Steve Knight writes...
Valley Sun Club is a small but friendly Naturist club and campsite located on the edge of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Surrounded by woodland and open to both visitors and members, Valley is perfectly located for walks along the adjacent Nidd Gorge, with walking and cycling routes nearby allowing easy access to the quaint village of Ripley and the ancient market town of Knaresborough with its weekly market and quirky annual bed race. Harrogate's varied tourist attractions - including Betty's Tea Rooms, the Great Yorkshire Show and the Harrogate Turkish Baths (with its clothing-optional sessions) are only 15 minutes drive away and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales are within easy reach also.
Unfortunately, the club’s rural location left it at the mercy of the terrible storms during the 2021-2022 winter. Several large trees fell, one toilet block lost part of its roof and in the region of 40 fence panels had to be repaired or replaced. As usual, club members rallied around - often in atrocious weather – to prepare the site for its Spring reopening.
So what is it that draws people to Valley? Many visitors comment on the friendly welcome that they receive, whilst members reflect on the friendships that have developed over the years. For others, Valley is a place in which to escape from the world of work, to be close to the sound of birdsong from the adjacent woodland and to simply take time out from the real world. The club has seen many changes over the years and yet it remains a haven of tranquillity. Nowadays, members and visitors to family-friendly Valley can enjoy expansive sunbathing areas, a clubhouse with licensed bar open at weekends and various leisure activities including boules court, 9-hole mini golf, miniten, children's play area, pool table and darts. Aware of our responsibility to the environment, some of our grassed areas have been allowed to revert to a more natural state, with a range of wildflowers now improving the habitat for a variety of insect wildlife and bees - as well as creating a different vista for us humans!
Visitor’s caravans, motorhomes and tents are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs. Two utility blocks offer plentiful hot water, free showers and washing-up facilities. A two-berth caravan is available for hire too.
Regular Saturday evening pub quizzes, bingo and table games take place, and karaoke offers members and visitors alike an opportunity to showcase their vocal skills. The recent Jubilee bank holiday weekend saw members enjoying a traditional afternoon tea and plans are afoot for a variety of other meals, including tapas, Greek cuisine and a summer BBQ to be served through the rest of the season, which runs from March through to the end of October. Daytime sees regular sporting competitions - open to all abilities - with a boules tournament taking place on Saturday afternoons and golf on a Sunday. Of course, Valley is also a place of tranquillity and there is never any pressure for anyone to take part or to put in an elite performance. Visitors are always welcome to join in.
The story of Valley began in 1937 when a group who used to sunbathe near Holmfirth found a beautiful secluded site near Harrogate and formed the Yorkshire Sun and Health Association. Those early pioneers clearly chose a great location and created foundations strong enough to ensure Valley's survival into the 21st Century.
If you're looking for rest, relaxation and a warm Yorkshire greeting then Valley Sun Club might well be the place that you're looking for - we welcome enquiries from visitors and prospective members alike.
Membership enquiries: Richard - 07340 177142 - richardatvalley@gmail.com
Day Visit/Camping enquiries: Paul - 07432 577847 - paulvalleycampsite@gmail.com