Local Beaches
Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton is one of only two 'official' naturist beaches in Devon and it's to the west of the main beach. You can park in the Rolle public Car Park in the centre of Budleigh, walk a few yards to the beach and turn right.
At the bottom of Steamer Steps, a very enlightened East Devon District Council have put up a sign to say that clothing is optional 500m to the west.
Although no-one wants to extend the boundaries of naturism more than we do, we don't recommend trying to shorten that distance. A few years ago someone arrived naked at the beach cafe at the bottom of the steps. It caused a lot of controversy and the beach was nearly lost to naturism. If we keep to the rules, it's better for everyone.
There is a good view over Lyme Bay and the beach is pebble.
Moor Sands
Moor Sands is to the west of Prawle Point.
From Kingsbridge to Torcross road turn off for East Prawle at Stokenham. Turn right at water tower at sign for East Portlemouth. Take first left and park on verge after another left turn. Walk down lane behind you to wooden gate and then down valley to cliff top. Turn right over stream and left at top of slope. A bit of a scramble down to beach – a rope has been provided.
Keep to far end of beach or go into next two coves. A half hour walk – more coming back! Don't bother with windbreaks.
It's quite pretty and the beach is shingle.
Petitor
Petitor is a long-established naturist beach near St. Marychurch Golf Club on the north side of Torquay. You can normally park in Petitor Road.
You go to the end of Petitor Road and keep going down the long grassy slope. When you get to the end of that, turn left and continue down to the beach.
The beach is in a nice cove and is a mixture of rocks, pebbles and some sand. The promontories forming the boundaries of the cove are popular with fishermen and swimming is normally good but there can sometimes be some weed.
It has a strong local following - which can make it a bit cliquey - and there is an etiquette that single men go to the left of the beach and ladies, couples and families to the right (looking seaward). The locals get amused and sometimes vociferous when pleasure boats (grockle boats as they are known locally!) pass the beach close inshore - presumably passing the nudist beach is a selling point for their trips!
Petitor isn't suitable for those with mobility disabilities and even the more able bodied might find one of those telescopic hiking sticks useful that you can get in Outdoor shops.
Scabbacombe
Between Brixham and Kingswear, take the lower ferry road from Hillhead and turn left at sign for Coleton Fishacre. Turn left again onto the road to Man Sands and look out for a National Trust car park on the right. If the car park is full, go to Coleton Fishacre and turn left where there is a large National Trust car park. From either car park it is an easy walk down to the beach. Turn left and keep to the end of the beach. Be warned - it is a long uphill back to car!
The beach is one of the less well known and has a good local following. Textiles and naturists normally co-exist there quite happily but there have been the very occasional skirmishes when amateur but misguided protectors of public morals have instructed people to cover up. Nothing serious though.
Slapton
It's one of the few naturist beaches which may be suitable for some people with disabilities. Access is about 1/2 mile, mainly on the level. Most of the path is wheelchair OK but there are a couple of areas of soft sand which may be difficult.After a day on the beach, where you are likely to find many families, some with three generations all enjoying the sun together, there are plenty of good hotels, pubs and restaurants nearby.There are basic, though excellent, naturist camping facilities at Manor Farm at Strete village. Enjoy!
Wadham Rocks
This is a lovely little beach with a devoted following of 'locals'. We weren't going to include it here but as one of them gave details on uk.rec.naturist newsgroup, we assume it is OK to do so! It's one of those beaches where naturists and textiles seem to co-exist quite happily.
On the A379 from Kingsbridge towards Plymouth, soon after Flete, take a left turn on the road signposted Mothecombe and Holbeton ( that's the right road - forget about them now, you don't go to either ) Go past Battisborough Cross, towards Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo and, about 1 mile past Carswell Farm, there is a lay-by on the left. Park there, go over the gate follow the track round to the right and keep going downhill to a field and cross to the style leading to the beach.
Weston Mouth
Weston Mouth is gorgeous.
Travelling from Exeter to Lyme Regis, turn off the A3052 after Sidford at the turning marked Weston. Park in the village at a small free car park with red post box or at a nearby farmer's field for a nominal charge. Camping is available at Oakdown Touring & Holiday Home Park - a large site, near the main road - but we don't think they have naturist facilities.
It's a good hike down to beach, though very pleasant. It's about 3/4 mile and you go down about 500 ft. If you're carrying too much gear, it can be about 20 minutes down and 45 back!
It's definitely NOT one for the disabled.
When you get to the beach, turn right and it seems to be naturist beyond a short stone wall. Its worth taking a wind break as there is not much shelter.
The beach is pebble and shingle and, at low tide, there is some half presentable sand - unusual indeed on a naturist beach in South Devon. The other bonus is that the beach is good fossil hunting territory. You don't need a geologist's hammer or anything fancy; they are everywhere so please just look, take a photo if you want to, and leave them where they are.
Wild Pear
Wild Pear Bay is near Combe Martin in North Devon and the local council have no objection to the present informal arrangements continuing.
The National Trust have been making the pathway more accessible and have endeavoured to put in steps at the bottom of the pathway.
Although a good walk from the Car Park, it is well worth the effort to relax in this idyllic spot.
Only minor problem, the normally easier access means a few more textiles but a little common sense and we can co-exist. Sea is quite good, not usually difficult for a swim, although watch out for the currents if going too deep.
However, the access is regularly damaged by storms and then it can be difficult. Please check locally before making a special journey and, if you have any up-to-date information, do please contact us and let us know.
This information is provided to help you but the Torbay Sun Club doesn't own nor have any control over any Beach mentioned.