Location
United Kingdom
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is a west-facing sandy beach about three miles long on the north Devon coast, seven miles west of Barnstaple, running south from Saunton to Crow Point at the mouth of the combined Taw and Torridge estuary. Behind it lie the Braunton Burrows dunes, part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which also contain a golf course, a nature reserve and Ministry of Defence training ground. Naturists use the quieter southern half of the beach, well away from the hotel end; British Naturism places the naturist-frequented stretch north of Crow Point, and the exact spot drifts with the number of clothed visitors, so early arrivals effectively set it. The beach is flat, wide and firm, with plenty of room to spread out, and the surf can be excellent, so swimmers should take care. There is no shade and no facilities on the open beach. A few times a year the beach is closed for military exercises, sometimes including RAF transport aircraft landing on the sand.
Getting there
Three approaches. From Braunton take the B3231 to Saunton and use the paid car park by the Saunton Sands Hotel (EX33 1LG), then walk south along the sand; in high season the naturist area can be up to two miles away. Sandy Lane car park (EX33 2NU), behind the Burrows, is cheaper and about 20 minutes' walk west through the dunes. Crow Point, at the southern tip, is reached via a minor road and private toll road from Braunton and a short walk; head north from there. Bus 21 serves Saunton; Barnstaple has the nearest railway station. Dune walking is soft and not wheelchair friendly.
What visitors say
Naturists describe a huge, uncrowded beach where couples spread out far enough that nobody really notices who is nude. Regulars recommend the Sandy Lane car park and the walk west through the dunes, saying the shore there is almost always deserted. Some visitors were put off by the no-nudity notice at the main car park and the lack of any marked area, while others report years of untroubled use. Expect a long walk and bring everything you need.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no designated naturist area. A notice at the main car park board was reported in 2016 as prohibiting nudist activity, and estate car park staff patrol the beach, although visitors report naturists continuing to use the remote stretches without trouble. Parts of the Burrows are MoD land and the beach is closed during exercises.
Naturism at Saunton Sands sits under United Kingdom's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
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. 51.0915, -4.2251
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
Where is the naturist area at Saunton Sands?
On the southern part of the beach, north of Crow Point and well away from the Saunton hotel end. The exact spot shifts with the number of clothed visitors.
Which car park is best?
Sandy Lane (EX33 2NU) or Crow Point give the shortest walk. The main Saunton car park means up to two miles on foot.
Is nudity allowed?
It is not designated. A no-nudity notice has been reported at the main car park, but discreet naturism on the remote stretches has long been tolerated in practice.
Are there facilities?
Toilets, showers and a seasonal café are by the Saunton car park only; there is nothing on the naturist stretch.
Is the beach ever closed?
Yes, a few times a year for military training; ask the car park attendants or check before travelling.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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