General
This formerly official beach was first designated as such in 1979. It can be found in the very north of Suffolk, about two miles to the north of Lowestoft .
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At the same time, a local byelaw which had prohibited naturist use of other beaches in the area was revoked.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
The beach is described as being a about 100 yards in length, not very wide and composed of stones, gravel with some patches of sand here and there. Running along the back of the beach is a high grassy ridge, sloping sharply down to a concrete sea defence wall used as a path. Wooden breakwater barriers divide the beach, and come quite close to the sea wall, giving quite a narrow beach at high tide. Non-naturists must walk through the naturist part to get to their part of the beach, either between the ends of the breakwater barriers and the sea in front of you, or on the concrete sea defence path behind you. You are also overlooked from the rearby a small holiday caravan park.
Other visitors are less complimentary:
"the beach itself was populated almost entirely by single men who seemed quite content to sit and stare at everyone... it was a very weird vibe and I was feeling quite paranoid quite quickly... the beach is pretty gruesome itself and the sea is not at all nice (sewage outfall actually comes down through the beach, although this is rarely obvious"
"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
A recent visitor reports that the caravan selling hot drinks etc in the car park was no longer present. Toilets are signposted from the car park. It is also reported that "the shop is under new management, blessed with a complete and much needed refurb, they do teas and coffees (china cups I might add) and hot and cold food to eat in or take away."
Anything else you could possibly want available in Lowestoft.
Camping
Many visiting naturists stay at the 'Azure Seas' textile camp site, ideally placed close to the beach. Local Tourist Information Office: tel 01502 565989.
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.