As a liberal city which aims to let everyone enjoy being truly, authentically and unashamedly themselves, it may not come as a surprise to you that Brighton has a naturist, or nudist beach. Naturism, the practicing of non-sexual social nudity, is not to be confused with naturalism, the philosophy that all phenomena can be naturally and scientifically explained. Sadly, Brighton’s seafront doesn’t yet include a dedicated philosophy zone. But, if you fancy dipping your toes (literally) into nude beach time, then a bathe and a splash at Black Rock, Brighton’s Naturist Beach, may be the perfect place to try appreciating your body ‘au naturel.’
History
Opened official in 1980, this shingle beach is the first public naturist beach in the UK, and is an iconic feature of Brighton’s seafront. It was subject to much complaint and outrage at the time of its opening, with anti-nude protests taking place across the city. Protesters condemned the plans as encouraging perverted and voyeuristic behaviour, and sought to scupper plans for the garment-optional section of Brighton’s beach.
However, despite the pro-modesty anti-naturist protests, the naturist section of Brighton beach was opened and has continued to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for over 40 years.
Location
Brighton’s Nudist beach is situated towards the eastern end of Brighton, near the marina. Located nearby to both Brighton itself and the Kemptown area, the beach is conveniently close to a range of (clothed) facilities, including restaurants, shops, pubs and bars. If you fancy a snack or a drink before your trip to the beach, there is a huge variety to choose from just a stone’s throw away.
The beach itself is shingle-based, like most of Brighton’s beachfront. While this means that any stich-free sunbathing won’t result in sand in nooks and crannies where there definitely should not be sand, it can make it a little tricky to walk on. So be prepared to wear sandals or flipflops if you fancy a stroll, even if that is the only thing you’re wearing!
Getting There
It can be accessed easily by foot, just a short and pleasant stroll along the coastline from the central pier, or a few moments’ flat cycle along the path. Buses also run frequently between central Brighton and the marina, making it quick and convenient to access. Just hop on a bus from the Old Steine, including the 12, 12A, 14 and 27 to Marine Gate, or the 1 and 7 to St Mary’s Hall from St. James’ Street.
Car parking is also located nearby at Black Rock Car Park, offering access to the beach down a short flight of steps. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always catch the iconic Volk’s Electric Railway to Black Rock Station. Just remember to keep your kit on until you get there, or the driver, passengers (and passers-by) may not know where to look.
The Beach
Despite being conveniently located and easily accessible, the nudist section of the beach is well-sheltered from the road, railway, and the rest of the beach. Raised banks of pebbles create a barrier between the beach-goers in the buff and the fully-dressed Brightonians. This shelter means you don’t have to worry about being overlooked from the road or spotted by an eagle-eyed auntie further down the beach.
The nudist section of the beach is fairly large, meaning you won’t find yourself rammed up too closely against anyone else. If you prefer your own space to bathe in your birthday suit, you won’t struggle to find a spot comfortably far away from other visitors. However, it’s compact enough that you could also choose to settle yourself well and truly in the midst of the nudist action, to avoid feeling like a solo starkers swimmer.
The clothing-optional area is clearly demarcated with signs indicating when you are entering and exiting the nudist section. It is important to note that you must reclothe when you leave the naturist section of Brighton beach, and remain clothed until you enter it, otherwise you could risk committing an offence.
The Demographic
The aim of a nudist beach is to allow people of all shapes, sizes, appearances and… textures to enjoy the freedom of their physical form unrestrained by clothes. Brighton’s nudist beach is open to people of all backgrounds, races, genders, ages, sexualities and other qualities, meaning people of all walks of life can assemble and freely air themselves.
If, purely hypothetically, one had been there, one might comment that the beach is attended by people of a fairly diverse range of ages, body-types, skin colours, body-hair styles and levels of nudity. If one particular demographic dominated (again, hypothetically) it would be single men, with a reasonable amount of couples attending together. This might be worth bearing in mind if you plan on visiting as a single woman, a transgender person or a non-binary person.
The Experience
For many, the experience of enjoying the sun desnuada is a freeing way to connect with nature and your body, as well as enjoying the warmth of the sun. Just don’t forget the SPF – especially on those sensitive areas which might be especially susceptible to sun-damage! And trust me, those sensitive areas are not places you want to burn.
Visitors can also enjoy a suit-less swim in the ocean, immersing their body in the cool water with no layers of fabric between them and the sea. Another added benefit is there will be no wet costumes to cart home and dry afterwards, and no awkward shimmying in and out of clothes under a towel.
If you’re planning to visit for your first experience of naturism, or if you work in a sensitive profession such as with children, you may want to be aware that people sometimes walk through the beach to and from the marina, both alone, in couples and with dogs and families. This may or may not bother you, but it is something to consider before you decide to take the plunge.
Sadly, there have been some infrequent reports of inappropriate behaviour from single men present at the beach, including photography without consent and covert masturbation. A reminder to all visitors not to take photos without consent, and to remember that the permission to be naked is not a free pass to commit indecent exposure or harass other people. Clothing-optional does not mean consent-optional, and respect should be shown to all visitors at all times. Obviously.
These incidents are clearly an inappropriate minority, with the vast majority of visitors to the beach conducting themselves respectfully, there only to soak up the sun, soak in the sea, and enjoy the liberating sensation of being clothes-free. However, the sad reality is that it might be necessary to be vigilant during your visit to anyone acting unacceptably, and to report any inappropriate behaviour to the relevant authorities if required.
Nonetheless, Brighton Nudist Beach remains a popular place for enjoying the experience of nakedness in an environment of similarly-stitched people. Whether it is your first foray into freedom from garments in public, or whether you’re a seasoned starkers sunbather, Brighton naturist beach is a convenient and sheltered place to shed your layers and embrace the coastal scenery, as mother nature intended.
Address: Black Rock, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1FG
