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.
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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!
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