Two weeks ago we celebrated the news that Bluewater in Kent had started running clothing-optional open water swimming sessions. Well, it turns out they are not alone.
Lakeside Adventures at Hartlebury, near Birmingham, also offers clothing-optional open water swims alongside its aquapark and paddleboarding activities. There is no fanfare and no attempt to grab headlines. It is simply one option among many.
And that is exactly why this matters.
This isn't about a single venue or even open water swimming. It's about a wider shift in attitudes. Businesses are increasingly recognising that some people prefer to swim without costumes and that offering the option is simply good customer service.
We often talk about the "buff pound" and the economic case for catering specifically to Naturists. But this goes further than that by just including it in the routine mix. It is another small step towards normalising the human body and recognising that clothing choice doesn't have to be controversial.
The loudest voices on social media would have you believe otherwise, but the reality is that most people don't care whether others around them are wearing clothes or costumes, so long as everyone is respectful. And respect has always been central to Naturism.
So yes, if you're a wild swimmer in the Midlands, this is worth a look.
But the bigger story is that opportunities like this are quietly appearing around the country, not as novelties, but as ordinary leisure activities. Maybe it is worth mentioning to your local leisure providers that this is a simple option to get a little more custom through the door so there is something like this available near you.
It’s a thought, isn’t it.
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