Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Shingle
Best season
June to September
About Corton beach
Corton beach, also called Gunton Sands, lies about two miles north of Lowestoft on the far north-east coast of Suffolk, about a mile north of Britain's most easterly point. Waveney District Council designated it as a naturist beach in 1979, one of the earliest in Britain, and it remains in regular naturist use despite losing that status in 2009. The naturist stretch is short, about 150 to 200 yards north (left) of the bottom of the steps from the footpath, between wooden groynes and below a high grassy bank and a concrete sea wall. Erosion and coastal defence works have stripped much of the sand, so it is now mostly stones and gravel with sandy patches at low tide, and at high tide only a narrow strip is left. The sea shelves steeply with a strong pull, and it is often windy, so a windbreak helps. A small caravan park overlooks the beach and clothed walkers pass through. Regulars are mainly older couples and single men.
Getting there
From the A12 at the northern edge of Lowestoft, take the B1385 (Corton Road) toward Corton and follow it to the free car park on the right, signed for the Dip Farm pitch and putt (around NR32 5HN). Toilets are signed from the car park, and a café is nearby. Cross the road and take the concrete public path, known locally as Tramp's Alley, through the trees and down steps to the beach, then turn left and walk about 200 yards. Not suitable for wheelchairs. No dedicated public transport.
What visitors say
Opinions are mixed. Regulars describe it as clean, friendly and still well used by naturists. Others find the stony beach, steep surf and brownish water poor for swimming and suited mainly to sunbathing. Some mention sewage outfall, an uncomfortable atmosphere at times and an older male crowd, and suggest Holkham or Winterton for families.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Corton was designated a naturist beach in 1979 and de-designated on 1 November 2009 because of erosion; at the same time the byelaw requiring clothing on other Waveney beaches was revoked. The council stated in 2010 that nude sunbathing is not illegal there. In February 2025 the parish put up 'no naturism' signs, and East Suffolk Council asked for them to be removed.
Naturism at Corton beach sits under United Kingdom's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United Kingdom public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 52.5079, 1.7512
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Is Corton still a naturist beach?
It is no longer officially designated (since 2009), but naturists continue to use it, and the council has said nude sunbathing there is not illegal.
Where is the naturist section?
About 150 to 200 yards north (left) of where the Tramp's Alley footpath reaches the beach.
Is there parking and toilets?
Yes, a free car park by the pitch and putt with toilets nearby.
Is it good for swimming?
Not very. It shelves steeply with strong waves; most people come to sunbathe.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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