2021.07.05 My London
After nearly 18 months of lockdown it's hard not to dream about Mediterranean beaches.
In true British spirit we have all made the most of it and looked to staycations, or activities closer to home to enjoy the Great British Summer Time.
Although to many of us Londoners, the idea of having a holiday close to home was a little daunting last year, thankfully it’s been easier than expected due to the wonderful natural beauty we have on our doorstep.
One spot close to the capital is Shellness beach on the Isle of Sheppey.
The island in the North of Kent is only 42 miles from London but it couldn’t be more different.
The quiet and peaceful beach at Shellness is a world away from the hustle and bustle of London life particularly as everyone tends to be naked.
The island is often dismissed as being like something out of Shrek with locals nicknamed ‘swampies’ but on closer inspection the beach is actually closer to Magic Mike.
As you enter the beach signs are displayed explaining that clothes are not necessary past a certain boundary but that does not mean it’s compulsory to strip off.
KentLive’s Will Rider took a trip to the beach recently and noted that although there were naked bodies poking out between the long grass the beach also has plenty of its own beautiful natural sights.
The shingle and sand beach is decorated with a range of shells and oystercatchers can be spotted along the shoreline.
Next door to the nudist beach is the Shale nature reserve which is covered in purple sea lavender.
Hares run between its meadows while birds of prey and swallows are frequently seen circling above.
The beach also gets more sunshine than any other in England. The average summer sunrise is 5.25am meaning the beach gets 14 or 15 hours of sunshine on a bright day.
The beach is a 100 minute drive from central London.
