Dorset's Studland Bay, as most readers will know, hosts - amongst much else of interest - one of the best beaches for Naturists in the UK. British Naturism has always worked alongside the beach owners, The National Trust - in fact we are represented on the official beach user group.
In association with the Dorset Coast Forum, they have launched a survey for all those interested in the beach to provide feedback. We encourage as many Naturists as possible to complete it!
Find it here, along with a lot more information about the project and Studland Bay itself.
The kitchen has been refreshed to provide a good space for serious food prep. For more casual eating and drinking, guests can use the more sociable space with its large breakfast bar.
We've had more good feedback!
Kevin said, 'I really can’t recommend Sunfolk more to either people trying Naturism for the first time or anyone looking for an easy place to visit for the day. With kindness and a welcome from the wonderful wardens and the friendly people at Sunfolk, it is a beautiful place I had the most amazing day yesterday again meeting and chatting with some lovely people. Sunfolk really is magical and in fact a deeply spiritual place with the most amazing energy.
Lachlan said, 'I spent a couple of days there last week. A beautifully refurbished site which hasn't, as i feared it might, lost its charm.
Morning starts with the birds, sometimes soft cooing, other times rambunctious chatter. Giant stands of bamboo creak like an old woman’s joints. Cows moo. A donkey brays. The sweet songs of nature gently announce the day, one element at a time. Drinking coffee outside on the terrace, we glance at the mountains in the distance. Will there be a rainbow this morning? Maybe a double? It is beautiful and peaceful here.
‘Here’ is New Cambium, a 70-hectare (approximately 173-acre) Naturist community located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. In 2010 a community was founded here where people could “Live, play, and work naked year-round,” in a sustainable and holistic environment. With that goal, Naturists from around the world bought plots and many have built homes, some of which are available for holiday rental. New Cambium represents the best of many worlds with a central recreational area at Palm Gardens surrounded by farmland and ancient cacao forests. Against the background of the mountains, residents take nature walks along three kilometres of trails and they gather at the pool. Beautiful, secluded beaches are minutes away by car.
Over the years, the vision has evolved to one of being a financially sustainable residential and rental community that is aligned with the Naturist philosophy of living in harmony with nature, each other, and ourselves. Where the original vision promoted social nudity and the benefits of living clothes free, we’ve expanded to include respect for the land, the water, the plants and animals who live among us - including the human ones!. You can experience the Dominican Republic in a way not remotely related to the big resort towns that replace local charm with homogenised hotel life. Here, when you drop your clothes, you can also drop hectic everyday living.
In the local village of Magante, you will find small colmados (convenience stores), a dairy with fresh yogurt and cheese, a grocery store, some small eateries, a liquor store, a wood carving studio and two hardware stores. It is a humble and friendly town. A short walk from the village takes you to Playa Rogelio, our local beach, well equipped with food kiosks, sun beds, and vast areas for seaside walks. Although there are no nudists beaches, many of us swim and sunbathe naked in secluded areas; the beaches here are stunning.
What we lack in convenience (ATM machines and petrol stations are 20 minutes away), we make up for in being part of a community made up of kind, funny, warm, and helpful locals. Got a flat tyre? Give it a few minutes and a guy on a motor bike will show up to change it for a few pesos. Want some fresh fish? Head to the beach. Fresh fish, fries, tostones (fried plantains), salad, rice and a beer cost around £12. For finer fare, head to any of the towns along the coast for more European-style dining.
Today there are twelve-full time residents at New Cambium. Sharon from Colorado writes, “Kenneth and I had been leaseholders since 2010 and became full-time residents living in a home we built in 2022. This simple, off-grid-life, surrounded by beauty, with tropical beaches so close, is a dream life for us. The Dominican Republic is a treasure. With incredible natural and cultural diversity, we are always discovering something new and different to explore. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but we are grateful it’s such a wonderful match for us.”
From October through March, our community number swells to close to thirty as people flee the cold winters of North America and Europe for our warm weather and simple living.
“We’re natural Naturists and we love living a simple life in a tiny wooden home with a thatched roof and a spectacular view of the mountains. Living close to nature is not only possible here at New Cambium, but we also feel that it’s the best place to experience it.” says Cat, who flees the UK every fall for the winter here with her partner Diarmid. “We love our Adam and Eve lifestyle, walking in the sunshine, swimming in the river or the pool, and scrumping for mangoes when they’re in season.”
Not exactly off-grid – more like off the beaten path – solar-powered electricity takes advantage of the abundant sunshine, although spells of rain and clouds can challenge even the best system. Most of us believe it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness, but perhaps we enjoy being unplugged for a little while.
For most of the last fourteen years, the organisation’s sustainability and growth has focused on home and lot sales and vacation rentals. In the last few months, we’ve expanded our agricultural products, with a current emphasis on cacao.
Jim, president of the board of directors, says “Our ancient cacao trees grow in 10 hectares of towering forest. This year's harvest yielded about 4,100 kg of cacao beans. Some is being produced for retail sale, under the Bonita Cacao brand, with a New Cambium origin designation. We have spoken with our cacao farmers about expanding the crop, replacing some of our grazing land with not just cacao but other crops. Vanilla is native to the region. It's not just another crop for income, and a lovely flavouring, but has antibiotic properties useful for infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria, according to a study last year in the European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology. The fermented vanilla can be so aromatic. We have agreed to allow an organic vanilla growing company to grow it on our property, and get organic designation for our land. It'll be exciting to watch from its inception.”
We believe New Cambium is like no other place. Sit by the pool with a Presidente beer. Walk our trails. Pick bananas for breakfast … but don’t take our word for it, come see for yourself. See you soon!
As we head towards Autumn, we can look back fondly on the new experiences we will all have had as Naturists during the warmer summer months (and forget about the cold and wet days!)
Although opportunities for outdoor Naturism may be scaling down for many of us, the BN Shop continues to provide a great way to continue to show your support for Naturism when clothes are required – or around the house
Our popular range of t-shirts and hoodies are still available. You can choose from designs featuring the BN logo, or various subtle (and not so subtle) slogans
Our caps and beanie hats are another great way of showing your support, and feature slogans tailor-made for those of us who enjoy Naturist walking even when the temperatures start to fall
We also have a range of products which you can enjoy around the house, and let your visitors know that you are proud to live at home as a Naturist, including mugs featuring a range of logos, and slogans, and our best-selling doormats which confirm that ‘Naturists may be seen beyond this point’!
Finally, don’t forget our limited-edition range of products designed to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary year. These will be available until the end of 2024, so don’t hesitate to make a purchase before it’s too late
You can find all of our products available to purchase at shop.bn.org.uk and can get in touch with us with your comments, questions, and suggestions at shop@bn.org.uk
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
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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?
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!
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/
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...!!!
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.
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
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
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
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'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!
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?
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!
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
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