2021.03.27 My London
Nudist beaches are not something you often associate with in the UK.
It is safe to say us Brits are a conservative bunch, many of whom would cringe at the thought of exposing their nether regions to strangers.
But there are naturists among us.
Those who find the experience of getting naked both liberating and exhilarating.
According to British Naturism, the UK’s national naturist organisation: "Naturism is the practice of going without clothes - whether that is just occasionally at a beach or in your garden, or as a more general part of everyday life."
If you are a self-proclaimed naturist, or just want to try something different, there is a beach perfect for you not too far from London.
Knoll Beach in Studland Bay, in Dorset, is just over two hours away from the capital and is home to probably the best known official naturist beach in Britain.
The National Trust has ensured the nudist beach is fully signposted and naturists have a designated area on the coastline.
According to the National Trust, the nudist beach dates back to the 1920s.
Nearly 1km of beach is designated as "clothing is optional".
The beach was expanded in 2013 after naturist groups requested more space.
Despite the greater freedom for naturists on the stretch of coastline, there are still rules and regulations to be followed.
The beach code advises naturists to "avoid being a nuisance" and states "any sexual activity is just as unwelcome and just as criminal as in any other public place".
Police and rangers patrol regularly on the beach if people have any concerns.
If you are interested in visiting, the National Trust has nearby car parks at Shell Bay and Knoll Beach and a café.
A catering van also operates at Knoll Beach during the summer providing ice creams and refreshments.
If you definitely prefer to keep your clothes on, this stretch of coastline has something for everyone.
The beaches of the Studland peninsula stretch from the boundary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site north to Shell Bay, where a chain ferry provides a link to Poole and Bournemouth.
South Beach is the smallest and popular with locals. Middle Beach is sheltered by low cliffs, while Knoll Beach is backed by a wilderness of dunes.
And if you forget your swimming costume it is one of the few beaches where it doesn't really matter!
Just round the Dorset coast from Bournemouth, Studland Bay takes just over two hours to reach by car from South West London.
By public transport it is a bit of a mission.
You'd need to take a train from Waterloo, with Branksome the nearest station from where you can get a couple of buses to the beach.
