, we both ended up going fully nude. I’ll admit, we were a bit hesitant at first because this beach has had a bit of a sketchy past, but I can confidently say that things have really improved. The beach is well-patrolled now, with wardens making sure that nudity is kept to the beach area only, and not in the dunes, which are off-limits for a good reason—they’re fragile and need protecting.
Contributor Review – Claudette Perreault
Local Expert. Visited 2024
I recently spent a day at Holkham Hall Beach with a girlfriend, and I have to say, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable beach experiences we’ve had in a long time. We initially planned to just tan topless, but after soaking in the vibe, we both ended up going fully nude. I’ll admit, we were a bit hesitant at first because this beach has had a bit of a sketchy past, but I can confidently say that things have really improved. The beach is well-patrolled now, with wardens making sure that nudity is kept to the beach area only, and not in the dunes, which are off-limits for a good reason—they’re fragile and need protecting.
One thing that stood out to us was how well the area is maintained. Sure, the parking fee was a bit annoying, but at £6.50, it didn’t break the bank, and it’s clear that the money goes towards keeping the place in great shape. The walk from the car park to the beach is a bit of a trek—it takes a good 20 minutes or so—but the dune path was a fun walk. You go through a beautiful forest, and when you finally reach the beach, the sight of endless golden sand stretching out in front of you is just breathtaking.
We arrived on a weekend, and at first, it was mostly just a lot of single males hanging out, which made us a bit wary. But as the day went on and the sun got higher, more couples and families started to show up, creating a much more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was great to see such a diverse crowd, all enjoying the sun and sea together. The beach really came alive, and it felt fantastic to be part of such a vibrant, welcoming community.
The beach itself is huge—seriously, it feels like it goes on forever, especially during low tide. We walked for what felt like miles, with the sand stretching out as far as the eye could see. There’s something so freeing about being able to walk along the shore with nothing but the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. And the sand—oh, the sand! It’s so soft and golden, not a pebble in sight. Honestly, this might be one of the best, if not the best, British nude beach I’ve ever been to. It’s definitely up there with the best in Europe—maybe I’m just excited there was actual sand here!
There are some clear signs along the beach showing where you can be naked and where you can’t, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally wandering into the wrong area. Just follow the signs, respect the rules, and you’ll have an amazing day.
If you’re planning a trip to Holkham, I’d recommend packing a lunch, but if you forget, Wells Beach Cafe not far from the car park that does some of the best sausage rolls I’ve ever had. They’re a bit pricey, but totally worth it after a day of sunbathing and swimming. The beach is well worth the visit, and the experience of being able to relax and enjoy the sun in such a beautiful, natural setting is something I won’t forget anytime soon. Whether you’re new to the idea of a nude beach or a seasoned nudist, Holkham Beach is a fantastic place to enjoy the freedom and beauty of the British coastline. It stacks up well against even other European nude beaches, which really says something for a British beach!
Map
Getting There
Reaching Holkham Hall Beach involves a bit of a walk, but it's all part of the adventure. Once you’ve parked or arrived by public transport, you’ll need to walk westward along the shoreline for about a km to reach the naturist area. The walk itself is part of the experience, offering stunning views and a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
By Car: If you're driving, take the A149 coast road, and when you reach Holkham village, look for 'The Victoria' pub on the corner. Turn opposite the Holkham Hall entrance onto Queen Anne Road, where you’ll find the car park. Parking here costs £6.50. From the car park, it’s a 1 to 2-km walk through the estate, passing by a pond, a bird hide, and some charming old buildings before the path winds through the trees and eventually opens up to the dunes and the beach.
By Public Transport: For those using public transport, the nearest train station is King's Lynn. From there, you can catch a bus or taxi to Wells-next-the-Sea, and then it’s a short hop to Holkham village. Once you’re there, just follow the same walking route as described above.
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