What is Naturism?

Naturism is the practice of going without clothes - whether that is just occasionally at a beach or in your garden, or as a more general part of everyday life. Naturism is healthy, sensible - who wants to wear clothes when the weather is hot – and great fun!

 

Health benefits of Naturism

Being naked is good for you!

The human body was not designed to be wrapped up in clothes and there are numerous health benefits associated with clothes-free activities.

More and more people are realising the significant benefits nudity brings to mental, emotional and physical health, body image issues, and their ability to relax and escape the rigours of daily life. It’s widely accepted that it’s good for everyone to have the sun and fresh air on their skin – so why not get the maximum benefit?

When you shake off your clothes, you do more than just peeling away the layers of fabric. It often feels like you are removing your worries, stresses and particularly any hang-ups you have about your body. If you’ve yet to try it, there is no greater feeling of freedom than giving your whole body – and in fact your entire ‘being’ – a good airing.

Challenge yourself – and others

“Social nudity” is on the increase as people are far less hung up these days about seeing or being seen naked by others – including friends and family. We’re all the same underneath. Why wear a swimming costume when all you are going to do is get it wet? Bare skin dries much quicker too. Being naked in the company of others helps people’s perception of what constitutes a healthy body – it’s okay to have wobbly bits and be different from most ‘celebrity’ bodies. It also helps us to keep an eye on potential problem areas such as skin conditions, lumps/bumps, obesity and other health problems and a recent scientific study has shown that people who are naked in a social setting have greater self-esteem than the rest of the population.

What, me?

You might be reading and feel you just couldn’t, ever … but just consider it for a moment. It could be a step towards doing something that could change your whole life. By honouring yourself enough to take a positive move towards creating a better relationship – with your naked body. To feel happier in your own skin, knowing that you can take your clothes off and no-one will judge you. To put an end to hiding away your naked form and pretending it is shameful – and instead committing to doing more to start looking after your body.

 

A positive view of body image

One of the challenges facing each of us every day is the misrepresentation of what constitutes an ‘acceptable’ body shape in the media.  Much more needs to be done to bring out into the open the diversity of body shapes that exist and to raise awareness of how our buttoned-up attitude to the human body is causing us to lead potentially unhealthy lives.

Society battles with the contradictory problem of the ‘perfect’ body that is represented in fashion and popular culture – against the contrasting issue with rising obesity – so by encouraging people of all ages, shapes and sizes to take part in Naturism we are trying to highlight that there is no such thing as a perfect body and taking away the fear people feel about exposing their body – whatever its shape and size.

We want people to develop a healthy attitude towards their bodies by realising that a healthy body doesn’t mean looking like an athlete or a catwalk model. It’s all about learning to love your body whatever it looks like, whilst also taking care of it in a responsible way, to make sure it doesn’t cause you health problems.

 

Naturist Opportunities in the UK

Despite often unreliable weather, naturism is thriving in the UK and there are plenty of easy opportunities for naturism.

Beaches

There are plenty of beaches around our beautiful coastline for naturists, from wide stretches of fine sand close to popular tourist spots to more secluded locations far from the crowds. On a hot day, there is nothing better than getting an all-over tan, skinny-dipping and enjoying the company of like-minded people on a lovely beach.

Clubs and swims

Well over 100 naturist clubs exist across the UK providing an easy and tranquil escape from the rigours of daily life for thousands of naturists. Each club is different, but they usually have well tended grounds centred around a club house, with facilities including a swimming pool, sports facilities, sauna, children’s play areas, campsites and social event calendars. Swims usually take place in leisure complexes hired for a naturist session.

Holidays

From simple camp sites to luxurious self-catering accommodation, through spas and Bed and Breakfast in private homes there are lots of opportunities to have a naturist break in the UK. Many clubs also have camping facilities, some with accommodation for hire. The variety of locations means naturists can enjoy all the great things that the UK has to offer as a holiday destination, and come “home” to a naturist place in the evening to truly unwind.

Events

British Naturism organise plenty of events throughout the year and support and participate in others. Some are hosted in naturist locations but there are a large and increasing number which take place at well-known public venues. They range from week-long and weekend events with accommodation, to days out and evenings. They include gardens, stately homes, beaches, leisure centres, boat trips, art/exhibition spaces, waterparks, holiday parks and hotels. Trophies for sporting excellence are also contested annually with teams representing the UK abroad against overseas opponents. Overseas group holidays are also arranged.

 

Some things you might like to know about Naturism

Naturism is normal

It’s just ordinary people choosing not to wear clothes when the weather and circumstances are appropriate. Our activities are no different from what most people do in their leisure time, other than the dress code. We’re not anti-clothes, we just know they are not always essential. It’s also a lot of fun!

Naturism is not about sex

Naturists are not asexual, but despite what people think, a gathering of naked people doesn’t make for a sexually charged environment.

You won't be embarrassed!

Once in a naturist place, you soon get used to being surrounded by naked people and forget that you are not wearing clothes. It’s clothed people that stand out. What you look like is irrelevant. No-one stares at you, or judges your appearance – it’s all about feeling good for yourself. No-one is forced to be naked all the time and people will put something on if the weather turns.

Naturism is very popular

Millions of people in the UK and around the world have discovered this wonderful way of life; a national survey by IPSOS-MORI in 2011 discovered that there are 3.7 million naturists in the UK. There are thousands of holiday resorts and other places serving the community. Plenty of people skinny-dip, go topless on beaches and spend time naked at home.

Naturist children are happy, well-adjusted and safe

Children don’t care if they are wearing clothes or not, it’s adults who make them get dressed. They grow up with a better understanding of what will happen to their bodies and enjoy a relaxed, outdoor life. Naturist places tend to have entry requirements and secure gates, making the inside a far safer environment than the outside.