Southsea nudist beach

The stretch of shingle at Eastney, just along the coast from Hayling Island, is where Portsmouth's naturists have been coming for decades. It's a proper working beach - families, dog walkers, and yes, plenty of people in their birthday suits all sharing the same patch of pebbles. The sea's cold, the views across to the Isle of Wight are decent, and there's a relaxed vibe that somehow works despite the initial awkwardness.

You'll find the designated naturist area marked out, so it's straightforward enough to know where you're walking into. The shingle can be brutal on the feet, so bring something to sit on. There's a car park nearby and a few cafes back towards Southsea proper if you need a post-swim cuppa. The beach itself is free, though parking will set you back a few quid.

It's worth knowing this isn't a quiet hideaway - it's genuinely busy in summer, which rather defeats the privacy some people come for. Families with young kids might find it a bit much. Serious naturists and anyone genuinely curious about the lifestyle will get the most from it. Give yourself a couple of hours if you're actually going in the water; otherwise it's more of a walk-past spot.

If you're staying at Hayling Island Holiday Park or Mill Rythe just down the road, it's close enough for a morning outing. Fishery Creek Touring Park is slightly further but still manageable. The pebbles aren't glamorous, but the social aspect and the freedom are what keep people coming back.