Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Fairlight Glen Beach
Fairlight Glen beach, marked on Ordnance Survey maps as Covehurst Bay, lies at the bottom of a wooded valley in Hastings Country Park, about 4 km east of Hastings in East Sussex. In 1978 the local council recognised it as an official naturist beach, which British Naturism describes as the first in the UK; it lost official status in 1999 but has stayed in steady naturist use. The south-facing bay sits below soft sandstone cliffs, gorse and woodland in a protected SSSI and Special Area of Conservation. The top of the beach is now rock, shingle and pebbles that largely disappear at high tide, but low water uncovers a wide, flat expanse of sand, and you can walk a long way east toward Pett Level or west toward Hastings. Rock pools hold beadlet anemones. Swimming is sheltered with no strong currents, but there are submerged rocks, so surf shoes help. Naturists are in the majority on most days, especially further east from the access path. A path behind the beach leads to undercliff sunbathing spots that the BN listing notes are popular with gay men. There is little shade and no facilities.
Getting there
The nearest car park is on Fairlight Road just past Ore (pay and display; BN quotes £4.70 a day in July 2025), or use the Hastings Country Park car parks on Barley Lane or Lower Coastguard Lane, both with toilets. From Barley Lane, walk down the lane and follow footpaths to the fenced coast path, then go through the gap by the 'beach closed – at your own risk' sign and down the steep, volunteer-maintained path and steps, about 150 m of descent with ropes on slipped sections. Allow 20 to 40 minutes. At low tide you can also walk the shore from Hastings Old Town or Cliff End. Not suitable for limited mobility.
What visitors say
Users describe a beautiful, secluded bay that rewards the steep walk, with a friendly mix of naturists and some clothed visitors, busier on sunny Saturdays. The path is the main issue: it is steep and muddy after rain, and winter landslips (including 2024) have needed volunteer repairs and ropes. Tips include checking tide times because high tides reach the cliffs, bringing water and shade, and asking regulars where to enter the sea to avoid hidden rocks.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Recognised by the council as a naturist beach in 1978 and reclassified as unofficial in 1999; it is not designated today but is used openly by naturists, with homemade signs on the path saying the beach is clothing optional. The official access path is closed after landslips, so access is at your own risk; inappropriate behaviour should be reported to police.
Naturism at Fairlight Glen 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. 50.8647, 0.6312
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Fairlight Glen an official nude beach?
It was officially recognised from 1978 to 1999. Today it is unofficial but widely used by naturists and listed by British Naturism.
How hard is the walk down?
Steep. The path drops about 150 m and is maintained by volunteers, with ropes on damaged sections. Avoid it after heavy rain.
Where do I park?
Use the pay car parks on Fairlight Road or in Hastings Country Park at Barley Lane or Coastguard Lane.
Are there facilities on the beach?
No. The nearest toilets are at the car parks.
When is the best time to go?
Warm days around low tide, when the sand is exposed; high tide covers most of the beach.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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