This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be taking the plunge and skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation (BHF) while experiencing the exhilaration of being naked. They will improve their mental and physical health and well-being, boost their body confidence, and reduce their stress. They will also have great fun.
The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism (BN) aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and:
- Promoting greater understanding of Naturism and social nudity
- Encouraging acceptance and participation in Naturism
- Improving facilities and opportunities for Naturism
- Promoting body confidence and well-being
Participation in Naturism is on the rise, with BN reporting significant increases in new joiners since the 2020 lockdown.
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism said:
‘Naturism as a lifestyle has been linked to many health benefits including stress relief, body confidence, mental health, well-being and the pure enjoyment and sense of liberation! The Great British Skinny Dip offers the opportunity for people to get involved in a fun way whilst raising funds for a fantastic national charity and to discover that, despite convention, there’s nothing to compare with swimming without a costume.
We want to add even more skinny dips before the summer is out. If you know of a suitable, safe swimming venue - pools, leisure centres, lakes, rivers, beaches - please consider hosting an event. You’ll find masses of resources to help you on our website.’
Emily Lyle, Fundraising Manager at the BHF said:
‘We are thrilled to be working in partnership with British Naturism and we will be encouraging our fundraisers all over the UK to take part in this exciting, if unusual, opportunity to raise money for our cause.
For more than 60 years, the public’s generosity has funded BHF research that has turned ideas that once seemed like 'science fiction' into treatments and cures that save lives every day. But millions of people are still waiting for the next breakthrough.
It is only with donations from the public that we can keep our research going and discover the treatments and cures of the future.’
Find events in your area on the BN calendar and location map
For more information/comment on individual skinny dips please make contact with the named organisers.
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice. Please check with individual organisers.
For general information on the Great British Skinny Dip, British Naturism or Naturism generally, please visit
BN contact
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138.
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
For information on British Heart Foundation, please visit:
BHF contact
Emily Lyle lylee@bhf.org.uk