Skip to content

News and Articles

News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
Show all categories

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Here’s an overview of all the events happening soon - including this weekend! Get stuck in to camping, skinny dips, walks, bike rides, garden visits, boat trips, fitness weekends and a variety of regular swims!
 
Camping
Sunnybroom - walking and camping
Fri 29 Jul - Mon 01 Aug 2022
British Naturism: Sunfolk
All season
 
The Great British Skinny Dip
Check out the latest news and events - new events added this week!
 
Walks
Natram Walk Friston Forest East Sussex
Fri 27 Jul 2022, 11:30-18 :30
Natram Walk Great Bottom West Sussex
https://www.bn.org.uk/calendar/event/6671-natram-walk-great-bottom/
Thurs 4 Aug 2022 11:45 - 18:30 
 
World Naked Bike Rides
Folkestone
Sat 30th Jul 2022, 14:00
 
Open Gardens
Gibberd Garden, Essex
Sat 6th August, 11:00
 
Events
Naked Fitness Weekend, Sunfolk
Fri 29 - 31 Jul 2022
Farne Islands Boat Trip, Northumberland
Sat 30 Jul 2022, 15:00
 
Swims - plenty to consider, see bn.org.uk/calendar
 
And keep an eye on all the other gatherings…
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

Adlington Hall – A Naked Heart Walk Through a Magical Wood

Adlington Hall is a beautiful country house in Cheshire. Dave and I had never visited it, and the 20 July British Naturism Naked Heart Walk there was a new experience for us on two accounts. It was a trip to a place that looks to be perfectly preserved in the 16th-17th centuries and - even better – it was our first naked walk.
The estate is hidden away (so hidden, in fact, that we got briefly lost), and my first impression of it was, “Wow. It feels like we’ve stepped back in time.” Yes, I know, there are stately piles all over Britain, but this one felt small, intimate and welcoming.
The house itself was closed, but BN had taken over part of the adjoining wood. We stripped off in a tent, then joined fellow walkers on a 2k walk through the wood, crossing over to another part of the grounds where there’s a yew maze, and then back to the registration area. The weather – which, of course, I must mention – was much cooler than it had been the previous two days, with a fresh breeze.
The wood itself was magical. As we approached the registration area, we passed under a tall canopy of trees forming a shaded avenue. The path through the wood brought lots of surprises. There were immense pine and other types of trees, some with fantastical shapes. There were little stone bridges and one longer wooden one, which we crossed over along the way. The remains of an old stone building were covered with lush green moss. The path was occasionally shaded by a canopy of trees, reminding me of being a kid playing in a pine-covered, secret “house” in the woods.
But enough about the vegetation!
The NHW attracted around 40 walkers.  We were in the first group and met, along with several long-time naturists, three newbies.
One young couple, Emma and Max, said they’d learned of the walk when Emma’s mother sent a Facebook link with the comment, “This is something you’ll do.” Emma took up the challenge, but on the drive over, she and Max said the idea of getting naked and going outside was “scary” because it wasn’t something they were used to. They’re not scared anymore, and agreed they’d do something like this again.
The walk was “exhilarating and free,” and he’d do it again, newcomer-to-Naturism John said.
After our walk, we hung around the registration area with old and new friends and enjoyed the sunshine. We agreed that walking sans clothing was great fun and we’re up for repeating the experience!
Organisers John Rodgers and Ron O’Hare praised the helpfulness of the staff at Adlington Hall and the three volunteers who helped run the event. 

Coming Up: Catch the Wave at Some Beach Dips!

As the summer progresses, the Great British Skinny Dip calendar continues to fill up with a range of events. Besides the many recurring swims, there are newly added dips at Arundel Lido – and a growing number of beach days.
Check it out!
 
August 4
A ladies-only clothes-optional swim at Racehub, Leicestershire
 
August 7
Arundel Lido, Arundel
and also taking place on September 3
 
On August 13 there’s
Corton Beach Day, Lowestoft
St Anne's beach, Lancashire
 
August 18
Racehub, Leicestershire
 
On August 27, Peterborough Lido welcomes the swimsuit-free once again:
 
And here’s another grand day out at the beach:
September 4, Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland, is holding its second annual swim.
 
Or how about the September 17 Yaverland Beach, Isle of Wight swim?
 
And the popular Guernsey dips returns:
September 18, L’Ancresse Bay Pembroke, Guernsey
 
You’ll find information on these and all the swims here: https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events-calendar
No lecture this week on why we put such emphasis on the Great British Skinny Dip. You all know why we should – and do! – take part, and how important it is not only for British Naturism and Naturism in general but for helping the British Heart Foundation keep us heart-healthy.
You’ll find everything you need to know on the website, including social media tools, risk assessment forms for hosting swims and – importantly – a complete fundraising kit. And don’t forget to sign up for the GBSD newsletter, and follow us on social media.

Events this weekend - and beyond!

We may be past the peak of the heat, but there are still plenty of Naturist events to go to!
 
Great British Skinny Dips
Check out the forthcoming events - some this weekend!
 
Camping
Sunnybroom - walking and camping
Fri 29 Jul- Mon 01 Aug 2022
British Naturism: Sunfolk
All season
 
Walks
Stark Trekkers walk South Downs near Wilmington
Fri 22 Jul 2022, 11:30-16:00
North Marston Naturist Walk
Fri 22 Jul 2022, 12:30
 
World Naked Bike Rides
Clacton
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 13:00
Folkestone
Sat 30th Jul 2022, 14:00
 
Events
Burrows Gardens Visit
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 12:00-16:30
Jupiter Artland
Sun 24 Jul 2022, 17:30-19:30
Naked Fitness Weekend, Sunfolk
Fri 29 - 31 Jul 2022
Farne Boat Trip
Sat 30 Jul 2022, 15:00
 
 
Swims - plenty to consider, see bn.org.uk/calendar
 
 
And keep an eye on all the other gatherings…
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

A Midsummer Night's Stream

British Naturism's online events have been the envy of the Naturist world and we've grabbed the headlines many times for how our innovation during lockdown caused our membership to rise, including inspiring many stuck-at-home Naturists from outside the UK to join us to be able to take part.
Our online events continue; the 'community' sessions are available to members of Naturist federations (like BN) and the fitness classes  are open to all. Even session leaders need to take holidays and so the programme will run at approximately 65% strength over the summer.
We continue to innovate, however, so that you don't miss out. Some of our fitness classes instructors have recorded videos which are available to stream 24/7 to those who have purchased a block of tickets or a monthly/annual plan. Not you? Find out how to do that at https://shop.bn.org.uk/pages/naked-fitness. 
 
 
Photo by Dave Contreras on Unsplash

The Forum Live - interviewing Sophie Pavelle

We've got a treat for you for our last The Forum Live session before we take a break for the summer. Next Monday (25th July) I will be talking to author Sophie Pavelle. Sophie was a hugely entertaining - and popular - guest speaker at Nudefest a few weeks ago. 
I'll be talking to Sophie about her debut book 'Forget Me Not: finding the forgotten species of climate change Britain' (Bloomsbury Publishing). It's a serious subject and of interest to Naturists, and follows Sophie's journey in a readable and very funny way.
Based in Devon, England, Sophie is a writer and science communicator. Sharing adventurous, overlooked stories about British nature to wide audiences, she puts a contemporary twist on the natural history genre. Sophie works for Beaver Trust, and she presented their award-winning documentary Beavers Without Borders. She is also an Ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts and sits on the RSPB England Advisory Committee. Her writing has appeared in New Scientist, The Metro, BBC Countryfile, BBC Wildlife and Coast magazines.
BN/Nudefest discount still live!
Buy Forget Me Not via Bloomsbury here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/forget-me-not-9781472986214/ Enter this code at the checkout for 25% off (valid until end of September): FMN25
FMN_A5_flyer_discount.pdf
Join the session via the online events tab in the BN shop

The Great British Skinny Dip - now's the time!

If there was ever a great time to plan/attend a Great British Skinny Dip, this is it. Some of you may have hesitated to jettison your clothes and leap into a pool, lido, a river, the sea or some other suitable, safe venue out of fear of developing goose bumps. Fear no longer! Enjoy the feel of cool water on your naked skin on a hot day. 
Looking for somewhere to dip? Why not try one of these?
21 July 
Race Hub, Leicestershire - their first event this year in June went so well they've added another!
July 23:
Oxnat, Didcot
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
Peterborough Lido, Peterborough
July 30 
Mildenhall Naturist Swimming Club, Bury St Edmunds
July 31
Avonvale Sun Club, Ringwood
August 9
Beacon Tarn Naked Walk & Skinny Dip, Ulverston
Shap Lido, Penrith
August 13
Corton Beach Day, Lowestoft
Wigton, Wigton
Spectrum, Birmingham
 
You’ll find information on these and later swims here: https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events-calendar
 
If you’re still wondering why we keep going on about the Great British Skinny Dip, here are some further thoughts.
First— when it comes to skinny dips, attendance size doesn’t matter! The idea is to encourage people to enjoy – or experience for the first time – the pleasures of swimming costume-free. Events might attract loads of people or, as with the July 9 GBSD at Kerensa Cottage, Somerset, just a few. But those few had a great time on a lovely day and raised £70 for the British Heart Foundation, organiser Chris Howat reports. That’s what matters.
And that brings me to our second reason for the GBSD - raising funds for the BHF and using our closer relationship with the charity to inform the wider public about the health and well-being aspects of Naturism. 
Third, when you bring friends, family and colleagues to dips, you’re helping spread the word about the many benefits of Naturism and promote greater understanding of what social nudity is all about.
You’ll find everything you need on the dedicated GBSD website including social media tools, risk assessment forms for hosting swims and – importantly – a complete fundraising kit. And don’t forget to tell people to sign up for the GBSD newsletter (via the GBSD website footer) and follow us on social media.
 

Has there ever been a better time...?

'If only we had the weather!' they say. If only it wasn't always raining! If I lived in the South of France, or Spain, I'd probably give it a go.'
Now's your chance. Go 100% off Find out today or tomorrow what the fuss is all about and spend some time without your clothes. It's not shameful, ridiculous, eccentric, exhibitionist... in fact, it's fantastic You'll feel great.
And once you've discovered that for yourself check out the huge amount of stuff that's going on with British Naturism, the UK's biggest and most active Naturist community... goodtimes.bn.org.uk

Events this weekend - and beyond!

After months of planning and preparation our first Naked Heart Walk takes place next week - at the stunning Adlington Hall and Gardens in Cheshire. Tickets are still available - and the weather is looking good for a walk without hot sticky clothes in a country garden! Don’t forget the others in Essex and Kent
A chance for other walks next week include three Natram walks, in Kent and Sussex. The Eastern region will be walking in Buckinghamshire next Friday.
The heatwave makes skinny-dipping the obvious option! Check out all the details of dips coming up in the next few weeks.
World Naked Bike ride this weekend is from Colchester and Cardiff, with Clacton the following week! They are still underway all around the world - get on your bike!
There’s a return to both Burrow Gardens with BN’s Yorkshire and East Midland region, and the amazing Jupiter Artland in Scotland with its quirky artworks, woodland walks, fantastic earthwork mounts and meadow areas. You’ll also find a boat trip around the Farne Islands, Northumberland.
Our friends (BN members) at Rosslyn Glamping in Norfolk are welcoming Naturists back for the second of their clothing optional weeks this year. You can bring tents, caravans, motor homes or hire shepherd's huts. Sunnybroom club, near Aberdeen is hosting a three-night walking and camping break - and don’t forget that British Naturism: Sunfolk in Hertfordshire is open for the season (and open to all) with rates frozen at 2020 prices.
Amanda
x
 
Events
 
Camping
Clothing Optional Week at Rosslyn Glamping
Fri 15 Jul 2022, 12:00-Sun 24 Jul 2022, 10:30
Sunnybroom - walking and camping
Fri 29 Jul- Mon 01 Aug 2022
British Naturism: Sunfolk
All season
 
Walks
Natram walk Hoo Peninsula
Sat 16 Jul 2022, 11:30-18:30
Natram walk Wepham Down
Tue 19 Jul 2022, 11:15-19:00
Adlington Gardens Naked Heart Walk
Wed 20 Jul 2022, 15:00-20:00
Stark Trekkers walk South Downs near Wilmington
Fri 22 Jul 2022, 11:30-16:00
North Marston Naturist Walk
Fri 22 Jul 2022, 12:30
 
The Great British Skinny Dip
Various events
 
WNBR
WNBR Colchester | 16 July 2022
Sat 16 Jul 2022, 13:00
WNBR Cardiff | 16 July 2022
Sat 16 Jul 2022, 12:30
WNBR Clacton | 23 July 2022
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 13:00
 
 
Events
Burrows Gardens Visit
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 12:00-16:30
Jupiter Artland
Sun 24 Jul 2022, 17:30-19:30
Farne Boat Trip
Sat 30 Jul 2022, 15:00
 
 
Swims - plenty to consider, see bn.org.uk/calendar
 
 
And keep an eye on all the other gatherings…
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

The Forum Live debate - What makes a successful Naturist Club?

Every club wishes to be successful and deliver a great experience for all visitors.  A challenge that many face is in working out what to prioritise and how to deliver it on limited resources.  We will use this session to cover two aspects of running a successful Naturist club.  
First, we will gather ideas of what people look for in a club, essentially a members’ wish list.  Secondly, we will devise a strategy that would allow a club to deliver the major features at a practical level.  Hopefully, this session will create a template that interested clubs might use to guide their planning of the year ahead.
The online session will take place at 19:30 next Monday 18th July. Join in via the BN shop

It’s scorchio! Perfect weather for the Great British Skinny Dip!

If there was ever a great time to plan/attend a Great British Skinny Dip, this is it. Some of you may have hesitated to jettison your clothes and leap into a pool, lido, a river, the sea or some other suitable, safe venue out of fear of developing goose bumps. Fear no longer! Enjoy the feel of cool water on your naked skin on a hot day. 
Looking for somewhere to dip? Why not try one of these?
July 16 
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
St Anne’s Beach, Lytham Saint Anne's
Beacon Tarn, Ulverston
Mildenhall Swim, Newmarket
Letchworth Outdoor Pool, Letchworth Garden City
21 July 
Race Hub, Leicestershire - their first event this year in June went so well they've added another!
July 23:
Oxnat, Didcot
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
Peterborough Lido, Peterborough

You’ll find information on these and later swims here at greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events-calendar
 
If you’re still wondering why we keep going on about the Great British Skinny Dip, here are a few thoughts.
First—it’s summer! Yes, of course it’s possible to swim costume-free all year round indoors, but why not take advantage of the sunshine and heat to dip your toes into an outdoor venue?
Second, we are still all about raising funds for the British Heart Foundation – and about using our closer relationship with BHF to inform the wider public about the health and well-being aspects of Naturism.
Third, when you bring friends, family and colleagues to dips, you’re helping spread the word about the many benefits of Naturism and promote greater understanding of what social nudity is all about. And we know they will have great fun!
Speaking of spreading the word: BN’s recent Great British Skinny Dip press release sparked loads of media interest! Among the print outlets, there were pieces in North Wales Live, The Scotsman, The Daily Star, The Guardian, The Scottish Daily Record, Cotswold Life magazine, The Daily Mail and the Nottingham Post. There have also been some smashing radio interviews – BBC Radio Kent, Cornwall, Essex, Nottingham, Leicester…the list goes on. If you are a member of British Naturism you can find links to many of them on the members forum. If you are not, it's easy to join online.
This clear interest from the British press and public in Naturism should inspire us all to take part in the swims, organise them or find suitable venues willing to host them! 
You’ll find everything you need on the dedicated GBSD website including social media tools, risk assessment forms for hosting swims and – importantly – a complete fundraising kit. And don’t forget to tell people to sign up for the GBSD newsletter, and follow us on social media.

Naked Heart Walks - one next week! - have you booked your place?

In the summer of 2021 we had a brilliant evening out in the sunshine at Painshill Park in Surrey (pictured) on the inaugural Naked Heart Walk, raising oodles of money for British Heart Foundation.
Such was the success that there are THREE Naked Heart Walks this year giving you an opportunity to enjoy a clothes-free day out in a lovely location - with a little bit of exercise. If you can also be sponsored or make a donation then that's even better.
Perhaps you will also get round to asking that friend/neighbour/colleague that you've been wanting to take along to a Naturist event - it's a charity event, how could they refuse?
The Naked Heart Walks 
20th July (next Wednesday!) - Adlington Hall, Cheshire - two walks, 3pm and 6pm - click here for tickets
Thursday 18th August - Secret Nuclear Bunker - evening meal available - click here for tickets
Saturday 27th August - Hole Park, Kent - includes afternoon tea - click here for tickets 

Valley Club Weathers the Winter Storms

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.
valley-sun-club.co.uk
Membership enquiries: Richard - 07340 177142 - richardatvalley@gmail.com
Day Visit/Camping enquiries: Paul - 07432 577847 - paulvalleycampsite@gmail.com

How are you coping with the 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 days like today 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!

Nudefest - Day 7

All good things come to an end, even great, spectacular things like British Naturism's Nudefest.
Amongst all the other wonder yesterday - fitness, sports, workshops and talks, the magic teapot (pictured), and three live music acts, we hosted possibly the largest naked picnic ever staged with loads of red, white and blue and a visit from ER II. If that wasn't enough, a helicopter and four parachutists landed in the field. 
Today gives guests a chance to draw breath, with fewer activities. The bar's still open though and there are hundreds of happy, friendly, naked people to share time with.

Nudefest - Day 6

Time flies when you're having fun, which means that I shouldn't be surprised it's Saturday already! 
It was a seriously hot and sunny day yesterday and we made the most of it right into the evening when we danced the night away. As you will see from the image, some of our guests even dressed in homage to their heroes, Piano Jam. 
The sun's already high in the sky today. There's the usual programme of fitness, meditation and sports, workshops and talks, a hands-on reptile experience, slip 'n' slide and a Jubilee picnic with a parachute display team landing at Nudefest! A Bee Gees tribute and silent disco will end a fabulous week.
Has it been fabulous? Is Naturism one of the best ever things? Writer Antonia Hoyle certainly thinks so
 

Nudefest - Day 5

People are moaning here. 'There's so much to do, I can't fit it all in!' they say. A nice problem to have, I say.
Yesterday's off-site walk attracted over 100 people who eventually were able to strip off when the sun finally obliged. Word of the day towards the end of the afternoon, however, was 'sunburn'. Boy, was it hot. It might have been the prompt, who knows, but circus performers and bar staff were inspired to adopt our dress code.
Over the last two days I have welcomed two writers from national newspapers, both of whom reported a great experience - let's hope the features they write are just as positive. Thanks to all the Nudefesters who spoke to them.
Is it Friday already? Today, there are seven fitness classes, five sport sessions and a fishing competition, more talks and workshops,  board games and a Holi paint fight, before another evening of fantastic live music.
 

Naked Heart Walk at Adlington Hall - a press release from British Heart Foundation

Here's a press release just issued by our friends in the North West region of British Heart Foundation
Naked walk in grounds of Cheshire country house to raise vital funds for heart research
Locals in Cheshire are being urged to bare it all for a naked walk to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) life saving research.
Fundraisers can leave their clothes behind and take part in the BHF Naked Heart Walk, held in the stunning gardens of Adlington Hall, a country home in the heart of Cheshire countryside near Macclesfield.
The event has been organised by British Naturism as part of their charity partnership with the BHF. 
It will take place on Wednesday 20th July and participants can sign up to one of two walks at the venue – one starting at 3pm and another starting at 6pm.  
Walkers will be able to feel the breeze on their skin as they walk along a circular path up through the extensive grounds and onto the lawn by the hall. There will also be a maze to explore.
Each participant is being asked to aim to raise £100 through sponsorship, which will help fund the BHF’s research to save and improve the lives of people living with heart and circulatory diseases. In Cheshire alone, around 140,000 people are living with these conditions.
Walkers will receive a fundraising pack and full support from the BHF to help them reach their sponsorship target. A BHF medal will also be handed out at the end of the walk, with snacks and water provided to all participants.
The event is ticket only and anyone taking part must be aged over 18. The grounds of Adlington Hall will be closed to the general public during both walks, and there will also be a gazebo on site where participants can disrobe.
Ron O’Hare, North West Coordinator for British Naturism, said: “Naturism is great for your body confidence, self-esteem and physical and mental health. Our Naked Heart Walk provides a brief escapism from covering up and will be an exhilarating experience for all who take part. Stripping off will be for a good cause, too, as the money raised through sponsorship will help fund the BHF’s vital research.
We can’t wait to hold our event at Adlington Hall soon and would urge anyone who wants to join us to purchase tickets now.”
Emily Lyle, Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: “By daring to bare for the BHF, you will be able to get moving and meet other fellow nude walkers, all whilst exploring the fascinating grounds of Adlington Hall. Your fearlessness will pay off, as any money raised will help the BHF continue to fund its groundbreaking science to find the cures and treatments of the future.”
The event is limited to 100 participants. Tickets cost £15 and can be purchased by clicking here.
Ends
For more information, please contact Lee Kettle from the BHF’s Media Team on 07741 908365 or kettlel@bhf.org.uk 
Notes to Editors
About the British Heart Foundation 
It is only with donations from the public that the BHF can keep its life saving research going. Help us turn science fiction into reality. With donations from the public, the BHF funds ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. A world where broken hearts are mended, where millions more people survive a heart attack, where the number of people dying from or disabled by a stroke is slashed in half. A world where people affected by heart and circulatory diseases get the support they need. And a world of cures and treatments we can’t even imagine today. Find out more at bhf.org.uk 
 

Nudefest - Day 4

You can be forgiven if you think that the only thing going on in Naturism in the UK right now is Nudefest. Of course, it's not, but when 500+ Naturists take over a campsite, watch the European mountain bike champion, meet a features writer from a national newspaper, enjoy a presentation and reading from an up-and-coming author and dance into the night to one of the bet 60s bands - it's worth talking about!
So what can we expect today? Another full programme of fitness classes and sports, a naked walk in the local countryside, jewellery and bubble workshops, wine tasting, life drawing and horse and cart rides. The circus comes to Nudetown and we anticipate the return of the Old Time Sailors and their energetic shanties. There will be more music later from DJ MaxGalactic and Rum & Reggae. If interactive, acoustic music is more your thing, head to the Magic Teapot where the hosts are delighted to be back at Nudefest where they can once again do their stuff, in the buff!

Nudefest - Day 3

Nudefest kicked up a gear yesterday with the start of the fitness classes. As you can see, the weather played along and yoga and GroovX took place in the sunshine. The event field was full of pétanquers (is that a word?), volleyballers and happy people lazing around in the sun. The bar did a roaring trade (when does it not?). We also watched the Magic Teapot being erected - can't wait to get in there today.
Rebecca and Will from British Heart Foundation had a stunning day, meeting many people with heart-related stories and showed us how to perform CPR. We danced to the Wassail Blues Band and joined the silent disco train. 
Even more activity and entertainment awaits the hundreds of guests today, from workshops in willow weaving and jewellery, to a visit to the Cider Brandy Farm and a mountain bike demonstration (by the European champion) and I'll be chatting to author Sophie Pavelle about her new book.
Then it's music all the way - with a pop quiz, karaoke, and two acts paying tribute to the 1960s.
Enjoy!

Nudefest - Day 2

Build it and they will come - and come they did! The place is buzzing now with hundreds of guests arriving from all points of the compass. The sun was held up by slow-moving clouds in the M-sky, but appeared eventually, coinciding with the opening of the bar. Neat. Business was brisk, as nude holidaymakers chilled before dancing to The Craving's guitar-based pop and rock classics.
Looks like a sunny day today, too. We're looking forward to welcoming our partners from British Heart Foundation who'll be manning an information stall, demonstrating CPR and then sitting down for a chat with me about their work and the events we are collaborating on. There's yoga, meditation, GroovX, pétanque, volleyball, Molky and Kubb. Tonight we'll be enjoying a blues band and the Silent Disco train. Intriguing.

...and so it begins, it's Nudefest!

Today marks the start of Nudefest, our big summer week-long event which is as usual packed with masses of activities and entertainment. A few people are already on site, here in Somerset, and we expect hundreds to arrive later today. The team is ready to get them to their pitches so that everyone can get on with the serious business of enjoying themselves!
It's particularly great for me on a personal level to see how this festival that I was at the helm of when it began in 2007, grow to such a size and quality. Nudefest began when I was contacted by gift experience company Red Letter Days who had an idea to branch out into the wellness market and launched it via a nude night at Cornwall's Eden Project. We made an arrangement with a local caravan park to allow our people to make a weekend of it, added a late night disco and Nudefest was born. 
Tonight's Forum Live comes, er, live, from here and then we will all kick off our shoes (If we've put them on in the first place) and dance to The Craving. 
 
Image: Nudefest - almost set up... Mark Bass

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Hey everyone - this update includes events from today until Sunday 10th July, but don’t forget to keep an eye on all other events coming up soon:
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
 
Find links to all the events mentioned, below.
 
BN’s big summer event starts this weekend - Nudefest is also the UK’s biggest Naturist festival. We published the activity programme this week - it’s packed! I must mention Naked Yoga with Georgia, Group Fitness with Roy, Groovx fitness with Jooles, Fitsteps with Caroline, Meditation with Tor, as my favourites (and as those people are my friends!) Other personal highlights include Jewellery workshops, The Extreme Mountain Bike & BMX Show, World champion Danny’s stunt show! Drink & be merry with our band of 16 sailors and shanties galore, Rum & Reggae, Bud, The Silent Disco Train! our horse & cart ride. Duelling Pianos, Piano Jam are back! As are Rang-A-Tang. And who does not love the Magic Teapot??
There’s another camping opportunity, at a new venue; a relaxing back to basics weekend at Rushey Hill in Northern Ireland, with hopefully, weather permitting trip to the local beaches.
This week’s walks include a 7-mile walk by the Eastern region to Nettlebed in Oxfordshire, and a  Natram 11 mile hike around Box Hill near Dorking in Surrey. Please be advised this walk does include some strenuous climbs!
This week’s skinny dip opportunities include an informal beach day at Studland, an evening with Gary and Noreen and the Northern Ireland region in Magherafelt, for their first skinny dip in a man-made lake, which was over 50 years ago a basalt quarry! Wholly Healthy Open Water Club in Nottingham welcomes us to their first Skinny Dip in Colwick Park. Andy and the South West team will be in Ringstead Bay in Dorset.
Our first garden visit of July is to the National Trust’s Scotney Castle, a picturesque 14th Century castle surrounded by a moat, walled gardens. Picnic hampers are available as are ice cream, soft drinks and coffee/tea will be available to purchase in the garden also. In the South West, another new venue is Birchtree Well in Monmouthshire, situated in the heart of the Lower Wye Valley. We can walk amongst the ancient habitat of woodland, rocks, streams, lookout towers and butterfly gardens.
World Naked Bike ride this week from Portsmouth and Ipswich the following week! They are still underway all around the world.
 
Amanda
x
 
Events
 
Camping
Nudefest 2022
Mon 04 Jul 2022 - Mon 11 Jul 2022
Rusheyhill Camping
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 10:00 -Wed 13 Jul 2022, 12:00
 
Walks
Nettlebed Naturist Walk – 1st July 2022
Fri 01 Jul 2022, 12:30
Natram walk Box Hill
Thu 07 Jul 2022, 11:30-18:30
 
 
WNBR
WNBR Portsmouth 2 July 2022
Sat 02 Jul 2022, 11:00
WNBR Ipswich | 9 July 2022
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 13:00
 
Great British Skinny Dips
Skinny Dip Aberdeen
Sat 02 Jul 2022
Spectrum swim
Sat 2 Jul and Sat 9 Jul 2022, 18:00 - 21:00
Studland Beach Day
Sun 03 Jul 2022
Splash Northern Ireland | Mon 4 Jul 2022 | Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
Mon 04 Jul 2022, 20:00-22:00
Wholly Healthy Open Water | Sat 9 Jul 2022 | Nottingham
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 06:30-11:59
Kerensa Cottage Independent Skinny Dip
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 11:00-16:30
Ringstead in Bay Dorset on Saturday 9th July 2022
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 11:00
Wigton
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 13:00 - 15:00
Newcastle
Sat 09 Jul 2022, 18:00 - 19:00
 
Other events including garden days
Haslemere Open Day
Sat 02 Jul 2022-Sun 03 Jul 2022
Naturist Yoga Class | Consett | Saturday 10:00-13:00
Sat 02 Jul 2022, 10:00-13:00
Visit to NT Scotney Castle
Sun 03 Jul 2022, 17:30-21:30
Birchtree Well
Sun 03 Jul 2022, 14:00-17:30
Naked Yoga in Bristol
Tue 05 Jul 2022, 20:00-21:00

BN - broadcasting to the nation

We're fortunate to receive many approaches from the media - print, radio, TV and online - for news items, features, first-person stories and comment on Naturism and Naturist-related topics.
It's mostly because our subject matter is perennially fascinating, but we've also become adept at handling them professionally, and are well-known for being approachable and quick to respond.
Best of all is the increase in members willing to participate (thank you all!) - to be interviewed, filmed or photographed, share their views, and educate (inspire?) the audience, changing their views on social nudity (and those mad people that do it) and/or encouraging them to give it a try. Golly - they might even join BN!
It's been busy (again) lately as the opportunities to spread the word have increased. That's partly because we issued two press releases last week about the Great British Skinny Dip and Nudefest, both of which led to good coverage in print and on radio. BBC Radio Leicester sent a reporter to a skinny dip, and we were even asked by The Scotsman newspaper to write an article for them!
If you'd like to catch up with it all, read the articles and listen to the radio interviews, then check out this topic on the BN members' forum (log in required - don't have one? Come and join us here). There is also a topic dedicated to requests we and others have received for people and places for Naturist-related media work.
...and keep checking back, because, believe me, there is more to come...
 
Photo by Fringer Cat on Unsplash

From the Boardroom - a round up of activity by BN's Management Team

Arrivals and departures 
Unfortunately, for personal reasons, Sally Whitney decided to stand down as Clubs Officer and the position now stands vacant. We thank Sally for her contribution during her short time in post. This is a role created following the consultation carried out in 2020 concerning the relationship between BN and its member clubs, and one of its principal functions is to facilitate better communication. We very much hope somebody will come forward to take on this role soon. 
On the credit side, we were pleased to welcome Robin Dearle to the team. Robin will be assisting with financial matters and although he will not formally adopt the title of financial director, he will occupy a very important position. 
We were pleased to see that all the roles that fall due for election this year have attracted nominations. 
British Naturism: Sunfolk 
As the Sunfolk site readied itself to mark its 90th year as a Naturist venue, early in the new year we received the good news that planning permission for our proposed developments was granted. This means that we now need to move ahead with the practicalities, including the funding of this project. Developing this plan has been an important topic for the management team, over the last few months.
Meanwhile, the British Naturism: Sunfolk website has been re-launched – if you haven’t visited it recently it will be well worth a look.
British Heart Foundation 
We were extremely pleased to be able to sign a new agreement with this major national UK charity, building on the partnership of the last two years. They are extremely keen to be working with us.  We are now listed on the BHF’s website as a corporate partner.
Opinion polls 
The EC has decided to commission a well-known polling organisation to ask some questions about Naturism. The last such polls took place in 2001 and 2011, but with Covid still a major obstacle to normal life in 2021 it did not seem prudent to launch such a poll that year. This year, with things gradually getting back to normal, seems to be a more suitable time. We hope that such a poll will enable us to understand trends in relation to the practice of Naturism and public attitudes towards it.
Regional structures reform 
The working group dealing with regional structures made recommendations which have now been adopted by the EC and which will be discussed at the AGM 
in October. We hope these will strengthen regions overall by freeing them of unnecessary bureaucracy and encouraging more volunteers to come forward at regional and local level. 

Edwin Kilby 
 

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Account

Navigation

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.