Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Sandwich Bay
Sandwich Bay is a long, gently sloping sand beach on the east Kent coast, about 2 miles from the medieval town of Sandwich, fronting the private Sandwich Bay estate and its famous links golf courses. British Naturism lists it as a naturist beach: naturists use the stretch north of the Prince's golf clubhouse, as far as a row of posts that marks the start of a bird sanctuary toward Pegwell Bay. Numbers are small and the beach is big, so there is plenty of room to spread out. At high tide the shallow water is good for swimming, and on afternoons when the tide comes in over sun-warmed sand it can be pleasantly mild; at low tide the sea retreats a very long way and you have to walk far out before it is more than ankle deep. Seals are sometimes seen offshore. Some dunes and vegetation give shelter on windy days, but there is no shade and nothing to buy, and a fenced nature reserve separates the beach from the golf course behind. A few local dog walkers use the far end and are generally used to naturists.
Getting there
The beach is reached along the private Sandwich Bay estate road, which charges a toll for cars (about £8 in 2022; check the current price). Park in the last beach car park before The Lodge at Prince's Golf Club (CT13 9QB), then walk about a mile north along the beach. Alternatively, park free in Sandwich or arrive by train or bus and walk the flat 3 miles each way. No facilities on the beach; food and toilets are in Sandwich. Sand; not wheelchair accessible beyond the car park.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity itself is not an offence in England and Wales; the exposure offence (Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.66) requires intent to cause alarm or distress, and police and CPS guidance treat ordinary naturism as lawful. The beach is on a private estate and is not designated or signed for naturism; British Naturism's listing does not state any formal permission.
Naturism at Sandwich Bay 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. 51.2613, 51.2613
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
Where is the naturist area at Sandwich Bay?
North of the Prince's golf clubhouse, up to the line of posts marking the bird sanctuary.
Is there a charge to get there?
Yes, the private estate road has a car toll (about £8 in 2022). You can avoid it by walking 3 miles from Sandwich.
Is it good for swimming?
At high tide, yes: shallow and calm. At low tide the water is a very long walk out.
Are there facilities?
None near the beach. Bring water and shade.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…