Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Shingle
Best season
June to September
About Slapton Sands
Slapton Sands is the long shingle bar that runs along Start Bay in South Devon, between Torcross and Strete Gate, roughly six miles south of Dartmouth. Naturists use the northern end, near Strete Gate, rather than the stretch by Slapton Ley and Torcross. From the Strete Gate car park the nude-friendly section begins after a walk of two to three minutes north-east (left as you face the sea) and continues for about a kilometre towards the cliffs at the end of the bay. The traditional nude spot was further north at Pilchard Cove, but a landslip made it hard to reach and most naturists now settle on the nearer section of Slapton Sands. The beach is made of fine golden shingle, small rounded pebbles that are comfortable to lie on but tiring to walk on for long, backed by low cliffs with views along Start Bay. The sea is clear on sunny days but cold year round, and the beach shelves steeply with strong currents, so it is not ideal for weak swimmers. Visitors of all ages use it and because the bay is so long it rarely feels crowded. There is no shade and no café near the naturist end.
Getting there
Drive south from Dartmouth on the A379 through Stoke Fleming and Strete for about 6.5 miles; where the road drops to sea level, turn sharply left into Strete Gate pay-and-display car park (postcode TQ6 0RR). It fills after about 11am in July and August, so arrive early; the next car park is about a mile further towards Torcross. Bus 93 (Dartmouth to Plymouth) stops at Strete Gate. From the car park walk left (north-east) for 2-3 minutes to reach the naturist stretch; a path behind the beach is easier going than the shingle. There is no step-free access onto the shingle itself.
What visitors say
Naturist guides and visitors regularly rank the Strete Gate end among the better nude beaches in England. Reports describe a relaxed, mixed crowd of couples, singles and some families, with clothed and nude users coexisting near the start of the section and nudity becoming the norm further along. The main complaints are practical: the shingle is hard work underfoot, the water is cold and drops off quickly, and the car park can be full by late morning in high summer. Guides differ on how far you need to walk, from a few minutes to about 700 m.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Public nudity is not in itself an offence in England and Wales; prosecution under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (s.66) requires intent to cause alarm or distress, and the CPS/College of Policing guidance treats ordinary naturism as lawful. At Slapton naturism is long-standing but undesignated: British Naturism (listing updated May 2020) describes it as unofficial, while noting the local council once recognised it as a nude beach. Some guides mention signage marking the clothing-optional stretch; check on the day.
Naturism at Slapton Sands 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
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Approx. 50.3035, -3.6313
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 nudity allowed at Slapton Sands?
Nudity is tolerated on the northern stretch near Strete Gate and has been for decades, but it is not an officially designated naturist beach. British Naturism lists it as an unofficial naturist beach.
Where exactly is the nude section?
From Strete Gate car park walk left (north-east) along the beach for a few minutes; the naturist section runs for about a kilometre towards the end of the bay. The older spot at Pilchard Cove is now hard to reach because of a landslip.
Where do I park?
Strete Gate pay-and-display car park on the A379 (TQ6 0RR) has toilets. In July and August it can be full after 11am.
Are there facilities?
Toilets at Strete Gate car park only. There is no food or drink within walking distance of the naturist end, so bring your own.
Is it safe for swimming?
The water is clear but cold, and the beach shelves steeply with strong currents. Take care, especially with children.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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