Beaches South West England Saunton Sands - North Devon | Saunton Sands - North Devon |
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General The area, which has been designated a 'biosphere reserve' by UNESCO, is in large part owned by Christie Estates. Getting There O.S. Map Ref: SS445345
Barnstaple may be reached by road via the A361 from the westbound M5, the A377 from Exeter,or the A39 from the direction of north Cornwall. Train services run from the main line at Exeter. From the town take the A361 to Braunton and then left on to the B3231 to reach Saunton where a (paying) car park is available near the Saunton Sands Hotel. From there, strike out southwards on foot to reach area used by naturists - may be up to two miles at high season.
The beach is reported to be clean and the sea unpolluted. When the tide, wind and sea combine in the correct proportion Saunton can produce excellent surfing conditions - at such times swimmers should exercise proper caution. The exact part of the beach used by naturists may well vary according to the number of textile visitors - arriving early and setting the trend my well encourage others to join you.
Description Facilities User Comments
The beach and dunes are part of a privately-owned estate. About 2 years ago a lot of work took place on upgrading the beach car park and kiosk area, including installing a new toilet and shower block. That coincided with some high profile reporting in the local paper of women and children being 'surprised' to encounter nude men in the dunes area. This is thought to have lead to the "crack-down". There was some police activity in the Braunton Burrows area after the press stories but that is thought to have been discontinued. Patrolling is now done by spare beach car park attendants in estate uniforms and does not seem to follow a routine. "Over the last couple of years there has been something of a crackdown at Saunton. There are now big signs at the entrance saying "Naturist activities are prohibited", and whilst there are lots of discreet sand dunes, they DO patrol and check up; so any activity is definitely at your own risk." June 2004 However, another naturist who regularly visits Saunton Sands commented: "[This] is unduly pessimistic, and may serve to deter the faint-hearted. I've used this beach for many years with no problem whatsoever. No approach from wardens, disgruntled textiles, plod, nothing. Not so much as a disapproving look. And that includes the local marines. It's a long walk to the sea, and a bit further to get out of your depth for a swim, that's the only problem as far as I'm concerned. December 2004 "I can confirm the presence of the warning signs, but as with other users I have quite successfully used the beach for many years now, apart from a spell approx twelve years ago, when 'plod' was being active in response to adverse letters in the local press. I have only once had a confrontation with the afore mentioned 'plod' which was a reasonably polite request to desist from using the beach as a naturist. I did so for the remainder of that year, but have returned regularly since. It is an ideal area to relax, and the walk across the Burrows area is enhanced by gradually removing clothing prior to arriving at the dunes, recommended only if you know where you are going." If you would like to contribute to this page, please use the form below. Comments (15)
  written by Janet, June 06, 2008
Has any one been to this beach lately? As new comers to this I feel slightly worried about going if there are notices up. Can you please confirm if it is ok to go naked.
 written by fiona, June 10, 2008
being local to the area id love a designated nudist beach to sunbath. Any updates greatly fully recieved
written by Nikki, June 11, 2008
Hello Janet and Fiona,
I whenever possible always use this beach when I am in the South West. I will always park at Crow point and walk half way along the beach and pitch myself at the very top of the beach close to where it meets the dunes as I then would not upset anybody (if thats's possible) by my presence, and have often taken the sometimes long walk to the water totally naked but carrying my bikini bottoms with me and maybe a t-shirt. I found this out of all the uk beaches to be the most relaxed and to be honest, if I can pitch myself near other naturists I often do as then it is at least contained to an area and not everywhere you look and I have also struck up some great conversations with likeminded sun loving individuals, both couples and singles, after all, I feel naturism is a way of life and I love being naked under the sun. Just walk half way along the beach and you'll be lucky to see more than 10 people a day but all of these will almost certainly be walking at the waters edge or the centre of the beach so there is plenty of room at the top. Just look out for windbreaks at the top of the beach as this is almost certainly going to be a naturist so far away rom the ammenities and park yourself reasonably near as this will also give you some security also and who knows you could make a whole bunch of new friends, I have. Hope to be down in the Devon 18-26th July and will almost certainly be visiting this beach (Weather permitting), so maybe see you all there. Hope this has helped you. Take care. Nikki written by Togidubnus, June 18, 2008
I've been getting naked here lately, too. Saunton is one of the finest beaches in the county and to not get naked on it and enjoy its wild open expanse as nature intended is to deny your humanity. I went with my girlfriend a few weeks ago and we sunbathed naked in the dunes, but she got nervous about walking to the sea in the buff and I kept my cossie on in deference. But I may not be so shy about it next time, now that I know I'm definitely in good company.
written by Graham, July 01, 2008
I parked up a little way north of Crow Point and cut across Braunton Burrows to the beach, and encountered 8 military vehicles on the way. Also there were several vehicles and a couple of landing craft on the beach. I was walking topless and one vehicle slowed and the occupants were giving me stares. I'm a bloke, so I assumed I was reasonably safe! - but I still felt vaguely uneasy. Military ops and civvie leisure aren't a good mix.
written by Devon Naturist., July 03, 2008
Hi everybody.
Just to let you know I have used this beach loads of times and have encountered on no more than 1 occasion the local Marines on exercises with no problems at all, in fact some of them use it themselves using local knowledge of quiet areas. If you do not bother anybody and it is easy to do this then just enjoy being naked under the sun is easy. It is a beautiful secluded beach if you want it and is gorgous for sunbathing. Remember, being naked in public is not illegal so just use your common sense and do not bother others. Happy sunning. written by John, July 14, 2008
I've lived near to saunton since I was 18 but only this year in my mid-20s I discovered it as a possible naturist beach - it's amazing! I walked a fair distance down the beach before settling near the dunes and taking my trunks off. After a while I braved rushing naked into the sea, which I had to time between walkers etc! Back on the beach I simply covered myself when walkers came past. No one seemed bothered... I shall go back as soon as the sun's out again!
written by M&G, July 23, 2008
We went naked on Saunton today and it was great, even walked to the sea naked, did some body boarding naked, and walked back to our pitch naked, it was ace !
written by MandB, July 26, 2008
Hi to you all
Will be visiting Bideford in two weeks hoping to get to this beach unless you know of any beaches nearer to Bideford, all depending upon the weather that is? How far is the nudie section from the parking, please reply Thanks written by Togidubnus, July 27, 2008
You need to park at the Crow Point end. Then it's a short walk east round the headland. But then there's no clearly defined area (no official area at all), but take your cue from others. Perhaps it's time for a nude-in (today would have been ideal, but I was at Budleigh).
written by M&G, July 30, 2008
Dont park in Braunton Burrows car park cos its quite a hike across unmarked burrows to the beach, and the marines are often doing shooting practice, also getting back to the car park is even worse !
I suggest parking in the main saunton sands car park and walking along the beach for about 40 minutes. written by Togidubnus, July 30, 2008
M&G: I agree that Braunton Burrows car park is not a good bet, but you have to pay for parking at the Saunton Sands car park and it's a long walk. Myself, I enjoy the exercise but not everyone wants the hike. The Crow Point car park is very easy to get to, it's free and it's just around the corner. Here's a helpful Google map.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=51.081366,-4.197464&spn=0.032999,0.055532&z=14 written by M&G, July 30, 2008
Yes, the map doesnt say a lot really. The only issue is the cost and popularity of saunton car park, the walk is probably equivalent, as one is over dunes, whereas the other is at least a flat beach walk.
written by Togidubnus, August 23, 2008
written by M&G, July 30, 2008:
"Yes, the map doesnt say a lot really." ?! Look more closely: the car park is at the end of American Lane. Zoom in and use the Satellite overlay and you'll see it. "The only issue is the cost and popularity of saunton car park" Which sometimes fills up completely and is a rip off. "The walk is probably equivalent, as one is over dunes, whereas the other is at least a flat beach walk." Crow Point is much nearer. No dunes to walk over — you get straight onto the beach and walk along it. written by jenny, August 28, 2008
Living in Barnstaple makes for easy access. usually I go from Crow end and get on the edge of the dunes. Last time there it was a real cracker of a day, and next thing I heard a truck on the beach, and a guy running into the dunes for a wee. He soon saw me and came over in his combat kit and no shirt, big tanned shoulders, and we had a chat. It was the first time I had ever been approached nude, but quite enjoyed the excitement of it as I knew there were several of them and I would be safe. Soon three more came to join him and I felt their eyes staring at my large tanned breasts and nice trimmed pussy, its quite wet provoking ! Soon they were called away, did what they had to do and drove off with a friendly wave as I stood up to wave to them too. Next time....
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