2021.04.08 Kent Live
Kent is a county famous for it's coastal attractions.
However, many of us may not immediately jump to associate it with being a nudist haven.
That is until
travel experts from My Baggage released their rankings of the best five nudist beaches in the UK.
Among them was Swale Naturist Beach at Shellness, which lies just a short way from Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey.
Black Rock Naturist Beach at Brighton also featured on the list, as well as the chillier northern climbs of Crakaig Bay in Scotland.
Though the majority of us tend to keep our swimming costumes firmly on when we visit the beach, the tide might be turning a little.
Numerous outlets reported earlier last year that nudism is on the rise, perhaps as a result of the mandated mask-wearing that has been implemented during the pandemic, with many nudist groups seeing surges in memberships.
Luckily for those new converts, you don't have to travel too far in Kent to get to one of the UK's best spots - but where is this beach, and what makes it so special?
Swale Naturist Beach
Swale Naturist Beach can be found on the Isle of Sheppey on the north coast of Kent, near Leysdown and Shellness.
A mixture of sand and shingles, accompanied by long coastal grasses and a serene view out over the sea, it really is a beautiful spot.
Though it is well off the beaten track, down a winding country road, the area is clearly marked as to where you are and aren't allowed to bare all to the world.
The area certainly isn't for the faint of heart or those with a sensitive sensibility.
With limited parking facilities and the aforementioned awkward drive, it isn't the most accessible of beaches.
But if you're looking to unwind and bare it all, then look no further than right on Kent's doorstep.
