Naturist / Nudist Beaches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Burton Bradstock

Dorset

Picturesque sandy beach backed by low cliffs

Burton Bradstock is a National Trust owned sandy beach backed by low cliffs on the Dorset coast. It is south-east of the market town of Bridport, between Weymouth and Lyme Regis. The beach is signposted as Hive Beach and has a good beach cafe. The naturist area is south east of the NT car park. The South West Coast Path (SWCP) runs along the cliff top.

Getting There

Satnav: DT6 4RF, StreetMap, O.S. Map Ref: SY 491 888 - Landranger maps 193/194 (on the join)

Burton Bradstock can be reached via Bridport on the A35, then taking the B3157 towards Abbotsbury. When you reach the village take the turning on the right sign-posted to Hive Beach - it is initially a rather nice residential road. There is a pay-and-display NT car park (£6/day, free to members) only a few yards from the beach.

Description

When you reach the beach, walk south east (towards Abbotsbury) - about half a mile should take you to a 'safe' distance from clothed beach users. You should check the tide times before setting out as parts of the beach along this stretch of coast are covered at high tide - the car park attendant displays the time of high tide on his hut

The beach is composed of coarse sand, with a fairly gentle slope initially but may shelve more steeply at lower tides.The cliffs behind beach of Blue Lias Clay. 'The beach and cliff face are practically devoid of wild life, but there is a slight possibility that the odd fossil may be found as the geology is similar to Charmouth and Lyme Regis.' This beach has been known for naturist use for many years, but is less well-established than some others There may be some passing walkers using the edge of the water as an alternative to the Dorset Coastal path on the top of the cliffs, as the latter goes through assorted caravan sites.

Please note that, when the sea is rough, swimming may be hazardous along this stretch of coast. Several deaths have occurred in recent years. For obvious reasons, sitting under the cliff can also be dangerous!

Naturists have also been reported using Seatown Beach (to the west of nearby West Bay) and the beach at Swyre (between Burton Bradstock and West Bexington). In both cases, at busy times clothed beach-goers may predominate.

Note that the cliffs in the other direction (north west) suffered erosion during the storms of winter 2013/14, and the coast path is currently diverted away from the cliff edge

Facilities

The foodie Hive Beach Cafe (totally textile - of course) is expensive but recommended. By the beach car park, its 'a rather nice beach cafe/restaurant serving (nice cakes), sandwiches and (fish main courses), with an enclosed section, a veranda section and an open section all with sea views. Toilets included. Actually a very nice place...'