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There are a small number of nudist beaches scattered across Kent that you can enjoy while stripped off.

But what are these places really like?

Well, the website, walkingclub.org, lists dozens of nudist beaches across the country including five in our county.

And as well as providing information on the local facilities - and the area's friendliness towards nudists - the site allows users to leave their own comments and reviews detailing their experiences on the beach.

There are 5 beaches in Kent where you can sunbathe totally naked

And while some of the beaches are well established (and some of them are just for those in the know) there are often a number of local rules and regulations in place, which bathers are happy to discuss in detail.

Here's what nudists are saying about some of Kent's apparently naturist friendly beaches.

Sandwich Bay, Sandwich

Most reviews were debating the tension between the regular nudist and the nearby golf club.

Although others pointed out that if you walk far enough along the beach there are no issues.

One said: "Paid our first visit to Sandwich Bay for many years during the mini-heatwave.

"We went past the clubhouse for 5-10 minutes until we had passed another couple. From then on, the beach was quite deserted. It was glorious. We had a relaxing time, with no [inappropriate behaviour] like we had experienced elsewhere in the South East.

"At low tide, I walked down to the sea naked. It's a long way, but the sand was firm and the water warmish because it was shallow. It would have taken a long time to get out far enough to swim, so just a paddle this time. Walking in the gentle breeze without a care was refreshing.

"Just one thing: where we were, the sand was gritty. My memory tells me that it the sand used to be fine. Perhaps we should have wandered further along."

Long Rock Beach, Swalecliffe

Most of the reviews of Long Rock talk about the rumoured "Naturism is not condoned" signs.

These are now thought to be gone, much to the relief of keen nudists.

One said: "I visited [Long Rock] last year and found a few men who had dug out the shingle to lay in. One chap was very pleasant and helpful and told me about discretion and a good place to settle but another came over soon after and was very nasty saying they did not want "intruders" there.

"I just wanted a quiet place with my book and to enjoy a bit of sunshine for an hour or so but felt intimidated and left. I guess if more people use this, rather like Botany Bay, it will keep it established for future use by like minded folk. I do intend to visit again."

While another added: "The 'Naturism is not condoned' signs have gone, as have the kiteboarders.

"The beach is still in use, mainly by the same few. No unpleasant smells from the sewage works in recent years."

Shellness, Isle of Sheppey

Sadly nudists were bemoaning the constant inappropriate activity at this nudist beach, which the website choose to redact the details.

One said: "Visited today, my second time. I left the dunes and went for a naked paddle in the sea. The beach is full of shells but has some nice sand. The water was surprisingly mild.

"The first time I visited this beach was my first public nude experience. I was very nervous about being nude. Especially as I am overweight, but once I found a nice dip in the dunes I soon had my clothes off and was loving it.

"After a couple of hours I was even feeling confident enough to walk to the rubbish bin with nothing on. I was amazed at my new confidence. I think it was because nobody stares at others and people are just doing there own thing.

"Seems a great beach and friendly place. Apart from the [inappropriate behaviour], this is a fantastic place and I would recommend it to anybody to try. I intend to get there every time the weather looks nice."

Another added: "Hi, I went there a few weeks ago with my lady partner and was a bit put off by a large man standing around [...] using binoculars too. We stood at the edge trying to decide whether to give it a go for the first time or not but decided otherwise with Mr Creepy trying to get attention. [...] .

"It was a shame, we were quite excited about doing this for the first time, we could vaguely see other people among the grassy area and were tempted to approach them but decided to leave. I guess if we were to go with a family or other couples familiar with naturism, we wouldn't have been put off, may try another day."

Botany Bay, Margate

(Image: Ian Scammell)

Most reviewers discussed this bay's rising popularity and what it meant for the local nudist community.

One said: "I have been a regular sun worshiper at foreness point at Botany Bay for the past eight years, It is the most beautiful seaside bay I have ever sunbathed on, with maybe one exception, that is Maspalomas beach Gran-canaria.

"The beach seems to have lost its popularity over the past few years for the nude bathers at least. I think mainly because the council seem to be anti nude bathing but are reluctant to ban it outright. I have been approached twice in all this time by police who have been called out by a disgruntled member of the public after seeing a naked person on the beach.

"As most of us naked bathers recline in the dunes, and only go into the sea when the beach is clear of the people wandering along the waters edge I hope in the future the secluded end of the bay (foreness point end of Botany Bay) will become a clothes optional beach, to bring this country's beaches more in line with the rest of Europe."

While another added: "The beach at foreness point end of Botany Bay, is still the most beautiful beach in Kent....in my view.

"Usually quite quiet even at weekends, us nude bathers are still achieving our all-over tans.

"This is such a beautiful beach, I'm very privileged to live close enough to use it."

A third remarked last summer: "I was there last week the genuine naturist are very nice mostly on left hand side of the beach mostly retired people.

"I have also noticed in the last four years more anti - social behaviour. You have the meerkats that stand on beach with their clothes on just staring at you and etc.

"If the council made it a official optional clothing beach it be much better for us."

Abbott's Cliff, The Warren and Samphire Hoe, Folkestone and Dover

Many of the reviews of this secluded beach discussed the logistics of actually making it up and down there in one piece.

Although once there bathers were quite pleased.

One said: "Spent a very enjoyable day at Abbott's Cliff last weekend.

"Went from Samphire Hoe end. Nice beach, good relaxed atmosphere, both young and old nudists there. Excellent sunbathing! Will definitely return."

While another added: "The beach is still there, still nudist. Mostly men, although there was a grandfather with his grandchildren.

"Other than that though, mostly gay men. The sea was quite warm, although I would warn people about the rocks in the sea. But it was my first time to a nudist beach and I'm definitely returning!"

A third chipped in: "My friend Clare and I went to Samphire Hoe for the first time. its a lovely beach, there were some others there a few younger girls topless and one or two fully nude.

"It was our first time, we started topless then got brave and went for it! Was fantastic and we will definitely be returning."