For the latest version of this page and future updates, please go to the naturist beach Guide at the: Naturist UK Fact File
General
Until a few years ago Fraisthorpe was an official naturist beach, located
about two miles south of Bridlington's main beach in the large sweep of
Bridlington Bay below Flamborough Head. There has been nude bathing on
this beach for thirty years or more. However from the early 90's there
began to be problems with gawpers and misbehaviour in the dunes, leading
to the official designation being withdrawn. The problems continued and in
May of 1998 notices were erected announcing that:
'naturism is prohibited on all East Riding of Yorkshire beaches...'
The legal enforceabilty of such notice was always questionable and the exact situation at Fraisthorpe remained unclear until gallantly challenged in 2004 by members of Ryedale Naturist Club.
"Fraisethorpe beach looks to be back in the naturist domain, the signs have all gone. A group from Rydale club, having a BBQ on the beach, were approached by the coastguard and told they were not allowed to be naked there; they asked why, and said that they couldn't stop them. The coastguard contacted his superior, who said they were correct and that they were not doing anything against the law. It was soon after this that the signs were removed."
Update 07/08/06 about a recent incident at Fraisthorpe Beach - HERE
Access & Parking
From Bridlington take the A165 southwards until you reach Fraisthorpe in
about three and a half miles. Go left through the village and find your
way to Auburn Farm. There is an unmetalled lane which leads to a car park.
Walk from here to the shore and then turn right and walk southwards until
you reach a stream - Earl's Dyke. The nude beach starts here and extends
for a restricted two hundred and fifty metres, bounded on both sides by
textile beach users.
Description
This is a sandy beach with low clay cliffs behind, which offer shelter
from the wind. Clean sand, with pools around the bases of old
anti-invasion defences. 'Good swimming and ideal for children'.
Facilities
None on the beach itself. Toilets may be available at the nearby farm
Water Quality
The Earl's Dyke beach has met the minimal EEC standard for water quality.
February 2004
Ryedale Naturist Club are currently in correspondence with the Humberside police at Hornsea Police station, in whose 'patch' Fraisthorpe / Barmston beach lies, in an attempt to ensure that last year's police action is not repeated. [see below]
John Wymark-Hoar, PRO for Ryedale Naturist Club says:
"Given the clarification given by the new Sexual Offences Act, we will be seeking to ensure that the police return to their previous response, only to specific and particular complaints as to unlawful activity. After the beach was removed as an official venue by the Local Council, some years ago, the police instituted a heavy presence for some weeks, then made it clear that they would expect the Council to enforce their wishes via the Civil Courts; only respondiong to allegations of criminal acts. These did not include naturism per-se. They seem for some reason to have changed their stance last summer, though subsequent correspondence with the local Superintendent indicated a rapid back-tracking. We wish to build upon this reconsidered position and enable all beach users to be able to enjoy the facility."
Ryedale Naturists have a number of events planned for the beach this summer and have no intention of cancelling these - except for poor weather!
If you have more information - please let us know using this Feedback Form
History
Summer 2003
Police Action at Fraisthorpe
According to reports Police "raided" the beach on the weekend of 12 - 13th of July. On Saturday, the force helicopter hovered above the beach and officers "went down the beach taking the names and addresses of all beach users despite having no evidence of indecency". It is also said that naturists had been warned by someone who saw them arriving at the car park and, consequently, most beach users were dressed by the time the Police reached them.
John Wymark-Hoar from Ryedale Naturist Club comments:
"Their behaviour last July was not only illegal but intimidating to the 200 or so beach users present that weekend (including I am reliably informed an Inspector of the Humberside police, himself a naturist and present with his family - he beat a hasty retreat!) Those people had gradually built up the confidence to ignore the notices put up by the Council, only to have their day spoiled and an understandable wariness renewed."
Apparently, on Sunday the police helicopter made another visit and made some indecipherable announcements over a loud speaker .
Another beach user commented:
"I arrived too late for the 'airshow' but was still warned off by those on foot - PC "Nudplodski" and female companion (for corroberation) - I, of course, being guilty before proven guilty!!!. I reckon anywhere where police helicopters don't descend and warn off innocent members of the public (me) has got to be good."
Summer 2000
David Martin's 'Coast and Country' newsletter reports the relations
between naturists and police "continue to be cordial. Those there for
sexual kicks continue to be targetted." Or in other words, there will
be no police action, unless 'inappropriate behaviour' is taking place. It
seems the the local council didn't really have a gripe with genuine
naturists, but acted after reports of certain types of behaviour, both
homo and heterosexual that was upsetting the locals.
However, recent reports suggest that the police officer responsible for the "cordial relations" has now moved on and his predecessor is now back in charge... David Martin has suggested that "if you're a single male user of the beach you really ought to take great care".
Summer 1999
Despite the intentions of the local Council, posts to 'uk.rec.naturist'
confirm that naturists continue to use parts of Fraisthorpe beach:
Information supplied by David Martin of 'Coast and Country' suggests that thing have improved markedly:
"[In] Autumn 1998.. a new police inspector took over. Proceedings against two naturists [were] dropped. His attitude seems to be that genuine naturists are not a prime cause for concern. If complaints are made, then police officers will attend to assess the situation. There is still a problem with male indecency, masturbation, or very occasionally heteosexual couples. The police inspector intends to continue targetting them." [but, by implication, NOT those who use the beach to swim and sunbathe without clothes]
The local police encourage reporting of those whose behaviour has jeoparised this long-established naturist beach by calling the Humberside police Non-Emergency number which is 0845 60 60 222 or (in emergency) by dialling 999. Do not approach, follow or challenge culprits. Legal opinion is that, since the local Council lease the beach, they DO have the right to ban naturists, BUT - this would be a civil matter not involving police action.
25/7/99 Trip Report
"NUFF suggested that the naturist section started shortly after the first pill-box to the south, but this area had been invaded by textiles. I was delighted, however, to find naturists just a mile further south, and this without any climbing or clambering. The council's attempts have failed to remove the naturists and common sense has prevailed. There were couples, one larger family group and a few singles."
"The beach itself must extend for at least two miles in each direction, possibly three or even four, and is largely soft, fine sand with patches of shingle and occasional remains of sea defences. In the shelter of the low (20') cliffs, it made a most enjoyable location for my daughters to spend an afternoon. The shallow fall of the beach should have kept the jet skis rather further out (perhaps even the 200 yards as required by a council order stating that "Offenders will be prosecuted") than it did, which would have made the water perfectly safe for even weak swimmers."
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