News and Articles

Bare With Me – Official Launch

Why is nakedness so scary?
Does nakedness always equal sex?
Could more nakedness change society?
These are questions that many of us want to ask but usually are afraid to ask or do not know who to ask. Independent filmmakers, Natasha Coleman and Stephen Noble ask those questions directly in their new short film, ‘Bare With Me’ which has its official open launch today. Working with members of British Naturism, Natasha and Stephen consider how people feel about being naked with friends, whether it empowers people and gives them confidence, and how naturists take that first step towards social nudity.
The film, already accredited by the 2018 East End Film Festival, pushes the participants to bare their souls, as well as their bodies. They consider how social nudity can boost confidence in our own bodies and respect for others, ultimately combatting the objectification that pervades society.
Director, Natasha Coleman, says:
‘“I wanted to look at nakedness and what it meant through the eyes of 'experts' - those that spend a lot of their time naked. As a female, it's been particularly enlightening to speak to the two women in this documentary and uncover my own fears and discomfort with the naked body. I wanted to find out how a different attitude to nakedness might change society.”
While British Naturism member and participant in the film, Mark says:
‘Making this film really pushed us to consider WHY we live as naturists. The conversations led us to realise how much our lifestyle has affected our outlook and how much better we feel about ourselves and others as a consequence.’
The full film is now live on Vimeo at the following location: https://vimeo.com/293322343

@natashajcoleman @stephenforshort

Naked Dining returns!

Fans of dining au naturel take note: Dine Naked Bristol are back after a summer break. Their fifth food-in-the-nude event this year will involve them taking over The Cauldron restaurant in St Werburghs.
The event, on Friday 12 October, will have upwards of 35 diners tucking into a cheekily-themed four-course feast. The evening’s menu begins with an amuse bouch of ‘well hung cheese’ (home cultured cow’s milk cheese, hung for 8 hours in cheese cloth, smoked salt and salted cucumber).
The clothes-free banquet proceeds with a starter of ‘undressed crab’, and a choice of mains including roast rump with white bits and dumplings, lush sausage, or ‘shy coconut with bejazzled rice’. One vegan option is dubbed ‘In the Gnudi’ (cashew cheese-filled potato dumplings, pickled red cabbage, and autumnal greens).
BN Member Will Bryson, organiser of Dine Naked Bristol, says that despite the innuendo, the events are not sexual. ‘We want more people to be able to experience nudity in a friendly, safe, non-sexual environment.’
Tickets are available here from the Dine Naked Bristol website: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dinenaked

Wonderful Windermere

This weekend British Naturism hosted it's first Woodland Weekend overlooking the banks of Windermere, and what a great weekend it was too!
People travelled from all over the UK to attend this 'back to basics' camping event at Fell Foot Wood. Fortunately the met office made a complete hash of predicting of the weather and it was much better than promised. You could tell that Autumn was fast approaching but there were still plenty of chances to strip off, be it the cosy warm barn with the roaring log fire or those that braved the skinny dip in a local tarn.
We toasted marshmallows and cooked lemonade bread on the open fire, played board games, and walked but mostly talked. The Woodland Weekend highlighted BN’s sense of community, we had a diverse group of people from all over the world, India, America, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and even Scotland! This weekend was about the people, and it’s safe to say with the stories told and the topics discussed, visitors came away enriched through the personal connections made in Windermere.
Not only have plans been made to return to this beautiful and spiritual site, it is in fact already open for booking!
BN return to Fell Foot wood over the weekend of 14th - 16th June 2019.

A fabulous Essex afternoon

It's not often we get to follow in the footsteps of Time Team but that's what happened to a group of us at Colne Priory this year. When Paul and Gill, BN members in Essex, invited forum members to visit their home near Colchester I didn't really know what to expect. We turned up on one of the many blissfully hot weekends that we had this August. Turning into the grounds we realised that we were next to a rather magnificent 18thcentury manor house with really interesting features.
About twenty of us attended and were made welcome by Paul and Gill. We were given a guided tour of the grounds including an area marked out on a large field with permanent chalk lines. Paul explained that these lines marked the original buildings that made up the Benedictine Colne Priory. The BBC Time Team had been there and uncovered much of the old ruins. The Priory had been built by the De Vere family in or before 1111. Aubrey De Vere wanted to have the monks close to them in the priory and for it to be a family mausoleum. Later it became the principal burial place for the Earls of Oxford.
Paul knows the history of the Priory inside out and he gave us a really interesting tour. The grounds include woodland, parkland and carp lakes.
Right outside the main house is a swimming pool, spa and numerous sun loungers. The pool was of the infinity style, apparently merging into the lawns and lake beyond. It was great chatting to old friends and new in such a great setting. Some of our members had travelled quite a distance. After our picnic and barbecue lunch we were free to wander the grounds. The photographers among us had a great time as there were so many wonderful pictures to take. The view of the house over the lake and the giant redwood tree being just two. After playing with the croquet set on the lawn most of us took the opportunity to have a go at punting on the lake. Amazingly nobody fell in. Patti, not trusting me in a punt, insisted we use the rowing boat instead. Taking one oar each we rowed around the lake in small circles.... Steve Redgrave eat your heart out, you'd never do such perfect circles as us.
Looking around you could not help but think what a wonderful place this would be for a permanent naturist resort, especially if we could guarantee the same weather.
It was a perfect venue for a day visit and I was so pleased that Paul had judged the day a success. He was treating it as a bit of an experiment and now is looking to do something similar in future. The guests all contributed to Paul and Gill's chosen charity, the RNLI.

Andy Wyman

It's a busy weekend!

It's not time to hibernate just yet...there are still lots of great events available. This weekend choose from the following:
Our 'back to basics' Windermere Woodland Weekend set in the stunning Lake District A few places still available! In London, a new, and inspirational event - a member led Women's Clothing Optional Body Positive Activity Day with an excellent range of activities running throughout. A brand new event for the Great British Skinny Dip - a wild swim in the River Stour in Suffolk, organised by the people at Slow Swimming You'll also find other GBSD events this weekend in Northampton, Lincolnshire, London, Eastbourne, Reading, Watford and South Wales. We also give our good wishes to the naked dining event in Hertfordshire, which is sold out. Watch out for more of these events - they're proving a big hit! Check out our event calendar pages for swims, naked yoga and other events happening

Legal success in Scotland

Following the success of BN's work securing College of Policing guidelines for Naturists in England and Wales, I decided as SANER Campaigns Co-ordinator to build on the good relationship we have built with the Scottish police and try to bring about similar changes in police practice.

Police Scotland are a single authority which covers the whole of Scotland, and historically attitudes have been fairly conservative towards nudity. Edinburgh is the only city in the UK where world naked bike riders have had to cover their genitals and when police received complaints from the public about Naturists out and about or sunbathing in their garden they would feel obliged to investigate, although arrests in Scotland have been rare.

Attitudes started to change with the SANER region's annual event in Dunoon (The Gathering) where I negotiated with the police for Naturists to enjoy local walks and beaches without fear of arrest. This stood me in good stead when I contacted the Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland to ask if they would be following the College of Policing guidelines introduced in England and Wales. I was contacted by the Chief Inspector at their Policy Unit and over a series of emails agreement was reached to broadly follow the College of Policing guidelines. What helped convince the Chief Inspector to change the guidelines were conversations he also had with the Inspector in Dunoon who gave a glowing report on our attitude and behaviour during the Gathering.

The Chief Inspector had discussions with his counterpart in Command and Control and it was agreed that where a Naturist was using their garden, beaches or out walking naked callers would be advised that it is not illegal to be naked and no further action would be taken by the police. They will only investigate if there are indications of disturbed, disruptive or sexual behaviour. By disturbed they mean behaviour suggesting drug, alcohol or mental health issues. If there is no indication of any behavioural issues police will take no further action.

The new guidance has been distributed to police call centres and frontline staff and is also on the police intranet.

However members may be interested in a conversation I had with the policy unit Chief Inspector about beaches. He phoned me to advise that he had looked at the BN website and when he saw that a skinny dip was being arranged near Edinburgh he contacted the local station to ensure that officers were aware of the guidelines so swimmers wouldn't be interrupted if members of the public called. I asked him about beach use generally as designated beaches are not accessible for everyone. His reply was that as public nudity is not illegal we are entitled to use any beach in Scotland. He did qualify this by advising that if someone phoned to complain who was deemed vulnerable due to age or disability the police would need to call out and may ask Naturists to cover up. I argued that if someone vulnerable phoned in the police could reduce their alarm by explaining that Naturism is a lawful and healthy lifestyle and there was no intent to cause alarm. He accepted this.

The Chief Inspector also advised that if there was a risk of conflict between a confrontational member of the public and a Naturist unwilling to move away or get dressed the police would call out and mediate. He advised that no Naturist should face arrest and asked me to let him know if any of our members experienced problems. In order to determine whether the new guidelines are sufficient we need to get out there and start using mainstream beaches and countryside walks as well as our gardens.

Juliette Gill

STOP PRESS - Divine Proportions - Clothes Optional Theatre and Dining - Tickets Available

STOP PRESS
The Thursday 8th November date has been changed from a female only audience, and is now open to couples or singles of any gender identification for booking.
Following the success of the clothes-optional theatre production of 'Hair' last November at The Vaults theatre in London, we are delighted to be able to publish details of two further clothes-optional nights.
The show is called Divine Proportions which, we are told, is an 'opportunity to wine, dine and celebrate life'
A truly unique experience where you will feast on a sumptuous five course banquet whilst being led on a mythological journey to heaven and back, through secret sparkling tunnels in the Vault theatre, into subterranean paradise by your mercurial host Dionysus, along with a cohort of cult priestesses. There will be a cavorting band of circus sirens and party starters. You can expect heavenly dishes, cocktails of milk and honey, partying with priestesses, singalong with satyrs and an after-party in The Underworld.
There are adult themes and it's going to be very different from a Naturist event. However, we know that Naturists are eager to take advantage of new nude experiences - and it's definitely that!

The first clothes-optional night will be on Thursday 8th November and this has been changed from a female only audience. It is now open for couples and single people of any gender identification to book.
The second on Saturday 24th November will be for couples and single people of any gender identification. This date is nearly sold out

Find out more and buy your tickets

BN217 - Autumn 2018

Welcome to BN 217 - reflecting back on a quite incredible season, and packed full of the latest news, views and reviews from the world of Naturism and BN. Included in this feature packed edition, we have:
Great features including newcomer Lili, giving us her experiences and thoughts on Naturism and body image; Taylor competing in his first naked 5K; and a comprehensive list of the many benefits of Naturism Our usual round up of event reviews, including the new NKD Festival, Nudestock, The BN National Petanque competition, the SW Rally, and much, much more besides, including naked dinner in a Pullman carriage! It's a heatwave - hold the front page, people are getting naked! How the media have got themselves in a lather during the recent hot weather. GBSD is imminent - hear the latest updates. The latest update on our big BN campaigns - including 'Just One Person' and the benefits of Naturism. More on our events calendar and Big Days Out. Check out the benefits of the BN Holiday Advice Service, which can help you make that dream holiday a possibility. Reports of recent member holidays - one of the most popular benefits of BN membership. Holidays - this issue we're tackling northern Europe, and some rather fine long haul beaches - fabulous! All the latest news from BN itself, including the EC. ...and much, much more besides, all richly illustrated in full colour!
BN Magazine is available to members only and issued four times a year as part of the annual subscription. If you are not a member, you can join us and get your own copy through the post and as a download and other benefits as well.

A new wild swim - September 22

We're delighted to announce a brand new skinny dip in the Great British Skinny Dip, happening next Saturday, in Suffolk.
Thanks to the people at www.SlowSwimming.co.uk, the river Stour between Dedham and Flatford will host a dip at 2:30pm on Saturday 22nd September. We encourage you to turn up in force, bring your friends and perhaps we can make it a regular venue...
Check out the details and also find all other GBSD events happening before the end of #septembare

Torbay Sun Club - 2018 Nude Cruise

For the last six years Torbay Sun Club have organised an annual boat trip from Exmouth. This year, after weeks of glorious sunshine, it took place on the weekend the weather returned to a normal English summer. It was therefore on a somewhat brisk evening that we set sail into the sunset.
The boat had a promenade deck as large as the lounge below but it was only the brave or hearty who stayed on the upper deck for long periods as it was a little "nippy" in the breeze. The cruise sailed up the river towards Exeter passing lots of sailors on their boats and a fair few riverside pubs. Much amused waving took place, with one or two returning the compliment by baring their anatomy in response. However, there are also beautiful views over the river and countryside to enjoy!
The ticket included a glass of Pimms and a very tasty hot pasty (vegetarian options also available). There was also fabulous entertainment provided by Crystal with space to shake, rattle and roll for a couple of hours. We hasten to add this was not caused by the boat or weather. The trip went off very smoothly in every sense. A very fun and different naturist evening.
Thank you to Torbay Sun Club for inviting us. Look out for next year’s event and you too can try a nude cruise!
Charis and Tanis

All roads lead to...Rhodes

Our penultimate BN Members' group holiday of 2018 gets underway at the end of this month. If you are itching to get away, now that the UK weather has returned to what might be considered ‘normal’, the good news is that there are still places available.
Almost twenty guests have already booked their rooms at Rhodes’ finest dedicated nude resort, the Naturist Angel Hotel. This will be the second time we’ve reserved it for one of our popular group holidays and once again guests will able to swim in the large and stunning mineral-water filled swimming pool or laze in the Greek sunshine around it, dining on a full-board basis and enjoying entertainment, all in good company.
There will also be day trips and other activities, perhaps including a tour of the island, visits to Rhodes’ nude beaches, a boat trip and a historical tour of the old Rhodes town.
At this late stage, there might even be a deal available…find out by contacting our sponsor Chalfont Holidays on reservations@chalfontholidays.co.uk or call 01753 740176.

It's a record Septembare!

PRESS RELEASE FROM BRITISH NATURISM
The third annual Great British Skinny Dip takes place all over the UK in #Septembare 2018
The Great British Skinny Dip is British Naturism's upbeat, health-focused, anyone-can-do-it, exciting challenge for people in the UK to discover the health benefits of clothes-free activities and to help change people's attitudes towards body image.
There is a record number of opportunities for people to try costume-free swimming across many varied locations, whilst having fun and raising awareness of how many people’s buttoned-up attitude to the human body is causing them to lead potentially unhealthy lives.
The more we hide away and are ashamed of our bodies - the harder it is to look after them properly and the greater likelihood of people having body confidence issues.
Help people you know to discover the fun, exhilaration and liberation of shaking off your clothes - and your troubles too!
In 2018 there are almost sixty opportunities including beach, lake, river, leisure centre, waterpark, lido, Naturist club and indoor swimming pool skinny dips. There's an outdoor adventure centre, a 'glamping' site and even an island on a Scottish loch.
Where will you go?

Update 5th September
The GBSD is well underway and we've had reports from a number of dips:
At Diogenes Sun Club, the third annual charity dip run by Rennie Grove Hospice Care saw twenty people jump into the large outdoor pool in bright, warm sunshine.
The Scottish Outdoor Club combined their Great British Skinny Dip event with their 80th birthday at their home on an island in Loch Lomond
At Balmedie beach. Aberdeenshire, eight dippers enjoyed the long, sandy beach
The 'Daring dawn dip' arranged by Forth Naturists at Yellowcraig beach, East Lothian was attended by a fifteen dippers who gathered at 6:15am and saw the sun rise as they swam.
At Beacon Tarn in the Lake District, attendees report on a beautiful walk up to the tarn in great company. Several enjoyed the walk back without clothes before enjoying a picnic.

Keep up to date
Follow the action through the month at:
Facebook: greatbritishskinnydip
Twitter: GBSD2018

Image - thanks to Peter Braddock

A Bank Holiday Skinny Dip

It’s a record-breaking year for The Great British Skinny Dip with more events than ever before!
It gets underway this Saturday, 25 August with the first of over 50 nationwide opportunities for people to discover the exhilaration of swimming without a costume.
Our first event for 2018 takes place in the Lake District with a skinny dip outdoors in the fresh air at Beacon Tarn near Coniston - and the weather is looking good!
Wearing a swimming costume is pretty pointless when you think about it - why put clothes on just to get them wet! Everyone’s the same underneath and it’s life-affirming to swim in a natural lake with the water on every part of your body. It’s great fun too!
Come and join us - find all the details of times, directions and parking here
..and check out all the other dips happening during #septembare

BN's new Volunteer Co-ordinator

British Naturism is an organisation run and managed by volunteers. We pay a few people to devote time to ensuring that specialist areas of our operation run smoothly and that value members receive for their subscriptions is kept high. Day to day, however, it is people giving their time and energy for the love of it that makes things happen from the senior echelons of the Executive Committee to the people who run sessions at events.
We acknowledged a while ago that we need more volunteers and to give better support to those in post to make sure that BN continues to grow. We came up with the concept of a Volunteer Co-ordinator’ and after a couple of false-starts, where we leaned a great deal about how best to achieve our aims, have now contracted Pam Fraser to take on the role as one of our paid people.
Pam will be dedicated to all volunteer issues and will be:
the go-to person for a volunteer based issues - especially first port of call for people who want to do more for BN maintaining the database of volunteers providing support to current volunteers - information, problem solving and the tools they need - keeping them enthusiastic and performing. publishing information on what others roles need filling and what the role entails Pam is relatively new to Naturism and was introduced to BN for the first time last year at Alton Towers by Mark, BN’s Event Manager. Since then Pam has spent every opportunity possible to practice Naturism including through the BN events programme, visiting clubs and festivals. Pam is relishing the opportunity ahead.
‘I am really excited about the role and getting more involved. I really understand the value BN provides to people and the opportunities BN creates for friendship and companionship for its members. It think many people shy away from volunteering as they think it is going to be a massive job, don’t get me wrong, some roles are bigger than others, but there are so many bite-size opportunities available that would really assist BN moving forward. One of my first jobs will be to identify areas where BN need more support and then get in touch with all those who have already put themselves forward. I am a people person at heart and can’t wait to meet everyone and support the organisation more’
Pam will be hosting two sessions at forthcoming events about volunteering and how getting involved is enjoyable, rewarding and most importantly fun! Pam will be inviting volunteers both old and new to get together at either the National Convention in Birmingham or at Alton Towers. It would be great if you can join Pam to create our new volunteer team.
volunteers@bn.org.uk

Body Positive Activity Day

We are delighted to be supporting a new BN member-led clothing optional women only event. It’s perfect for long-term Naturist women, those with only some experience and complete newbies.
Activities will include a life drawing workshop, yoga, crafts, open music and poetry session, presentations and talks, naturist information and more. There is also a homemade lunch and all-day refreshments included.
If you’re considering giving naturism a go - women of all ages and backgrounds can absolutely vouch for the positives it’s brought to their lives. Body confidence and empowerment, renewed acceptance of ourselves and others, and a sense of well being and freedom, to name just a few.
Find out more and book your tickets

Heatwave sends membership soaring

PRESS RELEASE FROM BRITISH NATURISM
The UK’s Naturist organisation British Naturism is reporting a significant increase in members owing in part to the sweltering weather this summer. Total membership of the organisation that celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2014 is over 4% higher than during the summer of 2017. The organisation has also already achieved more than 80% of their target for members joining British Naturism for the first time.
Spokesman Andrew Welch said:
‘The hot weather has revealed many more Naturists in the UK with people discovering that stripping off is the most sensible way of keeping cool. They are also peeling away decades of harmful attitudes to nudity and finding that being naked is a wholly positive, life-affirming celebration of our basic selves. It is scientific fact that those who spend time without clothes have a greater self-esteem and are happier people.
‘It’s not just the heatwave that has caused people to come and join British Naturism. More and more people are finding the exhilaration and sheer joy there is in being clothes-free and are looking for more opportunities. Our events programme has a variety of events in differing locations catering for a wide range of people and is set to double next year. Members can also join one of our group holidays overseas with activity programmes in Naturist resorts. Such is the popularity that the programme has almost doubled in a couple of years.

A great Naturist holiday at Rosslyn Glamping

Rosslyn Glamping - usually a non-Naturist campsite in north Norfolk, set aside two weeks for Naturists in July. Owners and BN members Claire and Andrew report:
We had a very successful clothing optional fortnight at Rosslyn. The weather was almost perfect with just one thunderstorm - which caused us all to run laughing for cover as we had been enjoying a campfire and watching the lightning. A total of about 50 people enjoyed the two weeks, with some of the early visitors coming back for the last weekend. The new swimming pool, which was at a constant 30 degrees, was a big hit. Games of Viking kubb, boules and volleyball were enjoyed by those who were energetic enough to play. There was a campfire most evenings and sometimes musical instruments and singing; guitars, mandolin, banjolele. An amazing range of subjects were discussed too; easy, relaxed conversation. Everyone got along really well and joined in as much or as little as they wanted to. One of our glamping huts was booked for most of the two weeks, and there were big tents, little tents, campervans both big and small, including an immaculately restored VW campervan and caravans of all sizes. Those that used the facilities in the village; Co-operative, Mace, butchers and bakers and the pub were very jealous that we have such good services on our doorstep. The butchers and deli were particularly popular. We also had a couple of friends who were new to naturism and nervously joined in but soon felt relaxed and happy.
We met some really lovely, friendly people and we need to decide how to build on this experience for the future of our site.

The Great British Skinny Dip

Not long to go now...
The Great British Skinny Dip, British Naturism's campaign to educate people to the health, body image and other benefits of spending time naked takes place in September 2018. Or #septembare as we like to call it.
We're delighted to be able to name food and drink company Rude Health as a supporter of GBSD this year. 'Eat right, stay brilliant,' they say.
We've been busy adding venues around the country and building a NEW website to make it even easier for people to join in - and discover how wonderful it is to feel the water over your whole body.
It's not too late for new venues to be added and so let us know where YOU think would work. The heatwave has made a lot of pool owners and managers more aware of how cool it is (in both senses) to skinny dip - knock on their doors and suggest a clothes-free session. Doubtless many of their existing swimmers will be eager to strip into something more comfortable. They will find plenty of advice and information on our website.
This is the third year of GBSD - let's make it the best yet!

Lili's perspective on Naturism and body image

Today, thousands of young people are pushing back against a society that tells them how they need to look and act to be accepted, with little regard for their own opinions. One of the main culprits is social media, which tells us that we must be slender and toned, and that our own bodies must never be exposed, under any circumstances. In this article, Lili Thorpe talks about her own perspective on body image, and how her recent introduction to Naturism has opened her eyes to a better way to live.
I make my living as a life model for drawing classes and photographers, meaning that I am well accustomed to nudity, but also very familiar with how cruel and judgmental people can be. I would describe my appearance as average; average weight, average height, the sort of person who blends into the crowd. Like everybody, there are a few things about my appearance I believe could be better, but I’m fairly happy with how I look and strongly believe that being satisfied with yourself is essential to happiness. A couple of years ago I was carrying a little more weight and things were not so good. Many people I worked with told me that I was fat and ugly and should certainly not be working as a model. At the same time my family was sceptical about my choices, insisting that exposing my body was immoral because our own bodies are somehow wrong. These were difficult times, I can totally accept if somebody chooses not to pick me as a model because I don’t fit the vision, but the vindictive need of people to shame and insult me and try to destroy my self worth seemed both harsh and pointless.
I was recently invited to join a naked hike with a group of Naturists with the aim of normalising nudity and promoting respect. My desire to encourage respect caused me to accept, but the prospect also caused my demons to resurface. Would I be judged for how I looked? More importantly, as I am not a Naturist and was meeting a group of strangers, would I be excluded because I was not part of “the club”? The prospect of walking around naked was also daunting; although much of my work involves nudity, I don’t live naked even around my own home. Finally, like most people in my line of work, I have experienced my share of salacious behaviour; often comments, but occasionally men who assume it is acceptable to touch me because I am modelling nude . Would the fact that I was joining a group of naked people, many of them men, mean that I was putting myself in danger?
The simple answer to those questions was “No”. The group comprised 20 people, both men and women, ranging from their 20s to their 60s. They casually stripped for the walk as they arrived, and didn’t seem to notice whether or not I was naked. They had clearly found a peace in themselves and with their bodies that I was still struggling to reach, as the nudity seemed entirely incidental to them. Perhaps more importantly, they were welcoming. People introduced themselves as and when I met them, and asked a bit about me, meaning that I felt they were very happy to have me join the group without making me feel like the strange newcomer to be stared at. This to me was the most remarkable and unexpected aspect of the experience. The fact people had removed their clothes also seemed to mean that they had removed any judgements, insecurities and barriers to interacting with others. Without clothes and accessories to indicate status, we were just a bunch of people. I found that people spoke more positively and freely than I have encountered in a new clothed environment. It was also clear that people’s bodies were different and that it really doesn’t matter. This is the self-respect and immediate acceptance of others that I crave for.
The walk itself was fun, it was a glorious sunny day in a beautiful woodland setting, but ultimately it was the people that made the difference. I was asked whether I would encourage other people to try naturism and social nudity, and I certainly would. Although being free and naked was itself enjoyable, it was the fact that my eyes were opened to how superficial we can be in much of our lives. Nakedness made me realise how unimportant our looks are, how much potential there is to interact with the people we meet and, perhaps most important, how much better we feel when we stop comparing ourselves to others. Even better, it made me realise how much better we feel when we receive respect from others and have the freedom to be ourselves, rather than trying to match a stereotype. I would strongly encourage people to at least try being naked, as even this single experience has affected my outlook on the world in an entirely positive way. Maybe the secret to achieving happiness is to accept ourselves as we are and respect each other as equals.

Our group holiday to Zante

Although we spent a lot of time lazing around the beautiful pool or strolling to the nearby naturist beaches we had plenty of activities to entertain our group.
We enjoyed a memorable boat trip to Keri Caves, which you can only get to by sea. There was time for swimming in the crystal clear blue sea around the boat, which we followed with a coach tour of the island. We visited the nearby Turtle Rescue Centre, designed to inform people about the native Loggerhead Turtles, followed by a walk on to the nearby Gerakas beach with naturist sections at either end. Later in the week a coach trip took us to an olive oil factory and museum showing traditional methods of crushing the fruit and making the oil; a visit to a small winery with an opportunity to sample the products; and the highlight of the day, Shipwreck Bay with a view of the famous beached ship which is only possible from a vantage point on the top of a cliff viewable by maximum two people at a time. We had lunch at a taverna with spectacular views out to sea.
In the evenings we completed in quizzes, and enjoyed a greek evening with a traditional greek menu.
Thanks to Natasha who with her parents and other members of staff worked tirelessly to ensure everyone’s comfort, also not to forget their ever present dog Poochie who was clearly part of the family. The hotel was of a very high standard in all rooms and meals were all taken al fresco.
Would I go again? Certainly hope so.
Clive Edwards

The BN Members' Cruise Holiday to Croatia

Twenty BN members arrived at Spilt to board the Majestic for a cruise around the National Park Islands, in the Adriatic off the coast of Croatia. A free drink was given by the Captain to welcome everyone and we were taught how to say cheers in Croatian. Each day the boat sailed at 7am, with breakfast at 8am and a three course lunch at 1pm. Those wanting an evening meal did so on shore, but the bar opened at 11am and I’m sure did not close. Sunday bought us into the KRKA National Park where you can see some amazing waterfalls, the group were ferried ashore in the rubber dingy which in itself added to the excitement of the day.

The Captain's dinner was a highlight, we anchored off shore so we could be naked, the Captain and his crew sang Croatian songs to us and in return we sang, On Ilkley Moor Bah Tat and the Floral Dance. The Captain and some members of the crew stripped off after dinner and we danced till early in the morning, a brilliant evening.

The week was spent swimming off the boat, snorkelling, swimming in the coves to shore for ice cream or coffee, walking naked, the odd group daytime quiz, playing uno/cards, sightseeing as most of the tourist sites are open until 9pm, or just sitting in the shade with a book, there is plenty of room to join in or do your own thing. The cabins are spacious and clean, the crew extremely helpful, and there is a huge high tech TV in the dining room taking you through every detail of the itinery and allowing you to watch programmes in any language, the WiFi on board allows you to keep in touch. The weather was hot, the views spectacular, the sea life fascinating and the sunsets remarkable, a truly brilliant week.

BN Members can view a selection of images from the cruise holiday - log in required

A six-week holiday in Portugal

Fun in the Atlantic surf and skinny dipping in local lakes were part of the Portuguese experience for Paula and Peter Starling
In previous years we had visited Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, well known for its Mediterranean beaches. This is a very popular tourist destination and its central coast between Lagos and Faro is now lined with villas, hotels, bars and restaurants. On this latest trip we decided we would escape the crowds and stay in the Alentejo region, a far less developed region just north of the Algarve. In this region you can explore the rugged interior of Portugal as well as visit the spectacular beaches on Portugal’s western Atlantic coast. In July and August you will find the region buzzing with Portuguese holidaymakers but at the time of our visit in late Spring we enjoyed warm weather without the crowds!
Our chosen route was Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander and then to drive across northern Spain into Portugal. This route cuts out the huge drive through France and gets you to the sunshine much quicker! The overnight ferry crossing arrived in Santander at 6.15pm and we had intended spending the first night at a nearby campsite, but we were wide awake, however, so decided to crack on and not stop . The roads were empty and with a couple of coffee breaks we had covered the 560 miles to our first site, Monte Naturista O Barão by daybreak. Dutch owners Laura and Jeff made us very welcome and we were soon all set up and ready to relax.
Monte Naturista O Barão is a small friendly campsite with generous size pitches and electric hookups. Pitches are available in the sun or shade and for those without a tent, caravan or motorhome, there is rental accommodation. Facilities include showers, bar, bistro and a terrace overlooking the beautiful countryside. There is also a lovely salt water swimming pool to burn up those calories or just chill and relax by.
If you a fancy a beach day, the official naturist beach Praia do Salto is only 30 miles to the south west. Car parking was easy and there are steps leading down the cliff to the sandy beach. We went there several times and had enormous fun in the Atlantic surf.
The total cost of a pitch at Monte Naturista O Barão, including 2 adults and electricity is around 28 euros. We stayed for 28 nights so paid in total 784 euros less 10% INF discount. The INF discount of 78 euros (approx £68) easily covered our annual BN membership fee!
We started our return home via a second naturist camping site in Portugal, Quinta do Maral. This is also a rural site and is located on the Portugese/Spanish border near the 13th century castle of Marvao. It is very important that you don’t use sat navs but follow the directions given on the web site, otherwise you may end up on the narrow road up to the castle with nowhere to turn around - as we did!. Quinta do Maral is a lovely, peaceful site, well managed by the owners, Paula and Nuno. The facilities are much the same as Monte Naturista O Barão although the pool is much smaller. They also have some accommodation to rent.
Although a long way from the coast, one aspect of this location that we did particularly like was the opportunity for skinny dipping in some of the local lakes. Paula and Nuno told us of two - Barragem da Apartadura and Barragem de Povoa. We visited both and it was such an exhilarating experience to swim naked in the middle of the countryside. We did encounter a dog walker and a cyclist but neither seemed surprised or perturbed by our naked escapades!

Naturist Glamping event - starts this week!

Camping pitches and some shepherds huts are still available for this Naturist fortnight at Rosslyn Glamping site in Norfolk. It runs from the 13th - 29th July. As well as the permanent shepherds huts there is also space for tents, campervans and motorhomes. New for 2018 is a fabulous swimming pool! There have been plenty of bookings and day visits are also possible.

Find out more and book your place at www.rosslynglamping.com or www.facebook.com/rosslynglamping

Visit an art gallery naked

BN and Eastbourne Naturist Swim are pleased to be collaborating on a weekend of activities on the South Coast in August.
On the evening of Saturday 11th, there is a visit to the award-winning contemporary art gallery the Towner Art Gallery in the centre of the town. Clothes for visitors are optional.
On Sunday the 12th there will be a day out at the Naturist beach at Norman's Bay.
Other activities for the weekend are being planned.
Find out more and buy your tickets for the gallery now

Library photo by kevin laminto on Unsplash

Starts this weekend - Nudefest!

The UK’s biggest and best Naturist festival will see guests arriving this weekend ready for the official start on Monday. Thorney Lakes caravan and camping park will play host to around 400 people for British Naturism’s landmark summer event - and it promises to be a fantastic week in the sun.
The event is packed with activities on the park and nude visits to local places with music and entertainment every night. A 5 or 10K naked run takes place on the second weekend and you don’t have to be staying at Nudefest to compete.
Read more at nudefest.co.uk.

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