Nudist beaches open a new chapter for British holidays

A personal account of trying a nudist beach in Britain during a heatwave and what it reveals about body image and everyday holiday culture.

Nudist Beaches Open a New Chapter in British Holidays

During a summer of heat, a divorced Brighton resident visits the city’s nudist beach for the first time. She describes the nerves, the pebbled barrier that marks the clothing-free zone, and the etiquette that governs behavior. After shedding her bikini, she experiences a sense of safety and freedom that surprises her, then swims with minimal barriers to the usual beach experience. The piece links this moment to a broader trend, noting Brighton Naturist Beach opened in 1979 and that naturism has a sizeable following in the UK. It also mentions a national campaign, the Great British Skinny Dip, organized by British Naturism to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, with hundreds of events across the country.

The author uses humor and personal discovery to normalize naturism and challenge conventional beauty standards. The piece sits at the intersection of aging, body autonomy, and travel culture, presenting nudity as self-acceptance rather than shock value. It hints at social change while acknowledging potential pushback from more conservative readers. The editorial stance is hopeful, inviting readers to rethink how public spaces can accommodate comfort and consent without erasing individual choice.

Highlights

Public life is changing as people redefine what makes a holiday feel free and inclusive.