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Events this weekend - and beyond!

Our brilliant changes to the British Naturism website calendar make it easier than ever to find events that are coming up! In this weekly update we bring you all the links you need to find events, plus news of new events and reminders you about those you might like to go to. If you are an event host and your event needs a boost, then please let us know and we will try to include it.

Highlights
We’re sending our best wishes to the hundreds of people who are heading to our flagship summer event in Somerset - Nudefest! The activity programme is looking great and there are still some camping pitches available! Starts on Monday.
There's plenty happening this weekend in the meantime including a garden visit to High Beeches in Sussex, a World Naked Bike Ride in Eastbourne (and a second ride announced for Cardiff), Great British Skinny Dips at Arundel Lido and Peterborough Lido, and one in a new venue for 2025, Active Waters on Monday.

All the links you need
Follow this link to find about other ‘special’ events that might need a bit of planning ahead.
Want to know what’s happening near you? Add your postcode, set the distance and reveal all the events within that radius.
You can use the ‘search’ option at the top of the page and find anything you want  in events - in fact, the whole website - using a keyword. This is particularly useful for finding repeating events too - for example if you spot a swim you’d like to attend but can’t make the next date, use the keyword search to find the dates for the whole series!
You can also home in on the kind of event you want to find out about! You’ll find calendars dedicated to:
Major British Naturism events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/major/
Special Events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/special/
The Great British Skinny Dip - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/gbsd/
Naked Heart Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/nhw/
Swims - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/swim/
Sports - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/sport/
Fitness - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/fitness/
Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/walk/
Holidays - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/holiday/
Online - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/online/
 
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.
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

Alnwick Gardens - have you booked?

Once again we are invited by the Duchess of Northumberland to wander round Alnwick Gardens in the way nature planned - naked - this time on Sunday 20 July.
Listen out for mermaid songs as you frolic in the fountains and water features. We can't promise you mandrakes or Professor Sprout but there will be a tour of the poison garden!
Why not make a whole day of it with a visit to TANDO club earlier in the day to enjoy a picnic, sunbathe or play badminton?
Find more information and booking details here

Nipples! – My First Naturist Experience

Saoirse talks about an issue that bothers her as a young woman who has just tried Naturism for the first time.
Over the past couple months, I’ve been on a bit of a journey discovering Naturism.
I didn’t go into this expecting some life-changing moment. I was just curious. I knew a bit about it, had seen the odd thing online, and then I gave it a go.
For me, it meant the chance to meet some cool new people who might share my views on the world, and doing that in a safe and comfortable environment (whilst getting rid of some tan lines along the way). For others I know it can be a lot deeper. I’ve often heard stories from people who used to have serious problems with body image, and Naturism became a way for them to resolve those issues. After all, it’s not like we tend to be confronted with the most realistic images of naked humans online.

But here’s the thing: for me, body image hasn’t really been a big issue. I’ve always felt pretty comfortable in my own skin. So while Naturism helped me see what other people go through, it also brought something else into focus for me, something I do feel strongly about.
Nipples.
I still fail to see why women being shirtless should be treated differently to men doing so. No one sees a problem with a man being shirtless: at the beach, at the pool, at the gym, even on the street…
Society has done a lot for gender equality in the past few centuries, and a lot is being done even now to improve women’s rights. Except in this regard. I don’t tend to see this being discussed as often as it should.
We all have nipples. But society has decided that mine are a problem. Why?
And here’s the wild part - my nipples can actually serve a real biological purpose. They’re there for the purpose of feeding children, should I choose to have them. But men’s nipples don’t serve any purpose, they’re just a remnant of early embryonic development. Considering that they’re completely impractical, one might argue they’re more sexual. Now I’m not advocating for anyone to have to cover their chests (obviously), but it shouldn’t be okay one way and not the other.
It’s even worse on social media. At least in the UK, nudity is technically legal (it being socially accepted is another matter). But online, even a glimpse of my areola would get me banned from most networks. Meanwhile, if a man wanted to post a shirtless photo, nothing would stop him.
And breastfeeding? Even more absurd. That’s nipples doing what they evolved to do. It’s just that. Even though platforms say they allow breastfeeding photos, I doubt the algorithms can tell the difference.
It’s a double standard and it’s ridiculous. We should’ve moved past this as a society by now.
Yes, gender equality has come far from where it used to be. But there are still differences… and the fact that I can’t be topless in the same places a man can?
That’s still inequality.
Naturism really opened my eyes to it. After my first event, on the drive home, we stopped for petrol and I half-joked about walking into the service station without my top on. I laughed about it, but realised it couldn’t happen.
Not because I felt uncomfortable — I’d just spent three days completely naked around other people and felt entirely relaxed. Not because I thought I might be arrested. But because it might cause a scene. And who knows what could happen.
That moment stuck with me.
Naturism showed me how much better things could be. I was naked for days and not once did anyone make a weird comment, stare at my chest, or act inappropriate. In fact, I felt more respected than I sometimes do when I’m fully dressed in the outside world.
That contrast hit hard.
The respect and acceptance I felt in Naturism really highlighted how far we still have to go in other parts of society.
And so here I am — 21 years old, figuring it all out, and just asking for something that seems pretty basic.
I want to be able to be myself. To dress how I want, to express myself however I feel, and not have my body treated like something scandalous just because I’m female.
Is that really too much to ask?
Saoirse

You can hear more from Saoirse and why she is doing what she is doing on TheNakedTruth.

Sunfolk Pride 2025: A Celebration of Community, Connection, and Inclusivity

Sunfolk Pride 2025 proved to be a truly unforgettable weekend of joy, openness, and unity, as over 100 members of the LGBTQ community and their allies gathered for one of the best ever Sunfolk Pride Events.
Hosted in the beautiful surroundings of the Sunfolk site, the event was a showcase of inclusivity, connection, fun and celebration.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was one of warmth and welcome. The weekend offered a relaxed and safe space where everyone could be themselves, with a wide variety of activities that catered to all interests. These included various sports, an offsite walk, silent disco, campfire, yoga and the now infamous BBQ.
There was no shortage of fun and laughter as people took part in spirited sports competitions and cooling dips in the pool, while others chose to unwind and connect with others in the relaxing areas of the green spaces.
One of the standout highlights was the silent disco, which lit up the evening with dancing and laughter under the stars — proving that music really is a universal language. As the sun set, the mouth-watering BBQ brought everyone together around the grill, sharing food, conversation, and community spirit.
But beyond the fun and festivities, Sunfolk Pride 2025 created a space for deeper connection. Throughout the weekend, people shared personal stories, reflections, and experiences about identity, acceptance, and mental wellbeing. For many, it was a rare chance to be truly seen and heard in a safe, supportive environment — an experience that left a lasting impact.
Sunfolk Pride welcomed people who had transitioned since the first event, proving Naturism is accepted to all. Older members discovered the joy of the silent discos and club music. Water volleyball being enjoyed by people of all ages and pétanque being enjoyed for the first time by many. Families enjoyed the event too proving that everyone is accepting of the BN LGBTQ Community.
Random things that were an example of how this years Sunfolk Pride broke new boundaries.
Thanks must go to Colin, MJ, Jim and all the wardens over the weekend who hosted a perfect and welcoming weekend.  To Ian BN’s Sports Officer and his wife Sharon for all the sports and help with the BBQ. To John for helping with the BBQ and arranging the offsite walk transfers and finally to Jim and Simon for the official photography.
As the weekend came to a close, the message was clear: Sunfolk Pride is more than just an event — it’s a community coming together and celebrating. Attendees left already looking forward to Sunfolk Pride 2026, which takes place between the 19-21 June so save the date, you wouldn’t want to miss out now would you?
Richard Stacey, LGBTQ Officer British Naturism

Members can find more images in the members' gallery

Image by Jim Cromwell

Cwm Weeg Naked Heart Walk - this weekend!

Come and join us for another Naked Heart Walk in partnership with British Heart Foundation around the fabulous Gardens of CWM Weeg in Mid Wales, this Saturday, 5 July.
Cwm Weeg was a new venue added to our schedule of Naked Heart Walks in 2024 and we're delighted to be repeating the event this year. It's a beautiful place and all the better for being able to enjoy naked!
Find all the details including how to book your place here

How to cope with a heatwave

You know that temperatures are soaring over Britain when at least one national newspaper prints a picture of a young woman sunbathing in her bra and pants during her lunch hour, taking advantage of the weather and adapting to her circumstances.
Or perhaps she's using a modicum of common sense? When it's cold, it's intuitive - and socially acceptable - to keep putting on layers until you are warm enough. So, on recent days when it's sweltering and we are sweating in our clothes, feeling mighty uncomfortable, irritable and unable to concentrate, it should be equally acceptable to do the opposite; remove layers until you feel cool again. That probably means all layers, until all that protects you is your own skin. Surely it's not just Naturists that see the sense in that? 
Sadly, decades of social conditioning about what's 'right' or is 'appropriate behaviour' (and what's not) in our society possibly mean that the woman in that picture consciously kept her underwear on when it would have been more sensible to take it off too. We're all (broadly) the same underneath and yet we cling to small strips of fabric even when we don't need to for the sake of 'modesty'. The purpose of clothes is to keep us warm and dry, and you don't need either aspect during a heatwave. You may be reading this and thinking of the social status conferred by what we wear, but do you really need that artificial boost to the ego when you are relaxing in the sun? 
Naturism is also perfectly legal. Sunbathing naked in your garden is an easy way to start - and so what if the neighbours can see? How can anyone argue with your desire to cool off in the most sensible way?
There's plenty going on in Naturism in the UK and there's a lot more activity than just sunbathing. Millions of people around the world have discovered the wonderful feeling that comes from spending time without clothes, come and join them. Nothing's better!

Opening Up To My Friends – My First Naturist Experience

With her first soundbite video now published, Naturism debutant, Saoirse, shares more of her story…
It’s been a few weeks now since I went to my first Naturist event – the NKD Youth Festival for 18–35 year olds – and honestly, I’m still processing how much has happened since.
I guess I should start with a bit about me. Hi, I’m Saoirse, I’m in my second year of Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield. I’m not exactly a party animal, you won’t find me in clubs every weekend, but I like a good conversation and I’ve never been shy about sharing my views. I’ve also always felt pretty okay in my own skin, I think, thanks to the way I was raised. I’m often naked at home (in the summer), and things like saunas or changing rooms don’t bother me. But before uni, I didn’t really know what Naturism was, or that some people choose to hang out together without clothes in a deliberate, meaningful way.
That changed at university when I found out one of my lecturers, Mark Bass, is actually the president of British Naturism. He’s really open about it, always wearing shirts with slogans promoting body positivity and mental wellbeing. I actually didn’t notice the shirt slogans at first, the whole “Mark Bass is a nudist” thing only came out after another student saw he had talked about Naturism (whilst naked) on the morning news. But then I came to realise how open he is about the whole thing, and that’s what started the conversation about it.
Because even though I’ve never really struggled with body confidence, I know that a lot of people my age do. People are constantly comparing themselves to what they see online, which often isn’t a good representation of real bodies. You don’t have to scroll far on Instagram or TikTok to see the pressure, or the impact it has. So, when I heard that Naturism could actually help people feel better about their bodies and mental health, I was even more interested.
Last year I even asked Mark for advice about doing the World Naked Bike Ride. It hasn’t happened yet, mostly because it’s gonna be a bit of a bother to lug my bike on a train somewhere to do it. But this year, something clicked when Mark offered me the chance to work at Naturist festivals and, even better, to help with a social media campaign called TheNakedTruth. This involves creating video content and helping share the message that being naked isn’t about shock or exhibitionism – it’s about self-acceptance, body confidence, and being free from judgement.
So I jumped at the chance!
Though I was comfortable with the prospect of being naked in a large group of people, deciding how to tell people I know about it was harder. I definitely wanted to talk about it, but how do you even begin? What would people think?
I started with my mum – she wasn’t that surprised. Then I told a few close uni friends. They generally weren’t shocked actually! I guess they know I’m the type of person to do unexpected things like this, haha!
My friend Alwin, who I work with as well as being on my course, said:
“I wasn’t that surprised Saoirse was doing this, it is very much her personality.”
He went on to say:
“It is such a fresh take on an issue that I don’t think other people I know are addressing.”
Anyways, and then the festival happened and what really stood out was just how normal it was. No one cared what people looked like. Everyone was friendly. There was no judgement, and no pretence, just people being people. As someone who was already comfortable in their body, I still gained so much from the experience. But speaking to others who had started Naturism from a place of low body-confidence, and ended up feeling better than they could’ve imagined, you really see how life-changing it can be for people.
So now I’m asking the question again: how do I talk about this more openly?
Because I’ve seen how powerful it is when people start accepting their bodies, and I know how many people can struggle with this. I don’t want to keep this to myself, partly also because I generally don’t like keeping secrets. But starting those conversations is hard – especially when so many people’s views of an “ideal body” tend to be warped.
Well… I’m now making videos for TheNakedTruth, and Mark’s just given me a bunch of campaign shirts. So, I guess the answer is no – I’m definitely not staying quiet about this. And I don’t think I have to rush, people will learn about this one way or another.
Saoirse

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Our brilliant changes to the British Naturism website calendar make it easier than ever to find events that are coming up! In this weekly update we bring you all the links you need to find events, plus news of new events and reminders you about those you might like to go to. If you are an event host and your event needs a boost, then please let us know and we will try to include it.

Highlights
There’s plenty to look forward to this midsummer weekend!
Pride weekend at British Naturism Sunfolk

Club open days, socials, music, and art events!

And, as usual, a whole load of Naturist swim sessions - including Great British Skinny Dips - to go to!
Check it all out here
Don’t forget next week’s Naked Heart Walk at the Himalayan Gardens in Yorkshire and the swim at the lovely Peterborough Lido on 5 July!

All the links you need
Follow this link to find about other ‘special’ events that might need a bit of planning ahead.
Want to know what’s happening near you? Add your postcode, set the distance and reveal all the events within that radius.
Don’t forget that there are some events which require no travel - British Naturism’s online events - there are 15 every week! Get fit, chill out and/or chat with other members.
You can use the ‘search’ option at the top of the page and find anything you want  in events - in fact, the whole website - using a keyword. This is particularly useful for finding repeating events too - for example if you spot a swim you’d like to attend but can’t make the next date,  use the keyword search to find the dates for the whole series!
You can also home in on the kind of event you want to find out about! You’ll find calendars dedicated to:
Major British Naturism events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/major/
Special Events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/special/
The Great British Skinny Dip - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/gbsd/
Naked Heart Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/nhw/
Swims - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/swim/
Sports - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/sport/
Fitness - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/fitness/
Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/walk/
Holidays - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/holiday/
Online - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/online/
 
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.
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

Here Comes Summer - have you skinny-dipped lately?

The sun is shining (for the moment!), fluffy clouds are scudding across the blue sky – and Great British Skinny Dips (GBSD) are packing the BN calendar!, writes Dugie Eyton-Hughes
We’ll dip our toes into what’s been happening recently, but first, a reminder: GBSDs are not only lots of fun, they’re also a terrific way for us Naturists to raise much-needed funds for our charity partner, the British Heart Foundation. The BHF wants us all to be heart-healthy, a worthy goal!
An event that really took off this year (June 7) was the Great British Synchronised Skinny Dip (GBSSD). No, it wasn’t about people floating around in glittery costumes and too much makeup! It was about having a specific day set aside for holding as many GBSDs as possible.
Here’s a taster:
Newly refurbished British Naturism: Sunfolk officially opened on the day, and a big noise was made about the synchronised swim. There were lots of people in the pool, playing a version of volleyball – including some of the people who came to the event from the media!
BN member Mark Simmons got into the full spirit of the GBSSD by visiting three North West clubs to take part. He drove from his home in South Manchester to the Ribble Valley club in Lancashire, then to Lancashire Sun club at Rufford, then to Liverpool Sun & Air in Merseyside.
During his 100-mile epic journey, Mark encountered dismal weather and motorway closures (quelle surprise!). Nevertheless, he persisted, and he raised money for the BHF. Mark awarded Ribble Valley the prize for the warmest pool. The coldest was Lancashire Sun, “but that was made up by those delicious scones with jam and cream!”
Nottingham Sun Club, (pictured) which rejoined BN last year, was keen to re-establish links with the Naturist community and boost membership. What better way to do that than to host a GBSSD?
The actual dip took place at noon with 27 nudies in the pool. The event made the local press – and drew in several first-time skinny dippers. Everyone said they felt relaxed and made welcome, and some enquired about joining the club. Naturally, there was food. And to top it all off, the GBSSD raised over £500 for the BHF!
Let’s not forget the regular GBSDs, which take place all around the country all year round.
“On a warm, sunny evening, with blue skies and few clouds, 25 skinny dippers jumped in in aid of BN’s GBSD at the Helmsley Open Air Heated Swimming Pool,” reported John Oliver. During the June 14 event, participants enjoyed views over rolling countryside, a lovely, warm pool – and refreshments from the onsite café. “All in all, a great event,” with a return visit set for August 17.
And here’s a plug for my “local” GBSD, the Withington Baths swim in Manchester. It’s now a popular monthly event. The toasty-warm pool and hot sauna are welcome at all times of the year. But the best part is simply all the amazing chats one has while floating around in the water. We nudies are a sociable bunch!
Keep an eye on all Great British Skinny Dip events on the British Naturism website calendar

First Time for Everything – My First Naturist Experience

Student and Naturism debutant, Saoirse, shares her story…

Going to a Naturist event for the first time? Yeah… people definitely had opinions.
“You’re going to be naked… around strangers?”
“That sounds really cool, I couldn't do that though. I’m not quite there yet.”
“Yeah, that sounds like you.”
Truthfully? I’ve always been pretty okay with my body. The nudity didn’t worry me as much as meeting loads of new people. Mark was the only person I knew, and I’d never been to a festival before — or camping since I was a teenager doing DofE.
What made this first time different was that I wasn’t just going for me. I was going as part of TheNakedTruth social media campaign — and doing it all on camera, to share with other students like me.
Why? Because I don’t think naked bodies are something we should be ashamed of or have stigmatised.
Young people definitely have a lot of pressure on them regarding body image — particularly from social media and how often we see “perfect bodies” being shown to us online. It affects our confidence, our mental health, and the way we see our own bodies.
I wanted to do something that wasn’t just talk. I wanted to show what real body acceptance could look like.
And honestly? It wasn’t scary like my friends had imagined.
Yes, I was slightly nervous the night before. More so about the new aspect of everything, and being unsure about what I was going to be doing at the festival. But shortly after I arrived, those worries faded. Everyone was really friendly and easy to talk to. It wasn’t about how you looked — it was about being free, feeling comfortable, and connecting with people. I loved the yoga and fitness sessions, but the best bit? The waterpark. Hands down.
That’s when it really hit me. Like yeah, I’d done my research on Naturism and had seen quite a few videos of naked people in fields. But naked in a waterpark? That was when the surreal aspect of it hit. It was really interesting, especially when I spoke to the (clothed) people working there who were unfazed by all the naked people surrounding them. It really makes you realise just how normal it is. It felt really carefree - everyone was being themselves and no one cared what anyone looked like. The slides were also pretty fun!
What I’ve learned, especially from speaking to so many other Naturists, is:
Stepping out of your comfort zone will always feel uncomfortable at first.
But it’s usually the things which are difficult that end up being the most rewarding.
I want other young people to feel what I felt:
Not judged. Not compared. Not ashamed. Just accepted.
This was my first step, and I’m really glad I took it.

Saoirse

Another Naturist cruise!

Come and join us on the evening on Saturday 28 June 2025 for a Naked Cruise around Poole Harbour and beyond right in the heart of Dorset. It's a fantastic opportunity to climb aboard MV Solent Scene at Poole Quay then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dorset Riviera as you cruise around Brownsea Island, past Sandbanks and Old Harry Rocks then along the Jurassic coast towards Swanage, returning past Millionaire’s Row before arriving back at Poole Quay. 
Solent Scene has two separate internal saloons, incorporating the bar and quiet lounge on the lower deck and the disco and dancefloor on the upper deck. In addition to this, she also has two large outside decks.  The on-board bar will be open throughout the trip so you can purchase drinks for cash or card payment.  A fish and chips supper will be available as an optional extra which you can book when purchasing your ticket.
Find all the details and book your place here!

The BN Highland Walking weekend

The Corrour estate once again provided an amazing location for a weekend of naked hiking and skinny dipping, writes Alan Ellison
With 20 participants staying at the hostel or camping, many hundreds of naked kilometres were covered around Loch Ossian and the surrounding bens and glens.
The hostel is right next to Loch Ossian so most enjoyed several refreshing dips in the loch over the weekend, followed up by warming up next to the wood-burning stove in the cozy kitchen. A few ticks were picked up along the way - easily spotted and quickly removed because they weren’t able to creep under any clothing. The weather forecast was not ideal but the reality was much better with lots of scope to hike around in the dry breeze and there was even one case of sunburn.
The team at the Station House looked after us when we popped in for food and drinks throughout our stay and I’m sure that our customary naked Sunday evening meal is a memorable event in their calendar, especially when we all run out onto the station platform for our traditional photo! The weekend is also a highlight for Jan at the hostel because she has got to know us well over the years - and she doesn’t have to change beds or do any cleaning for three days.
Now we can all start looking forward to 2026 when the BN Highland walking weekend will take place 5 - 8 June. I look forward to seeing you there!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Our brilliant changes to the British Naturism website calendar make it easier than ever to find events that are coming up! In this weekly update we bring you all the links you need to find them, plus news of new events and reminders you about those you might like to go to. If you are an event host and your event needs a boost, then please let us know and we will try to include it.

Highlights
Wishing everyone attending the BN Windermere woodland weekend and the BN Pétanque tournament a fabulous, clothes-free time! If you are going to either please write in and let us know how you got on!
There’s a couple of World Naked Bike Rides - Manchester today and London tomorrow - not BN events but great fun and always a joy to be naked around the highways and byways of our big cities. I never thought I would cycle buck-naked past Buck House!
The newish BN-hosted swim at Withington has its monthly event this Sunday - it’s proving popular!
And last but not least, our next Naked Heart Walk in partnership with British Heart Foundation takes place in Sussex tomorrow at Leonardslee Gardens.

All the links you need
Follow this link to find about other ‘special’ events that might need a bit of planning ahead.
Want to know what’s happening near you? Add your postcode, set the distance and reveal all the events within that radius.
Don’t forget that there are some events which require no travel - British Naturism’s online events - there are 15 every week! Get fit, chill out and/or chat with other members.
You can use the ‘search’ option at the top of the page and find anything you want  in events - in fact, the whole website - using a keyword. This is particularly useful for finding repeating events too - for example if you spot a swim you’d like to attend but can’t make the next date,  use the keyword search to find the dates for the whole series!
You can also home in on the kind of event you want to find out about! You’ll find calendars dedicated to:
Major British Naturism events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/major/
Special Events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/special/
The Great British Skinny Dip - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/gbsd/
Naked Heart Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/nhw/
Swims - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/swim/
Sports - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/sport/
Fitness - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/fitness/
Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/walk/
Holidays - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/holiday/
Online - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/online/
 
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.
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

British Naturism Sunfolk - officially open!

It was a very special day for our new state-of-the-art Naturist centre last Saturday as we hosted an official opening with a variety of people in attendance from both inside and outside of Naturism.
Tours of the site, including the opportunity to inspect the luxurious glamping pods, were given and much praise was heard for the work that has gone into transforming the five-acre Naturist site that has been in operation for over 90 years into a modern venue, open to all. Guests made good use of the hot tub, the covered swimming pool and the sauna - as well as the large pavilion, meeting and talking to others, reinforcing existing friendships and making new connections.
An introductory address was given by BN chair (and duty warden for the day) Colin Taylor, followed by a speech from BN President Mark Bass in which he gave an overview of the history of the site and the recent development and thanked everyone who had played their part. INF President, Stéphane Dechênes - all the way from Toronto, via Paris - followed with inspiring words, praising the investment and its significance for Naturism, before cutting the ribbon with Colin Taylor as the crowd applauded - perhaps because that also meant it was time for sandwiches, fizz and lots of cake!
In addition to Stéphane, the INF was also represented by Laurent Luft, Europe representative, from Paris, and Edwin Kilby Vice-President Secretariat and James Shuttleworth EuNat Youth Officer, both from the UK.
Cllr Giles Fry and Cllr Ajanta Hilton both attended from the district council and had nothing but good things to say about British Naturism Sunfolk, in fact, Giles posted positively on Facebook about it, including plenty of links to more Naturist information.
Three media outlets were in attendance. Nick Moses from BBC 3 Counties radio (the station local to Sunfolk) broadcast live three times during his visit, the last from the sauna in his birthday suit. Maureen O’Hare, London-based travel journalist for CNN interviewed many people before shrugging off her own clothes to join a frenetic water polo session and many people - including Saoirse Newhouse, one of our newest and youngest members - enjoyed being filmed by a three-person film crew from a German TV documentary company to be screened on the Arté channel later in the year.
It was also fantastic to see a great turnout of Naturists including Sunfolk volunteers, EC members, members of the BN media team, Sunfolk legacy members and directors, and people who made the project possible through loans. Thank you all.

Find all the information and book your visit to British Naturism Sunfolk

Image: Mark Berry - find more images from the day in the BN website gallery

Cruise in the News...

A couple of weeks ago we brought you details of the South West region boat trip from Plymouth that takes place tomorrow - tickets still available by the way!
We also sent the information to the media and, as usual, they responded! See articles from Cornwall Live and the Mail Online. National TV came calling too, but the timings didn't work out.
If you are hosting an event which could do with some additional publicity, tell us about it and we'll see if we can help. We're all stronger together...

Photo by Josiah Weiss on Unsplash (and not taken in Plymouth!)

Burrows Gardens - this weekend

'The forecast looks reasonable for Saturday when we have our first clothes optional visit to Burrows Gardens in 2025,' says organiser Andrew Davies.
It's not too late your book your place and if you need any inspiration check out this news story which tells you all you need to know about what to expect and our history with this lovely, welcoming venue.

Women in Focus podcast - new episode!

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.
"Plus-Size Canadian, Minus-Size Inhibitions"
In this episode, meet Karen Golec — a bold, unapologetic voice from Canada who packed her bags to join a women-only, clothing-optional retreat on the sun-soaked island of Fuerteventura.
In this unmissable episode, Karen shares what drew her across the Atlantic for a holiday unlike any other — one filled with freedom, laughter, and a powerful sense of sisterhood. She talks about body confidence, radical self-acceptance, and the joy of being truly seen without shame or judgment.
Tune in for an open and honest conversation that just might shift the way you see yourself—and others.
Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts - launching tomorrow, Saturday 7 June
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

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Our brilliant changes to the British Naturism website calendar make it easier than ever to find events that are coming up! In this weekly update we bring you all the links you need to find events, plus news of new events and reminders you about those you might like to go to. If you are an event host and your event needs a boost, then please let us know and we will try to include it.

Highlights
Plenty happening this weekend! We send good wishes to those intrepid folk on the Highland Walking weekend and look forward to plenty of swims, including those participating in the Great British Synchronised Skinny Dip - check out the calendar for details
It's not too late to book as a player or supporter at the BN National Pétanque tournament at the Naturist Foundation, nor for BN’s back to nature Windermere weekend both taking place next weekend
‘We’re going to need a bigger boat!’ - have you booked for the Plymouth nude cruise?
Looking ahead:
...British Naturism Sunfolk hosts a Pride event on 20 June
...Oakwood club on London/Essex borders are having an open day on 25 June
...and just announced! We return to Petersfield Lido for Great British Skinny Dip on 29 June

All the links you need
Follow this link to find about other ‘special’ events that might need a bit of planning ahead.
Want to know what’s happening near you? Add your postcode, set the distance and reveal all the events within that radius.
Don’t forget that there are some events which require no travel - British Naturism’s online events - there are 15 every week! Get fit, chill out and/or chat with other members.
You can use the ‘search’ option at the top of the page and find anything you want  in events - in fact, the whole website - using a keyword. This is particularly useful for finding repeating events too - for example if you spot a swim you’d like to attend but can’t make the next date,  use the keyword search to find the dates for the whole series!
You can also home in on the kind of event you want to find out about! You’ll find calendars dedicated to:
Major British Naturism events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/major/
Special Events - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/special/
The Great British Skinny Dip - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/gbsd/
Naked Heart Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/nhw/
Swims - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/swim/
Sports - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/sport/
Fitness - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/fitness/
Walks - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/walk/
Holidays - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/holiday/
Online - https://www.bn.org.uk/bnevents/online/
 
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.
 
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

BN244 - Summer

The Summer issue of our members' magazine is out now!
As always, it's chock-full of news, information, listings and fully illustrated features and articles.
Contents include:
All the events you can look forward to and a round-up of everything that's been happening – including naked writing and retro games
Tank Space - our photoshoot opens doors
British Naturism Sunfolk – open, busy and winning raves!
Naturism and me: Annemarie's life begins at 50 with Naturism
Welcome to Central Sun Club, Scotland's new Naturist club!
Celebrating over 60 years of Naturism at Oakwood Sun Club
The Battle of Corton Beach
Just One Person – the latest in our campaign to get you talking about Naturism
Sports Round-up: All the latest on BN's sports activities, including the Swimming Gala
In travel, we check out Croatia, France, the "best spa ever" – and much more
BN244 will soon be landing on the doormats of members of British Naturism who can also download a digital version as well as downloading all issues of our celebrated magazine back to 2004! There's also a topic open for you to share your views with other members (log in required).
Not a member and would like a copy? It's easy to join us - now!

Latest INF Newsletter

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 June edition of FOCUS has as its headline, exciting news of a Corporate Partnership programme being launched by the INF-FNI.  In other memberships updates, two special interest groups have recently been able to join the INF-FNI, following changes to its Statutes last October. One is the BEACHES Foundation (Beach Education Advocates for Culture, Health, Environment, and Safety), founded in Florida and working tirelessly to support safe, well-managed, family-friendly clothing-optional recreation. The other is the INOE (International Esperanto Naturist Organisation), which aims to promote respect for oneself and others through the use of a neutral and equitable language.
Another article summarises the results of an important Ipsos survey carried out in France, demonstrating the increasing popularity of naturism and its appeal to younger generations. This has striking similarities to the findings of the BN survey from 2022.  
 
It's available from the BN website downloads section

Three days of naturist events in South Wiltshire and Hampshire

Three days and four fabulous Naturist events within easy distance from each other later this month - look out for two walks, a gardens visit and dinner and skittles!

Tuesday 17 June - naked walk hosted jointly by Nat Ram and British Naturism along the old Roman road of Ackling Dyke

Wednesday 18 June - Naturist evening as we return to the popular Houghton Lodge Gardens (pictured) with a Treasure Hunt and optional BBQ

Thursday 19 June - naked walk hosted jointly by Nat Ram and British Naturism covering parts of the National Trust Mottisfont Estate and the Lockerley Hall Estate in the Dun Valley.

Thursday 19 June - Naked Dinner and Skittles at the Mill Arms Dunbridge Join BN’s London and Southeast Regional team and the Naturist Ramblers at the Mill Arms in Dunbridge, where we have have exclusive use of the function room at the pub.

Follow the links for more details

Naked Heart Walk at Leonardslee Gardens

It will soon be time for the next in the 2025 series of Naked Heart Walks, profile- and fund-raising events, open to all, run by British Naturism in partnership with British Heart Foundation.
Our first of two walks at the wonderful Leonardslee Gardens in West Sussex takes place on Saturday 14 June.
All Naked Heart Walks are clothes-optional to encourage the maximum turnout. Mind you, many people who start dressed aren’t dressed by the end!
Plenty more walks to come - and we’re happy to hear of new venues!

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