News and Articles

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
 
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance.  Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
 
Bigger events happening later in the year:
 
Aug 30-1 Sep Rusheyhill Weekend Camp
Aug 31-7 Sep  Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 11 High Beeches Garden Visit
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Sept 15 Naturist Foundation 5k run
Sept 17 Dorset Museum Visit
Sept 19-22 Neath Abbey Camping Weekend
Sept 29 Eastern Region Conference
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 19 Naked Quiz & Social Evening
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura   
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
             2025
Feb 8-16 YBN to Gran Canaria
May 12-15 The Gathering
May 31-14 June Sailing Club Holiday
July 7-13 Nudefest – info to follow soon
July 12 Bare all for Polar Bears
 
INF -FNI/EUNAT
Naked Dining
Naked Heart Walks
Sports Events
Swims & Waterparks
Walks & Hikes
 
Pool, Spa & Sauna Weekend
August 16 – 17
Enjoy the facilities from 11am each day with a supper served each evening.
Merseyside
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 16
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Petersfield Open Air Pool
August 16
Join us for this last dip of the season in a pool heated to 27°C plus a café.
Hampshire
 
The Big Quiz
August 16
Online quiz organised to test your general knowledge.
Northern Ireland
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 16
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Cruise Poole Harbour
August 16
Enjoy the river and coast with a bar & lounge on the lower deck; supper is included.
Dorset
 
Watford Swim
August 16
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 16
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Sherwood Forest PRIDE Edition
August 17
An event for gay/bi naturists to meet & enjoy the exceptional Sherwood Forest.
Nottinghamshire
 
MSNC Swim – Bury St Edmunds
August 17
A regular swim plus sauna & steam room.
Suffolk
 
Spectrum Swim
August 17
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 17
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Splashdown Waterpark
August 17
Join us at the South’s biggest waterpark, must be booked in advance.
Dorset
 
Diogenes Sun Club GBSD
August 17
An all day event with the main skinny dip at 1pm.
Buckinghamshire
 
Sough Forest Edwinstowe GBSD
August 17
Evening swim twice per month.
Nottinghamshire
 
Coombe Meadows Garden Visit
August 18
This lost garden has been rescued, with an accessible path to the hot tub & dipping pond.
Devon
 
Walk Sinnington
August 18
A 6.4 mile circular walk with some low to moderate hills, please book.
Yorkshire
 
Ryedale Swim
August 18
Fortnightly afternoon swim.
Yorkshire
 
Nudie Dudie Swim
August 18
Afternoon swim, please confirm attendance.
South Glamorgan
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 18
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Forth Naturist Swim at Haddington
August 18
Family friendly, 2 pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
 
South Wales Meet & Greet
August 18
Meet for a chat & a pint or even a meal, pre order.
South Glamorgan
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 18
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Withington Pool GBSD Event
August 18
Over 18’s only, purchase ticket at the BN shop.
Manchester
 
Potteries Swim
August 18
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment.
Staffordshire
 
Bristol Naked Swim
August 21
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
Natram Walk Friston Forest
August 22
An 11 mile, or shorter, walk on the South Downs; a mix of riverside & forest.
Sussex
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 22
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
The Big Quiz
August 23
Online quiz organised to test your general knowledge.
Northern Ireland
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 23
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 23
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 23
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 23
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Haslemere Sun Club Open Weekend
August 24 – 25
Open weekend with live music.
Hampshire
 
TANDO Festival Weekend
August 24 – 26
Fireworks, lights & music plus much more.
Tyne & Wear
 
East Midlands Taster Weekend
August 24 - 26
Day visit or weekend with a BBQ on the Saturday evening.
Lincolnshire
 
Thetford Forest Walk
August 24
An 8 mile, or shorter, mainly flat ground generally in the forest area.
Norfolk
 
Llama Trek High Weald
August 24
Clothing optional with picnic in the countryside of the High Weald.
Sussex
 
Sleaford Swim
August 24
Pool, gym, squash courts, sauna & steam rooms.
Lincolnshire
 
Jupiter Artland Garden Visit
August 24
Quirky artwork, woodland walk & fantastic earthwork mounts.
West Lothian
 
Spectrum Swim
August 24
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Outdoor Swim at Bovey Tracy
August 24
Swim in this heated pool.
Devon
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 24
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
WNBR Folkstone
August 24
Assemble at 1 at Shearway Rd, ride at 2
Kent
 
Studland Beach Day
August 25
Bring a picnic & enjoy this fantastic beach, meeting your BN reps & other members.
Dorset
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 25
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Prested Hall Spa
August 25
Pool, sauna, steam room, loungers, garden area & licenced Bistro.
Essex
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 25
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Taster Weekend
August 25
Come for the day & make use of our great facilities or stay for the weekend.
Lincolnshire
 
Shaftesbury Lido Swim
August 27
Enjoy this heated outdoor pool, recently refurbished.
Dorset
 
GBSD Spring Lakes
August 27
Early evening swim, over 18s only.
Nottinghamshire
 
Bristol Naked Swim
August 28
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
Natram Walk Up Barley
August 29
A 12 mile, or shorter, walk near Petersfield.
West Sussex
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 29
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
Rusheyhill Weekend Camp
August 30-1 September
Another chance to camp at Rusheyhill & attend our GBSD at Portstewart.
County Antrim
 
The Big Quiz
August 30
Online quiz organised to test your general knowledge.
Northern Ireland
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 30
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 30
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 30
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 30
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Visit to Burrows Gardens
August 31
Enjoy the gardens, tea & coffee & delicious home baked cakes will be available.
Derbyshire
 
Ladies Only Clothing Optional Afternoon
August 31
Join us for afternoon tea.
Gloucestershire
 
NW Naturist Worsley Swim
August 31
Enjoy warm pools for swimming or relaxing, sauna & steam rooms & café for refreshments.
Greater Manchester
 
Spectrum Swim
August 31
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 31
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Walk Slingsby
September 1
A 7 mile walk with 3 moderate hills & stunning views of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Yorkshire
 
Cardiff Coffee Group
September 1
Clothing optional, drink tea/coffee, chat & enjoy arts & crafts.
Cardiff
 
Durley House Skinny Dip
September 1
GBSD at a private indoor pool with Hydropool, please book in advance.
Hampshire
 
Ryedale Swim
September 1
Fortnightly afternoon swim.
Yorkshire
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 1
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Forth Naturist Swim at Haddington
September 1
Family friendly, 2 pools, sauna & steam room, sports hall & café.
East Lothian
 
Arundel Lido Skinny Dip
September 1
Final Skinny Dip of the year with a BBQ.
West Sussex
 
Torbay Sun Club @ Lamorna
September 1
Join us for an evening swim in an indoor heated pool.
Devon
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
September 1
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Potteries Swim
September 1
Join our adults only swim and relax in our friendly environment.
Newcastle-under-Lyme
 
GBSD Port Stewart Beach
September 1
Meet at 11 for a skinny dip to raise funds for the RNLI.
County Antrim
 
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together... 
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
 

British Naturism Sunfolk: Plenty to do

British Naturism Sunfolk: Plenty to do

The recent great weather has further increased the popularity of our redeveloped site just north of London. It's good to see many people planning their visits well in advance, but we're also getting many people just making that decision when they see the sun rising high in the sky!
In an article which members will read in the forthcoming issue of BN Magazine (out in early September), BN Chairman Colin Taylor writes (amongst other things):
'You can stay over or visit for the day. We have camping for tents, caravans and motorhomes – and there are brand-new glamping pods with real beds, bedding and pillows, and furnishings. In our spa area there is the covered swimming pool, new sauna and a hot tub, or you can chill out on the high deck of the lovely pavilion. To make your visit even easier, there’s a shared kitchen and a BBQ area with gas BBQ.
The Pavilion creates a “Wow” from all our guests as they approach. It is wide and south-facing with a decking surround meaning you get the sun all day long.  If the sun is being a little shy the wide bifold doors can be closed and a lovely light, warm atmosphere inside means you can enjoy the time relaxing in the cosy lounge area, make yourself a drink in the bistro area or prepare a meal in the kitchen. There’s even a new wood-burning stove for the first chills of autumn. Our bistro shop uses contactless technology for our digital honesty box and most guests have not used our instant hot water taps before and need to be shown the technique as we have done away with kettles!
The campfires are burning again thanks to donations of a fire pit and a new pathway and surround with bench seating up in the woodland area. The woodland walk has been cleared and is a lovely gentle strolling area in the shade from the sun on hot days.
We believe we have kept the atmosphere of the old Sunfolk but brought the facilities and looks into the 21st century. Do come and visit, as a day visitor, camper, caravaner, motor-homer and look out for our themed events and weekends. It’s the best way to appreciate the work, time and money invested in the new facilities.'
 
We look forward to seeing you!
 
sunfolk.bn.org.uk
 

Ladies Spa Day at Clover Spa

Ladies Spa Day at Clover Spa

British Naturism and Clover Spa and Hotel in Birmingham have got together to host a spa day with afternoon tea, Prosecco, and a 20 minute taster treatment on Saturday 12th October.
Book now for relaxing and confidence boosting social event. It could also be the perfect opportunity to introduce a friend.

 

Splashdown waterpark - this Saturday!

Splashdown waterpark - this Saturday!

As part of our EveryBody festival which kicks off tomorrow, we'll be taking a trip to Poole's superb water park, Splashdown with a huge number of rides, slides and more - and you don't have to be an EveryBody guest to be able to book a ticket!
Find out more over in the BN shop! Note that this event is open to BN Members only plus their accompanied guests and must be booked in advance.

Another swim at Withington - this Sunday!

Another swim at Withington - this Sunday!

Back in April, we held our first nude swim at the beautiful Withington Pool, Manchester. Such was the success, and the joy experienced by the venue and staff, that we quickly arranged a second ... and this Sunday sees a third. Will it become a regular thing? We hope so.
Tickets can be purchased via the BN Shop. 
 

Poole Harbour Cruise - special offer!

Poole Harbour Cruise - special offer!

If you are still thinking about booking for our Naked Cruise along The Jurassic Coast and around Poole harbour this Friday, here's something that may tempt you.
You now have the option to purchase a ticket for the trip only - excluding the meal.
The weather forecast looks good so get on board and book your place! Why not bring a friend!

Inaugural walk for SWOC

Inaugural walk for SWOC

Sixteen walkers met at South Western Outdoor Club (SWOC) in July, on what fortuitously turned out to be a rare fine day, perfect for nude waking, dry with a warm breeze and sunny intervals. 

Thanks to a collaboration between a number of BN volunteers, BN and NatRam members and the Club, we appreciated SWOC’s facilities and hospitality before and after our nine-mile hike through gorgeous west Dorset countryside. It was predictably hilly and not the easiest going in places, but the views were rewarding and the company pleasant. A mix of those experienced and new to Naturist walking enjoyed the day. 

Keen-eyed viewers of the group photograph might just be able to spot the seventeenth naturist, the famous Cerne giant, an enigmatic 180’ tall figure of disputed origin cut into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas village. 

In view of the success of the venture, we hope to repeat a similar walk in future years. A big thank you to all those involved in the organisation and leadership of the day, and to SWOC for their warm welcome and hospitality.
 
Howard

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance.  Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
Bigger events happening later in the year:
 
Aug 30-1 Sep Rusheyhill Weekend Camp
Aug 31-7 Sep  Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 11 High Beeches Garden Visit
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Sept 15 Naturist Foundation 5k run
Sept 17 Dorset Museum Visit
Sept 19-22 Neath Abbey Camping Weekend
Sept 29 Eastern Region Conference
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura   
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
            
2025
Feb 8-16 YBN to Gran Canaria
May 12-15 The Gathering
May 31-14 June Sailing Club Holiday
July 7-13 Nudefest – info to follow soon
July 12 Bare all for Polar Bears
 
INF -FNI/EUNAT
Naked Dining
Naked Heart Walks
Sports Events
Swims & Waterparks
Walks & Hikes
 
International Petanque Tournament
August 9 to 11
The INF tournament in Braunschweig.
Germany
 
Ribble Valley Club Open Weekend
August 9 to 11
A free event at this well appointed club but normal overnight fees will apply.
Lancashire
 
Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
August 9 to 11
Located on an island, enjoy sports & a skinny dip in the Loch. MUST pre-book.
Glasgow
 
Gt. Missenden Walk
August 9
A circular 8 mile walk with some slight to moderate hills.
Buckinghamshire
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 9
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 9
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 9
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 9
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
IDENTITY N@T
August 10 - 11
Diversity & inclusivity Celebration.
Merseyside
 
Doncaster Pride
August 10
Join in the parade, gather at 10, or help out on the BN stand in the field.
Yorkshire
 
Wild Water GBSD Event
August 10
Wild water swimming in the River Ribble.
Lancashire
 
Wigton Swim
August 10
Always the second Saturday of the month, booking advised as very popular.
Cumbria
 
Sleaford Swim
August 10
A small pool, gym, squash court, sauna & steam room.
Lincolnshire
 
Spectrum Swim
August 10
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Maize Maze
August 10
A clothing optional event with a difference. NOT A BN ORGANISED EVENT.
Lincolnshire
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 10
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Peterborough Lido
August 10
CANCELLED
Cambridgeshire
 
Wigton GBSD
August 10
A monthly skinny dip on every 2nd Saturday of the month, 1 to 2.30/
Cumbria
 
Bircotes GBSD
August 10
Swim, chat in the shallow end or play table tennis or badminton or use the sauna. MUST BOOK.
Yorkshire
 
Corton Beach Day
August 11
A sandy beach, café in the car park with toilets for customers.
Suffolk
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 11
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Prested Hall Spa
August 11
Twice monthly swim with sauna, steam room, loungers and garden area.
Essex
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 11
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Natram Walk Ackling Dyke
August 13
An 11 mile, or shorter, walk on the high chalk downs near Salisbury.
Wiltshire
 
Hot Rock Sauna
August 13
An evening of traditional Scandinavian Sauna on the shore of Lough Neagh.
Northern Ireland
 
Shaftesbury Lido
August 13
Fortnightly swim, please book at the Lido website.
Dorset
 
Visit Houghton Lodge Gardens
August 14
An evening visit, mixture of formal planting and more natural settings.
Hampshire
 
Visit Dorothy Clive Gardens
August 14
BHF, clothes optional, bring a picnic or use the café.  Booking required.
Shropshire
 
Bristol Naked Swim
August 14
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
EveryBody Festival
August 15 – 19
A celebration of everything naked in a magical woodland.
Dorset
 
Stark Trekkers Mereworth
August 15
A 6 mile walk through ancient woodlands.
Kent
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 15
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
Pool, Spa & Sauna Weekend
August 16 – 17
Enjoy the facilities from 11am each day with a supper served each evening.
Merseyside
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 16
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Petersfield Open Air Pool
August 16
Join us for this last dip of the season in a pool heated to 27°C plus a café.
Hampshire
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 16
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Cruise Poole Harbour
August 16
Enjoy the river and coast with a bar & lounge on the lower deck; supper is included.
Dorset
 
Watford Swim
August 16
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 16
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Sherwood Forest PRIDE Edition
August 17
An event for gay/bi naturists to meet & enjoy the exceptional Sherwood Forest.
Nottinghamshire
 
MSNC Swim – Bury St Edmunds
August 17
A regular swim plus sauna & steam room.
Suffolk
 
Spectrum Swim
August 17
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 17
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Splashdown Waterpark
August 17
Join us at the South’s biggest waterpark, must be booked in advance.
Dorset
 
Diogenes Sun Club GBSD
August 17
An all day event with the main skinny dip at 1pm.
Buckinghamshire
 
Sough Forest Edwinstowe GBSD
August 17
Evening swim twice per month.
Nottinghamshire
 
Coombe Meadows Garden Visit
August 18
This lost garden has been rescued, with an accessible path to the hot tub & dipping pond.
Devon
 
Walk Sinnington
August 18
A 6.4 mile circular walk with some low to moderate hills, please book.
Yorkshire
 
Ryedale Swim
August 18
Fortnightly afternoon swim.
Yorkshire
 
Nudie Dudie Swim
August 18
Afternoon swim, please confirm attendance.
South Glamorgan
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 18
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Forth Naturist Swim at Haddington
August 18
Family friendly, 2 pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
 
South Wales Meet & Greet
August 18
Meet for a chat & a pint or even a meal, pre order.
South Glamorgan
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 18
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Withington Pool GBSD Event
August 18
Over 18’s only, purchase ticket at the BN shop.
Manchester
 
Potteries Swim
August 18
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment.
Staffordshire
 
Bristol Naked Swim
August 21
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
Natram Walk Friston Forest
August 22
An 11 mile, or shorter, walk on the South Downs; a mix of riverside & forest.
Sussex
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 22
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 23
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 23
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 23
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 23
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Haslemere Sun Club Open Weekend
August 24 – 25
Open weekend with live music.
Hampshire
 
TANDO Festival Weekend
August 24 – 26
Fireworks, lights & music plus much more.
Tyne & Wear
 
East Midlands Taster Weekend
August 24 - 26
Day visit or weekend with a BBQ on the Saturday evening.
Lincolnshire
 
Thetford Forest Walk
August 24
An 8 mile, or shorter, mainly flat ground generally in the forest area.
Norfolk
 
Llama Trek High Weald
August 24
Clothing optional with picnic in the countryside of the High Weald.
Sussex
 
Sleaford Swim
August 24
Pool, gym, squash courts, sauna & steam rooms.
Lincolnshire
 
Jupiter Artland Garden Visit
August 24
Quirky artwork, woodland walk & fantastic earthwork mounts.
West Lothian
 
Spectrum Swim
August 24
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Outdoor Swim at Bovey Tracy
August 24
Swim in this heated pool.
Devon
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 24
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
WNBR Folkstone
August 24
Assemble at 1 at Shearway Rd, ride at 2
Kent
 
Studland Beach Day
August 25
Bring a picnic & enjoy this fantastic beach, meeting your BN reps & other members.
Dorset
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 25
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Prested Hall Spa
August 25
Pool, sauna, steam room, loungers, garden area & licenced Bistro.
Essex
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 25
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together... 
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

Go Team GB!

Go Team GB!

Aside from all the excitement in Paris, there is another big sports tournament happening in Europe this weekend.
We send good wishes and best of luck to our two teams attending the 2024 International Naturist Federation Pétanque Tournament in Braunschweig Germany.
Carole & Karl, and Marion & Phill are flying the flag for the UK and British Naturism - is it coming home?
 

British Naturism in the media - we're so busy!

British Naturism in the media - we're so busy!

There is no doubt that attitudes are changing, but many, many people still need educating about the simple truths of a socially naked lifestyle and, therefore, busting myths, putting the record straight and spreading the word is of crucial importance. For all of us. We can do that individually (in fact we should) but the number of ears and eyes receiving the message is increased by a huge number when delivered via print, websites, social media, TV, and radio. Many of you will have heard me say in interviews that if I were handling the marketing and media for a shower fitting company or bicycle tyre manufacturer, I’d be hard pressed to get any attention outside of those sectors. Not so with Naturism - and so we take full advantage.
People from media outlets are subscribed to our weekly ezine (their choice, to do so, of course) and many others keep an eye on our website activity and follow us on social media. As a result, we handle between three and four approaches every week. Sometimes it is important to make a bigger, more direct noise and we issue press releases, emailing a list that has been maintained and added to over many years now. There are in the region of 2,500 contacts on it.
In May this year, we issued press releases for the Great British Skinny Dip and Naked Heart Walks. My inbox pinged and pinged and I was barely off the phone or SMS services for a number of hours with requests for interviews - including many outlets asking why there was nothing happening in their area! (Headline: National Media begs BN to put on more events so they can talk about them!)
One respondent was the BBC’s Central News Service who asked me to mark out an hour in my diary before offering an interview to all local BBC radio stations. Such was the take up that the session was soon extended to an hour and three quarters. I did 13 individual interviews in that time and there were others later in the day who missed out first time round. BN Women’s Officer, Helen Berriman, and GBSD/NHW team leader, Ron O’Hare, took others when more interviews were requested at times when I was already talking! Goodness knows how many millions of people we reached. Our message was certainly out there that day. We don’t need everyone who was listening to ‘become’ a Naturist, or decide to attend one of the events, but we hope people learned something and/or had their perception changed. The requests continued to trickle in over the next few days and I was grateful to members of the BN GBSD/NHW team for taking one or more on when a local voice was preferred.
Next up, TV. Canadian, in fact. Details are embargoed but a small crew spent the afternoon with us at Spielplatz and British Naturism Sunfolk filming for a documentary to be aired in 2025. Mark Bass took pictures and said, ‘Right from the outset, one of our aims for British Naturism Sunfolk was to create a venue that would attract media engagement and allow us to promote the joy, benefits and appeal of Naturism outside our immediate circle. Many thanks to the many members who volunteered to be involved.’
Lucy Holden, a journalist and author who has written about Naturism before (and was our guest on the Forum Live) was asked by The Times to write about a story from Germany that suggested Naturism was on the decline. I gave her some comments from our perspective and later spoke to presenter Jane Mulkerrins (also a journalist who has written about Naturism before and was our guest on the Forum Live - it’s good to network!) on Times Radio about the story. Then the travel section of the MailOnline, the website for the Daily Mail newspaper, got in touch to ask if we would write an article about Naturism, having taken interest in the German story. Write an article! That was something new - usually it’s an interview or a handful of quotes. I said yes (obviously) and it appeared under my name. That might also sound obvious, but usually only staff writers get credit. It went down well with their readers and they asked for a follow up about Nudefest. Together they received over 80,000 page views. Result!
Late-Night Jo is a BBC radio programme recorded in London but broadcast to all local BBC stations. Presented by Jo Good - who once introduced a radio interview with me by saying to the listeners, ‘I love skinny-dipping, don’t you?’ - it was another chance to spread the word, to many people, and a 15 minute session, not the usual three or four.
TV again, but this time closer to home with ITV’s Lorraine show broadcasting live from Nudefest. Producer/Director Samuel came the afternoon before to get some shots of general activity for airing during the morning programme and was amazed at how many people were willing to be on camera - not sure that 30-a-side volleyball matches are usual? Thanks to everyone who joined in, and also lounged artistically in the background the following morning. Presenter Lucie Cave (fully-dressed) spoke to Martha, Helen and Susan who all represented BN and Naturism beautifully, in front of an audience of millions. Unrelated to the TV slot, Susan also gave an interview for a national women’s magazine; we’re yet to see the results. We had interest for Nudefest from other high-profile TV programmes too, but aside from it being quite a lot of work with a crew on site, we are conscious that an event with cameras around all the time isn’t what many people go for. Don’t worry - I’ve saved them up for events in the future!
A big change I have witnessed in the couple of decades that I have been working with the media is the number of journalists who now actually ask to come to an event to try Naturism for themselves and then write about it. I have always suggested it to them, a first-person piece always being better (for us, never mind for the reader) only to be met with excuses, and maybe giggles. Recently, Charlotte Allbutt from the Worcester News came and walked at the Bishampton Naked Heart Walk and another young, female writer will be camping for the weekend at EveryBody.
There’s been plenty more - the MailOnline completed a little trilogy with an article about Broadland Sun Association in Norfolk; Alan Ellison, host of the GBSD beach day at Findhorn, had a great interview in Edinburgh’s Press & Journal; we were invited to write a piece on a Lake District dip in the Keswick Reminder which volunteer Dugie Eyton-Hughes made a great job of and it appeared on the front page - though sadly credited to one of their staff writers. BN’s International Officer, Anne Nisbet, took on a request from The Guardian, which included posing for some hours on a cold day in a wood in Oxfordshire, and ended up being the lead item in the article that followed; and Helen Berriman has also been in demand, talking to Vanessa Feltz on Talk TV and commenting on a news story about a renewed interest in Naturism in France, on BBC Radio 4’s popular PM show.
There’s plenty in the pipeline too. If you’d like to keep up with it - reading the articles, listening to the recordings, watching the programmes (including many mentioned in this article) - and/or put yourself forward when requests are made for happy Naturists to talk about our wonderful world, then keep an eye on two sections of the BN members’ forum: ‘Nudity reported in the media’ and ‘Media requests’. Member log-in is required and if you are not a member you can fix that here!

Reminder: Naked Cruise around Poole Harbour

Reminder: Naked Cruise around Poole Harbour

Our Naked Cruise along The Jurassic Coast and around Poole harbour takes place in only 10 days time.  The price includes a fish and chip supper and numbers need to be notified by the weekend!
The weather forecast for Friday 16th August looks good at the moment so follow this link to find out more and book your tickets!
https://www.bn.org.uk/news/information/about-bn/naked-cruise-around-poole-harbour-r1693/
 

British Naturism Sunfolk: Indoor Space

British Naturism Sunfolk: Indoor Space

The largest part of the indoor space is given over to sofas to provide a comfortable social space. The whole front wall is glass doors providing lots of light and allowing the summer to be brought in when it is warmer. When it is cooler, it now a properly insulated sheltered space with the log burner that makes it a viable space all year round.
Here's some more feedback from a happy guest!:
With all that has been done, Sunfolk is an excellent place.  I fully endorse all that has been said above and I am delighted that the woodland area has been kept as it is still wonderful to walk in a very much 'back to nature' environment.  On my two visits, the wardens, MJ and Gary, were both really helpful.  We just need the weather...!!!

Reminder: Jupiter Artland visit on 24 August

Reminder: Jupiter Artland visit on 24 August

SANER (BN's Scotland and Northern England Region) are delighted to invite you to a return visit to the incredible Jupiter Artland garden, near Edinburgh.
Jupiter Artland - as you can see from Andy's stunning image - is a feast for the eye with quirky artworks, woodland walks, fantastic earthwork mounds and meadow areas.
The event takes place on the evening of 24 August - find out more and book your tickets over in the BN shop.

Reminder - Dorothy Clive Garden Naked Heart Walk - Wednesday 14 August

Reminder - Dorothy Clive Garden Naked Heart Walk - Wednesday 14 August

Our next Naked Heart walk takes place on Wednesday week - have you booked your tickets yet?
Located in glorious countryside on the North Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire borders, the garden is both formal and informal, hosting a network of paths that invite the visitor to explore and discover the intimacy and tranquility of the garden. Guests will also be raising funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
Book your place here

Women in Focus podcast - new episode out now!

Women in Focus podcast - new episode out now!

Join host Helen Berriman, BN's Women's Officer, for a new episode of the podcast from British Naturism, dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the Naturist community. Our podcast is created by women for women, although we warmly invite men to join us and listen as well.
In each episode, we delve into insightful conversations, exploring various aspects of Naturism through the lens of womens' experiences. Whether you are a seasoned Naturist, new to the way of life or just intrigued, we aim to educate and inspire. We highlight the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of women in Naturism. Promoting body acceptance and self love, we explore how women across the planet have shed their clothes and freed up their minds, leading them toward a more fulfilling life in all areas; one that no longer keeps them restricted - emotionally, mentally, physically, and in all other ways.
For August Helen speaks to Samantha Graham, 34,  from Ontario, Canada.  A naturist since 2017, Sam wears many ‘hats’.  She's the Trailer and Sunroom Sales Manager at Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park, runs their social media accounts and is the Editor/Producer of the Naturist Living Show.
Sam has always preferred to be clothes free even as a child but it was in 2017 when she was seeking a different and freeing experience she found a Nude beach and learned that Bare oaks was a short drive away.  She booked in for 3 nights and it completely changed her life in so many ways.  Sam and Helen discuss all this plus much more.
https://open.spotify.com/show/6HtAQzJKLzJenc3Jjm9W3O
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/d0d17b7b-51c3-4caa-b890-9c8355289c9f/women-in-focus
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in-focus/id1717263257
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Y4MelgLcBpA89zbKw7m_UW3xT4_1WZ6

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
 
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance.  Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
 
Bigger events happening later in the year:
Aug 7 High Beeches Garden
Aug 9-11 Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
Aug 9-11 International Petanque Tournament
Aug 9-11 Ribble Valley Open Weekend
Aug 10-11 Diversity & Inclusivity Celebration
Aug 14 Dorothy Clive Gardens NHW
Aug 13 Houghton Lodge Gardens
Aug 15-19 Everybody Festival
Aug 16 Naked Cruise Poole Harbour
Aug 17 Splashdown Waterpark Poole
Aug 18 Coombe Meadows Garden Visit
Aug 24 Jupiter Artland Garden Visit
Aug 24 Clothing Optional Llama Trek
Aug 24-25 Haslemere Sun Club Open Weekend
Aug 24-26 TANDO Festival Weekend
Aug 24-26 Sunfolk Taster Weekend
Aug 30-1 Sep Rusheyhill Weekend Camp
Aug 31-7 Sep  Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 11 High Beeches Garden Visit
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Sept 15 Naturist Foundation 5k run
Sept 17 Dorset Museum Visit
Sept 19-22 Neath Abbey Camping Weekend
Sept 29 Eastern Region Conference
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura   
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
             2025
Feb 8-16 YBN to Gran Canaria
May 12-15 The Gathering
May 31-14 June Sailing Club Holiday
 
INF -FNI/EUNAT
Naked Dining
Naked Heart Walks
Sports Events
Swims & Waterparks
Walks & Hikes
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 2
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 2
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Ladies Only
August 2
Clothes optional swim on the 1st Friday of the month.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 2
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 2
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Sports Taster Day
August 3
Come to our Boules taster day, tuition available, bring a picnic lunch.
Yorkshire
 
St Annes Beach Day
August 3
Subject to the weather but bring a picnic, windbreak and sun block.
Lancashire
 
Naked Yoga
August 3
Monthly naked yoga in Belfast.
Country Antrim
 
Sunnybroom Swim
August 3
First Saturday of the month at the Bridge of Don Pool in Aberdeen.
Aberdeenshire
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 3
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Spectrum Swim
August 3
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Moira Lakes Swim
August 3
Paddleboard or Kayak followed by a skinny dip, please pre-book.
County Antrim
 
Nothing on on a Saturday night
August 3
Join us in the pool and the pub afterwards.
Lancashire
 
Cardiff Coffee Group Meet Up
August 4
Friendly relaxed group who drink tea/coffee, chat & enjoy arts & crafts for a laugh.
Cardiff
 
Rydale Swim
August 4
Afternoon swim every fortnight
Yorkshire
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 4
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Forth Naturist Swim at Haddington
August 4
Family friendly, 2 pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
 
Torbay @ Lamorna
August 4
An evening swim in an indoor heated pool.
Devon
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 4
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Potteries Swim
August 4
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment.
Staffordshire
 
Arundel Lido GBSD
August 4
Early evening skinny dip with a BBQ towards the end & refreshments available.
Sussex
 
Plymouth Swim
August 5
Monthly evening swim in Plympton Pool. Lane swim or just socialise.
Devon
 
Natram Walk Sugar Hill
August 6
An 11 mile walk over Sugar Hill, further details on their website.
Wiltshire
 
Beacon Tarn Skinny Dip & Walk
August 6
Annual walk in conjunction with the Shap Lido GBSD. Please register in advance.
Cumbria
 
GBSD at Shap Lido
August 6
Evening swim in this heated pool, please register in advance.
Cumbria
 
Shaftesbury Lido Swim
August 6
Swim in Dorset’s only lido, recently refurbished and upgraded.
Dorset
 
High Beeches Garden
August 7
With 27 acres of woodland, water garden & a collection of rare & exotic plants.
Sussex
 
Bristol Naked Swim
August 7
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
Markbeech Walk
August 8
Please bring enough water and snacks for the walk.
Kent
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 8
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
International Petanque Tournament
August 9 to 11
The INF tournament in Braunschweig.
Germany
 
Ribble Valley Club Open Weekend
August 9 to 11
A free event at this well appointed club but normal overnight fees will apply.
Lancashire
 
Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
August 9 to 11
Located on an island, enjoy sports & a skinny dip in the Loch. MUST pre-book.
Glasgow
 
Gt. Missenden Walk
August 9
A circular 8 mile walk with some slight to moderate hills.
Buckinghamshire
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 9
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 9
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 9
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 9
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
IDENTITY N@T
August 10 & 11
Diversity & inclusivity Celebration.
Merseyside
 
Doncaster Pride
August 10
Join in the parade, gather at 10, or help out on the BN stand in the field.
Yorkshire
 
Wild Water GBSD Event
August 10
Wild water swimming in the River Ribble.
Lancashire
 
Sleaford Swim
August 10
A small pool, gym, squash court, sauna & steam room.
Lincolnshire
 
Spectrum Swim
August 10
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Maize Maze
August 10
A clothing optional event with a difference. 
Lincolnshire
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 10
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Peterborough Lido
August 10
CANCELLED
Cambridgeshire
 
Wigton GBSD
August 10
A monthly skinny dip on every 2nd Saturday of the month, 1 to 2.30/
Cumbria
 
Bircotes GBSD
August 10
Swim, chat in the shallow end or play table tennis or badminton or use the sauna. MUST BOOK.
Yorkshire
 
Corton Beach Day
August 11
A sandy beach, café in the car park with toilets for customers.
Suffolk
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 11
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Prested Hall Spa
August 11
Twice monthly swim with sauna, steam room, loungers and garden area.
Essex
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 11
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Natram Walk Ackling Dyke
August 13
An 11 mile, or shorter, walk on the high chalk downs near Salisbury.
Wiltshire
 
Shaftesbury Lido
August 13
Fortnightly swim, please book at the Lido website.
Dorset
 
Visit Houghton Lodge Gardens
August 14
An evening visit, mixture of formal planting and more natural settings.
Hampshire
 
Visit Dorothy Clive Gardens
August 14
BHF, clothes optional, bring a picnic or use the café.  Booking required.
Shropshire
 
Bristol Naked Swim
August 14
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
EveryBody Festival
August 15 – 19
A celebration of everything naked in a magical woodland.
Dorset
 
Stark Trekkers Mereworth
August 15
A 6 mile walk through ancient woodlands.
Kent
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 15
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 16
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Petersfield Open Air Pool
August 16
Join us for this last dip of the season in a pool heated to 27°C plus a café.
Hampshire
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 16
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Cruise Poole Harbour
August 16
Enjoy the river and coast with a bar & lounge on the lower deck; supper is included.
Dorset
 
Watford Swim
August 16
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 16
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Sherwood Forest PRIDE Edition
August 17
An event for gay/bi naturists to meet & enjoy the exceptional Sherwood Forest.
Nottinghamshire
 
MSNC Swim – Bury St Edmunds
August 17
A regular swim plus sauna & steam room.
Suffolk
 
Spectrum Swim
August 17
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 17
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Splashdown Waterpark
August 17
Join us at the South’s biggest waterpark, must be booked in advance.
Dorset
 
Diogenes Sun Club GBSD
August 17
An all day event with the main skinny dip at 1pm.
Buckinghamshire
 
Sough Forest Edwinstowe GBSD
August 17
Evening swim twice per month.
Nottinghamshire
 
Coombe Meadows Garden Visit
August 18
This lost garden has been rescued, with an accessible path to the hot tub & dipping pond.
Devon
 
Walk Sinnington
August 18
A 6.4 mile circular walk with some low to moderate hills, please book.
Yorkshire
 
Ryedale Swim
August 18
Fortnightly afternoon swim.
Yorkshire
 
Nudie Dudie Swim
August 18
Afternoon swim, please confirm attendance.
South Glamorgan
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 18
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Forth Naturist Swim at Haddington
August 18
Family friendly, 2 pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
 
South Wales Meet & Greet
August 18
Meet for a chat & a pint or even a meal, pre order.
South Glamorgan
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 18
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Withington Pool GBSD Event
August 18
Over 18’s only, purchase ticket at the BN shop.
Manchester
 
Potteries Swim
August 18
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment.
Staffordshire
 
 
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together... 
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
  

Ladies Clothes-Optional afternoon

Ladies Clothes-Optional afternoon

Join us at Naturally Slad, Gloucestershire, for a convivial ladies-only clothing optional afternoon on 31st August.
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea with prosecco, enjoy the use of a hot tub, sauna, and pool, experience ultimate relaxation in a supportive and empowering environment - all included in the ticket price!
Find details, including how to book over in the BN shop.
 

BN at Doncaster Pride

BN at Doncaster Pride

BN's Yorkshire and East Midlands Region will be attending Doncaster Pride, entering the parade and having a stand in the field. 
It's particularly exciting as this year Doncaster Pride has been selected to be the UK Pride event.
It's a great opportunity to promote that Naturism is for all. So, come and support us, or even help out on the stall! I'd love to get an idea of numbers and so do let me know if you can come.
Find out more about the event and our involvement in it here!

Naked in Northumbria – sea life and deadly plants!

Naked in Northumbria – sea life and deadly plants!

It was, as famous American baseballer Yogi Berra liked to say, “”déja vu all over again” as my partner Dave and I headed to Seahouses for SANER’s naked boat cruise on Saturday, July 27. Meaning that, just as when we drove to the Naked Heart Walk in Cwm Weeg, Wales, the rain pelted down, and stripping off seemed like a dumb thing to do. But, just as with Cwm Weeg, by the time we boarded Billy Shiel’s boat for a trip around the Farne Islands, the weather had vastly improved and we ended up having a whale – well, a dolphin - of a time!
We had expected a small, uncovered boat, but we were treated to a large double-decked vessel, allowing us 27 intrepid sailors to undress and dress comfortably and to get out of the wind as evening approached. Although billed as a sail around the Farne Islands, we actually got no farther than imposing Bamburgh Castle. What prevented us from moving on was the realisation that we were in the midst of bottlenose dolphins.
It was their feeding time. They swam together in twos or threes, leaping and twisting, and every once in a while a fish would fly up. We were all transfixed, and lots of photographing and videoing ensued. According to the crew, this sort of thing doesn’t happen very often, so the captain circled slowly in front of the castle so everyone could enjoy the sight.
It was amazing, and what made the cruise even more astounding was the funnel cloud that appeared over the land beyond the castle. Very rare, the captain told us. What a treat!
The next day around 57 of us, including several who had been on the cruise, met at Alnwick Garden for a stroll around – and a tour of the Poison Garden. This was the first BN event  for one couple who had recently joined our community, and they both told me how pleased they were at how relaxed it all was. The garden features a huge water cascade and smaller water features. Unfortunately, they weren’t working because of a gremlin in the system.
Maybe some were disappointed, but for me, the best part the afternoon was the tour, given by  entertaining and knowledgeable fellow American Eric, of the Poison Garden. Everything growing there will either make you very sick or kill you. Needless to say, we naked people were extremely careful to avoid brushing up against anything. One Australian plant is so dangerous – and causes such excruciating pain if touched – that it’s kept in a glass case.
Dolphins and dangerous vegetation. What more could any Naturist wish for?

Naked Fitness Weekend - have you booked?

Naked Fitness Weekend - have you booked?

We're delighted to bring our first themed event at the newly-redeveloped British Naturism Sunfolk, a weekend under the banner of BN's popular Naked Fitness classes from 6 - 8 September.
Enjoy a full weekend of fitness, yoga, and meditation plus plenty of downtime to relax and unwind.
It's a self-catered event, but the price includes all your fitness sessions.
Places are limited - so get booking!
 

Latest INF Newsletter

Latest INF Newsletter

British Naturism is the UK member of the International Naturist Federation, the global organisation for Naturists that exists to represent, support and coordinate Naturist activity worldwide. If you are a BN member, you are automatically a member of the INF! You can find out more at inf-fni.org. 
Their newsletter - Focus - is published every two months and provides an update as to what’s going on in the INF and beyond. 
The August edition of Focus is packed full of interesting articles relating to events, centenary celebrations, retreats, and cultural visits. It has as its headline, a report on the annual Alpe Adria gathering in Croatia in May, that offered a wide range of sporting and other less energetic activities! Other articles provide accounts of two Naturist centenaries - in Wuppertal in Germany and Alsace in France. There is an interesting feature about young Naturists (18-35 y) in Catalonia - a growing and active community with a strong social media presence and an informative website. They arrange activities for their group throughout the year. They want to normalise the naturist lifestyle, preserve Naturist spaces and to live in harmony with nature. 
Focus also provides information on a wellness retreat for Naturists in the Piedmont region of Italy, in the rolling hills of Monferrato. The spa has rooms to rent in addition to a wide range of wellness facilities for day guests. Finally, there is news of the emergence of a new Belgian group of culturally minded Naturists (the so-called ‘naturally nude Eves and Adams’).  As its first event, the group visited a glass exhibition in Antwerp.
It's available from the BN website downloads section
 
 

The Great British Skinny Dip – Dipping more than our toes!

The Great British Skinny Dip – Dipping more than our toes!

What a fantastic year it’s been so far, for both seasoned Naturists and people that are new to Naturism, using the Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) campaign as a great way of dipping more than their toes for the very first time. This campaign is conveniently providing us all with opportunities to either attend as  Naturists or use these well organised Skinny Dips as a perfect way to try it and enjoy the health benefits of costume-free swimming for the very first time. Swimming naked has been proven to help with body confidence, self-esteem,  physical and mental health. Yes, it really is good for you!
Apart from the various health benefits, skinny dipping is really a fun thing to do! The number of listed organised Skinny dips has soared this year to an all-time high of 555 events at the time of writing, and more dips are being added each week in various parts across the country. These involve not only the indoor regular swims, but we also have a growing number of outdoor lidos jumping onboard each Summer.
Check out the Great British Skinny Dip website for more information on this amazing initiative and find the calendar of dips yet to come. It's not too late to contact us to suggest venues either.
To make it even easier for you to find dips near you, here's a list of all the counties where a GBSD event is taking place:
Aberdeenshire
Bristol
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire
Channel Islands
Cheshire
County Londonderry
Cumbria
Devon
Dorset
East Lothian
Essex
Hampshire
Hertfordshire
Lancashire
Lincolnshire
Manchester - Greater
Monmouthshire
Moray
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Somerset
South Glamorgan
Suffolk
Surrey
Sussex
West Midlands
Worcestershire
Yorkshire

British Naturism Sunfolk: Hotting up!

British Naturism Sunfolk: Hotting up!

The weather improved (hurrah!) and we've seen a steady flow of guests coming to our redeveloped site for day visits, to camp on the lawns, stay over in their camper vans or take one of our glamping pods.
Despite the heat outside, the new sauna has been popular and looks out over the decking and the sun lawn, making it a much more social space and easier to find than is often the case.
More people are telling us how much they like it - here's a testimonial from Andy and Helen:
We visited Sunfolk for the first time last weekend. Granted, we got really lucky with the weather - both Thursday and Friday were glorious and it definitely helped us make the most of our time there, but regardless, we were really impressed and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
All the newly-built facilities are brilliant, especially the kitchen which we both remarked was better equipped than most AirBnBs/holiday lets that we've previously stayed at, never mind camp sites! We stayed in a tent from Thursday to Sunday and, as it turned out, had come massively over-equipped because we didn't need any of our camp cooking kit at all.
Overall we really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back in the near future (hopefully with similar weather!)

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
 
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance.  Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
 
Bigger events happening later in the year:
 
July 27 Boat Trip around Farne Island.
July 27 Cardiff’s Naked Dine Cruise
July 28 Alnwick Garden Visit
Aug 7 High Beeches Garden
Aug 9-11 Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
Aug 9-11 International Petanque Tournament
Aug 9-11 Ribble Valley Open Weekend
Aug 10-11 Diversity & Inclusivity Celebration
Aug 14 Dorothy Clive Gardens NHW
Aug 13 Houghton Lodge Gardens
Aug 15-19 Everybody Festival
Aug 16 Naked Cruise Poole Harbour
Aug 17 Splashdown Waterpark Poole
Aug 18 Coombe Meadows Garden Visit
Aug 24 Jupiter Artland Garden Visit
Aug 24 Clothing Optional Llama Trek
Aug 24-25 Haslemere Sun Club Open Weekend
Aug 24-26 TANDO Festival Weekend
Aug 24-26 Sunfolk Taster Weekend
Aug 28 Withington Swim
Aug 30-1 Sep Rusheyhill Weekend Camp
Aug 31-7 Sep  Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 11 High Beeches Garden Visit
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Sept 17 Dorset Museum Visit
Sept 19-22 Neath Abbey Camping Weekend
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura   
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
 
INF -FNI/EUNAT
Naked Dining
Naked Heart Walks
Sports Events
Swims & Waterparks
Walks & Hikes
 
Great Offley Walk
July 26
A 7 mile circular walk including a few noticeable hills.  Please email if you wish to join this walk.
Hertfordshire
 
Cockney Sing-a-Long
July 26
A naked pub evening, naked pianist for singing along to plus a food platter & a bar.
Kent
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
July 26
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
July 26
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
July 26
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
July 26
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Farne Island Boat Trip
July 27
A private naturist boat trip, see the seals & sea birds, must pre-book
Northumberland
 
Sleaford Swim
July 27
Small pool, gym, squash court, sauna & steam rooms.
Lincolnshire
 
NW Worsley Swim
July 27
Family friendly swim, with main pool, 2 shallow pools, sauna & steam rooms, refreshments.
Manchester
 
Spectrum Swim
July 27
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Heated Outdoor Swim
July 27
Swim in the heated pool at Bovey Tracy.
Devon
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
July 27
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Cardiff’s Naked Dine Cruise
July 27
SOLD OUT.
Glamorgan
 
WNBR Folkstone
July 27
Assemble 13:00 at The Green at Shearway Rd, start 14:00
Kent
 
Watton #2 Walk
July 28
A 5.75 mile circular walk, completely flat.
Yorkshire
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
July 28
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Prested Hall Spa Swim
July 28
Evening swim with pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced Bistro.
Essex
 
Alnwick Garden Visit
July 28
Walk around this loverly garden with amazing water features or explore the poison garden.
Northumberland
 
Natram walk Bury Down
July 31
A 12 mile, or shorter, walk on the Berkshire Downs near Didcot.
Berkshire
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 1
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 2
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
The Big Quiz
August 2
Online quiz organised to test your general knowledge.
Northern Ireland
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 2
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Ladies Only
August 2
Clothes optional swim on the 1st Friday of the month.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 2
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 2
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
Sports Taster Day
August 3
Come to our Boules taster day, tuition available, bring a picnic lunch.
Yorkshire
 
Naked Yoga
August 3
Monthly naked yoga in Belfast.
Country Antrim
 
Sunnybroom Swim
August 3
First Saturday of the month at the Bridge of Don Pool in Aberdeen.
Aberdeenshire
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 3
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Spectrum Swim
August 3
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Moira Lakes Swim
August 3
Paddleboard or Kayak followed by a skinny dip, please pre-book.
County Antrim
 
Cardiff Coffee Group Meet Up
August 4
Friendly relaxed group who drink tea/coffee, chat & enjoy arts & crafts for a laugh.
Cardiff
 
Rydale Swim
August 4
Afternoon swim every fortnight
Yorkshire
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 4
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Forth Naturist Swim at Haddington
August 4
Family friendly, 2 pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
 
Torbay @ Lamorna
August 4
An evening swim in an indoor heated pool.
Devon
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 4
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
 
Potteries Swim
August 4
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment.
Staffordshire
 
Arundel Lido GBSD
August 4
Early evening skinny dip with a BBQ towards the end & refreshments available.
Sussex
 
Plymouth Swim
August 5
Monthly evening swim in Plympton Pool. Lane swim or just socialise.
Devon
 
Natram Walk Sugar Hill
August 6
An 11 mile walk over Sugar Hill, further details on their website.
Wiltshire
 
Beacon Tarn Skinny Dip & Walk
August 6
Annual walk in conjunction with the Shap Lido GBSD. Please register in advance.
Cumbria
 
GBSD at Shap Lido
August 6
Evening swim in this heated pool, please register in advance.
Cumbria
 
Shaftsbury Lido Swim
August 6
Swim in Dorset’s only lido, recently refurbished and upgraded.
Dorset
 
High Beeches Garden
August 7
With 27 acres of woodland, water garden & a collection of rare & exotic plants.
Sussex
 
Bristol Naked Swim - South West - British Naturism (bn.org.uk)
August 7
Evening swim at the Jubilee Pool.
Bristol
 
Markbeech Walk
August 8
Please bring enough water and snacks for the walk.
Kent
 
Manchester Male Swim
August 8
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
 
International Petanque Tournament
August 9 to 11
The INF tournament in Braunschweig.
Germany
 
Ribble Valley Club Open Weekend
August 9 to 11
A free event at this well appointed club but normal overnight fees will apply.
Lancashire
 
Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
August 9 to 11
Located on an island, enjoy sports & a skinny dip in the Loch. MUST pre-book.
Glasgow
 
Gt. Missenden Walk
August 9
A circular 8 mile walk with some slight to moderate hills.
Buckinghamshire
 
The Big Quiz
August 9
Online quiz organised to test your general knowledge.
Northern Ireland
 
WSC Chepstow Swim
August 9
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
 
Club Naturel Swim
August 9
Join us for our Friday swim by this swimming & social club, with events throughout the year.
Norfolk
 
Watford Swim
August 9
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
 
Naked Pub Night
August 9
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
 
IDENTITY N@T
August 10 & 11
Diversity & inclusivity Celebration.
Merseyside
 
Doncaster Pride
August 10
Join in the parade, gather at 10, or help out on the BN stand in the field.
Yorkshire
 
Wild Water GBSD Event
August 10
Wild water swimming in the River Ribble. 
Lancashire
 
Sleaford Swim
August 10
A small pool, gym, squash court, sauna & steam room.
Lincolnshire
 
Spectrum Swim
August 10
Weekly evening swim with pool, sauna, refreshments plus other activities.
West Midlands
 
Maize Maze
August 10
A clothing optional event with a difference. 
Lincolnshire
 
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
August 10
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
 
Peterborough Lido
August 10
A wonderful example of a 1930’s Lido with 3 heated pools. Entry by ticket only.
Cambridgeshire
 
Wigton GBSD
August 10
A monthly skinny dip on every 2nd Saturday of the month, 1 to 2.30/
Cumbria
 
Bircotes GBSD
August 10
Swim, chat in the shallow end or play table tennis or badminton or use the sauna. MUST BOOK.
Yorkshire
 
Corton Beach Day
August 11
A sandy beach, café in the car park with toilets for customers.
Suffolk
 
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 11
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
 
Prested Hall Spa
August 11
Twice monthly swim with sauna, steam room, loungers and garden area.
Essex
 
Sunday Swim Glasgow
August 11
Enjoy a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas & relaxation area.
Glasgow
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together... 
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

Brilliant Bishampton

Brilliant Bishampton

We enjoyed another fabulous Naked Heart Walk and Great British Skinny Dip  at the Water’s Edge, Bishampton on Sunday with over 50 people attending in the amazing  Worcestershire sunshine for the 2nd year in succession, raising valuable funds for our charity partner the British Heart Foundation.
It was a privilege once again to be able to hire this supportive venue for the twin events which never fail to attract ‘Newbies’ and Sunday was no exception. Amongst the new to Naturism guests was Charlotte from the Worcester News and she, and other new attendees immediately joined us in disrobing and completing the Naked Heart Walk, the subsequently  taking part in the Great British Skinny Dip.
It's such an enjoyable occasion for myself and Elizabeth to help new to Naturism people become at one with Nature, enjoying another clothes free event and taking the show on the road serving parts of our vast North West region that don’t often have many local events. Staff member Emily was again so helpful in arranging this event.
Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope you enjoyed the day very bit as much as we did, despite the long journey home.