Beaches East of England Corton Sands - Suffolk | Corton Sands - Suffolk |
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| Sunday, 16 May 2010 | |
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General In 2009 Waveney District Council announced that significant beach erosion during the past 20 years had led to a reduction of some 80% of available beach space at Corton and, following an "extensive public consultation" a decision was taken to "de-designate"the naturist beach. Later in 2009, the Council launched a second consultation: "Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: “The Council has been working with British Naturism to establish some important criteria for any new facility. These criteria incorporate the needs and wishes of both the naturist and local communities." Despite this, it appears that the Council have decided not to allocate another beach for naturists to use. At the same time, a local byelaw which had prohibited naturist use of other beaches in the area was revoked. During the summer of 2010 it has become clear that naturists continue to use this beach and a statements issued by the local Police and Waveney District Council have made it clear that they have the right to do so: MORE 
Getting There Corton Village is just off the A12 between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth to the north. From Great Yarmouth head south on the A12 towards Lowestoft. Follow the dual carriageway until you get to the outskirts of Lowestoft where it ends, past a large roundabout where the new sewage treatment plant is. When you get into the 40mph zone, take the next left turn (seaward) to Corton on the B1385. At the end of this road turn right at the 'T' junction and continue through a wooded section to the (free) car park entrance on the right, marked as the parking for the 'Dip Farm Pitch and Putt' (but it seems that beach users also park there). Otherwise there is extremely limited (and unofficial) road side parking on the left a little further along the road. A marked "Public Footpath" runs from the north end of the car park (the bottom left-hand corner by the old entrance to Pleasurewood Hills) across the road and through trees to steps that lead down to the pebble beach. [We think this is known locally as "Tramps Alley"] At the bottom of the steps, the previously designated naturist beach was about 150 yards to the north (left). Description 
Other visitors are less complimentary: "Clientel when I've been there is a mix of folk - the odd couple [and] singles - its not a family beach - no sand. In my view this is a great shame.. all along this coastline there's loads and loads of wonderful sandy beach - some of it pristine clean - and where do they put the naturist section? Where you wouldnt want to go ! My advice - for what its worth - dont go [to Corton]... go to eaither Holkham if you want an official beach, or go to Winterton dunes (but if you do please respect that its not an official beach and is a major bird reserve) Facilities Anything else you could possibly want available in Lowestoft. Camping Selected User Comments 2000 "Overall, the beach for me is very basic and rough, and I would agree... about the somewhat strange feeling there sometimes, ie all single men and a degree of surveillance going on..."2002 "The description here is accurate. It is not a particularly fine beach.. no families. Many single men... we walked along the beach at dusk to see a small group men by one of the breakwaters. They were watching a couple having sex.. This is the first time in nearly 17 years of naturism that we have seen this - and it gives ALL of us a bad name. "2004 "...pleased to see much more of a mix and not so many of the annoying voyeurs who used to patrol up and down the embankment that's situated on the beach. My wife found it much more relaxing and said that it was one of the better days we have spent down there...My advice stay on the first two sections of beach." "...the caravan in the car park has now gone leaving the area now with no refreshment area - which was very good in past visits. The beach is still small and needs a cleanup of rubbish left by visitors and washed in from passing boats. There is still the odd unwelcome activity being exposed to all on the beach.." "...pleasant but basic and the car parking nearby makes it easy to get to... some 30 to 40 people there - mainly single men but a a fair few couples and some children who were amused by the novelty of naked people. "2005 "..our first time to a naturist beach and what an enjoyable experience it was. The beach was a bit "pebbly", but lovley. A few people walking at the back of the beach do have a good look, but apart from that it was great, with very friendly people. The parking wasn't great, but is manageable. By far the best beach we have been to." "... stripped off and laid back to enjoy the sun... To my horror, I turned to my left and saw a very well endowed many openly stroking a semi erect penis in front of the whole beach and as he knelt up he made no attempt to hide the then full erection ... Not what any true any true naturist wants to see when they go to the beach."2006 "The water quality is good(a state of the art sewage works is nearby).Swimmers need to be competent-in 3 steps you can be out of your depth and there is a long-shore current.. shoes are necesarry for comfort underfoot. The beach is best in the morning/early afternoon as the sun casts a shadow from the cliffs later." !2007 "Over a period of a couple of weeks I visited Corton Sands, only a few days where the temperatures were around 20 degrees. This was my first ever experience of being naked in public and found it to be a good experience, very few naturists (all men), spread out over the beach and friendly. Only on one occasion did I feel uncomfortable at the weekend when the far end (nearer the caravan park) was populated by gay men and I received some unwanted attention. My advice would be to avoid the far end, especially at the weekend, if you do this you'll find the beach very pleasant if you don't mind a few clothed walkers having a quick look."2008 July 05 - We found the directions a little confusing, as the car park is actually on the right as you come south on the B1385. The beach itself was fine. We were there around lunchtime on a sunny Friday. There were several dozen others there, all single men or couples, just quietly sunbathing. July 07 - Why go to Corton when south of Lowestoft all the way to Southwold there are miles of virtually uninhabited sand where the occasional walker won't be fazed by the sight of a naked body. And ditto the other side of Walberswick all the way to Aldeburgh (with a few more crowded areas, i.e. about 10 people, on the way). Sizewell B heats the water up nicely down there, and Sizewell T (!) does a nice cuppa. July 14 - ...al ot of single men on the beach, but a few couples as well. Overall a truly great experience, cant wait to do it again.. October 10 - My wife & I used to go there, the only thing we didnt like was leaving there, as it was a nasty climb back up the sloopy path to the main road & carpark.... now we are in our 60's it comes hard to climb up it.... 2009 February 20 - this was the first place that i ever stripped off out of doors in public and it felt good. the beach was never very busy. whilst i see the point of closing that part of the beach from naturists for their safety (and i mean that, not just because of the youths, there's the erosion too), it will be sad to see it go. February 23 - I started using Corton beach last year and have enjoyed every trip down there, never had any problems with youths unless you count one or two idiots shouting comments from top of cliff but these are easily ignored. I don't feel there is a need to close the beach as I feel there is more than enough room on the beach to the south of nudist section which is poorly attended as it is. April 27 - Well democracy got the better of the naturists... however I am told that if there are enough people who bath nude and there are no complaints nothing can be done, so I hope that people will continue to use the beach as a nudist beach. Shame that neither NUFF and British Nudism could not evoke enough support to prevent this happening.. May 13 - There is plenty of coast line between Lowestoft and Southwold that would be ideal, some superb discreet areas where there are no onlookers it would mean a bit of a trek but at least you only get the genuine people. Looking on Google cove Hithe would be ideal, good wide open space away from any prying eyes June 28 - I have recently been sunbathing nude 2 miles south of Kessingland Beach. Very few people walk that far, only the odd male or female walking there dog. Its a beautiful beach with dunes and is easily accessible. August 16 - ...went to Corton again today and it was like being at a completely different place.....The Idiots who think they own the beach were in force today....On the whole today made me realise more than ever that the beach at Holkham is far far superior and I really do hope that this idiotic bunch of pensioners do not find there way to Holkham! October 17 - I still belive that Waveney district council will not be able to find a suitable location,!!!! we tried will be the response,another whitewash.. lets hope that we meet again in the new year on a suitable clean and friendly location... October 19 - Waveney District Council is this week speaking to representatives of local coastal communities about the possibility of relocating the district’s naturist beach following the ‘de-designation’ of the Corton facility. Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: “The Council has been working with British Naturism to establish some important criteria for any new facility. These criteria incorporate the needs and wishes of both the naturist and local communities. |
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Comments
It seems that Waveney District Council will NOT be designating a specific beach for naturists. However, some naturists are suggesting use of the beach to the south of the previously designated section. More Info
Corton Beach Update
will be down next weekend so hope to see lots of people down on the south side.subject to the weather,lets keeps using this beach and have our spot
Was down there yesterday when a two couples sat down on the pebbles yards from me (i was already there, they sat near me!) then one of the women starting moaning about the view, im guessing she was talking about me and it really did make me feel uncomfortable so i got up and left, shame because it was a nice day.
I will use corton still but only as a last resort, from now on its Holkham all the way!!!
Do you get many down at Walberswick beach?
the end of the day who gives a damn what people wear or dont wear on the beach
It's about 2 miles from Walberswick down the coast to Dunwich and halfway inbetween would be a good place to set up a naturist enclave. Just the occasional walker but lovely and remote.
MORE INFO
It seems to attract a bit of an older crowd who are very tolerant. I was there today and though blisteringly hot was still not overly busy. Several people were sunbathing either topless or fully nude, with no fuss being made. I had a nice chat to an older gentleman with an all-over tan who is a regular and reports no problems. There's parking. loos and a little cafe open at various times. This could easily become a regular naturist spot.
we go to southwold north of the pier towards the last house on the cliff and so do others and no hassle as its away from tourists ect
Is Corton still ok, or should I venture to Holkham??