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The Great British Skinny Dip - plenty of swims yet to come!

Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) is proving that swimming without a costume isn’t just for Naturists - with new venues hosting events and attracting newcomers to this healthy and exhilarating way of taking a dip - and raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.
It reinforces what an Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended): that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
There are 500 skinny dips taking place in 2025. Visit the Great British Skinny Dip calendar to find them all.
At the top right of the listing you will see a button labelled ‘Distance’ - pop in your postcode and a radius and find all GBSDs near you!
And we’re not done yet! We’re asking people up and down the country to find more venues. Can’t see a skinny dip in your neck of the woods? Host one! We’ll be happy to help get something off the ground.
 
 
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves. We encourage anyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
 
Ben Bishop, BHF Fundraising Manager, said:
“There are lots of ways to support the BHF and, thanks to British Naturism, these now include going for a skinny dip. We hope that thousands of people will take the plunge at one of the many events being held around the country. In doing so, they’ll be helping us fund scientists to discover the new treatments and cures that can save and improve lives.”
 
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
Media attendance at the swims is possible, with advance notice.
 
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138
greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
bn.org.uk 
 
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater slaterw@bhf.org.uk; 07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk 

Keep Busy with BN!

Don’t forget all the wonderful things you can get from the UK's National Naturist Organisation. There is plenty going on within our community including a lot of free content:
Read over one thousand articles on our news pages about a wide variety of Naturist and Naturist-related subjects
Visit goodtimes.bn.org.uk and discover how amazing and vibrant our community is.
Learn about our many campaigns, including inspiring, first-person stories from Women in Naturism
Follow us on social media - we're active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Check out TheNakedTruth - short online video interviews with Naturists on a variety of topics
Consider volunteering with British Naturism - checkout the volunteering pages on the BN website
Sign up for our regular newsletter and get information straight to your inbox
The members' side of our website is chock-full of interesting stuff. Naturists all over the country are currently discussing and debating a variety of topics - not all related to Naturism - and finding information, viewing events and other images, reading blogs and more.
It also contains a variety of interesting and useful downloads including full copies of BN Magazine back to 2004! There's even a guide on how to log in and use the members' section of the website, and a new Quickstart Guide to help you find your way around...
Not a member? It's easy to join...

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. And if you go to an event and have a blast (well, you will), please consider writing about it for this website, BN magazine, as a blog on the Members’ Forum - or all three!

Highlights
The World Naked Bike Rides continue - check out which ones are happening this weekend and in August
As usual, you’ll find plenty of nude swims to go to plus socials, walks, sports events and plenty of online events, this weekend and through next week - https://www.bn.org.uk/events/

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

Himalayan Garden Naked Heart Walk - Saturday 9 August

The Himalayan Gardens Naked Heart Walk is a regularly held event organised jointly by the YEM and NW Regions, consistently attracting approximately 90 participants, writes NW regional organiser Ron O'Hare, and we're looking forward to our second event in partnership with British Heart Foundation on August 9.
For our event in June the weather was dry but quite cool for our third annual visit to this stunningly beautiful venue situated seven miles north of Ripon, Yorkshire.
We long since realised that there was no need to go with a guided walk here as the participants, equipped with a venue supplied map, were happy to go off and explore the many paths which lead to picturesque settings, enabling perfect photographic opportunities from various elevated positions before heading down to the Lakeside Café for snacks and drinks in a perfect setting on the beautiful lawns.
It was great to see some clothes optional partners of Naturists enjoying the event and they all stripped off eventually, one new to Naturism lady said, ‘’This is the most exhilarating thing I have ever done’’. Surprisingly, the friendly venue management team kindly reduced the Group Visitor price for us to £10pp as a goodwill gesture to aid fundraising, this enabled us to raise well over £1k for the British Heart Foundation in just 3 hours. Thanks to BHF for supplying the Medals.
Find out more about the next Naked Heart Walk and book your place here!

Return to the Dorset Museum - now on sale

On the evening of Saturday August 2 you can immerse yourself in 250 million years of natural history at The Dorset Museum and Art Gallery in Dorchester, writes SW region events organiser Keith Bowman. 
View the secrets of geology, landscapes, habitats, and wildlife that surround us every day. Discover the life and works of Dorset’s famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and dive into key themes of his personal and professional life. Celebrate the works of Jane Austen as the museum puts on a special exhibition to mark the famous author’s 250th birthday. This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the museum NAKED.
This will be our second time at the museum. In addition to a great night out we also had a lot of media attention last time, all helping to raise the profile of Naturism!
For additional information and to buy tickets please visit the BN Calendar. See you there!

Just One Person

Many people don’t even know they know a Naturist, and assume that we are still a fringe minority on the far edges of society. In fact, we are their next-door neighbours, their work colleagues, the people on the next table in the pub, in the aeroplane seats in the row in front, in the car hire queue behind them at the airport … everywhere. We completely understand the fear of adverse reactions, but we want to encourage you to help Naturism in the UK to grow and become normal. While it remains hidden, misguided and incorrect perceptions of Naturism - and of Naturists - will continue. The more that people know about it, the better things will be.  
Don’t stress about making everyone in your life aware, tell Just One Person. It’s probably quite easy to pick someone who would not be judgemental. Don’t assume it will be bad. You’ll probably find that you get a positive or sympathetic reaction. Feedback from those that have ‘come out’ suggests that you will feel better having told someone – it may actually be a relief! 
If you need some more help in what to say, see the ‘How to Talk about Naturism’ download available from the BN website.
Here are some Just One Person experiences from our members as posted on the BN forum in the ‘Just One Person’ in the ‘Bare Necessities / Campaigning section … we look forward to reading yours!

I must have told (or more accurately, informed) two people today. Two estate agents came (separately) to value the house for probate purposes, and when they went out to the garden through the back door they would have seen the BN "Naturists may be Seen" doormat there.

Just been on the phone to the bank because I was having difficulty paying my annual membership to Suntreckers camping club. The lady made a comment about the name sounding like fun, so I talked about Naturism for a couple of minutes. She latched onto the idea of everyone being the same, and seemed to like the idea. I told her to have a look at the BN site. We parted, with her saying that she would.

Not one person but at least three! I went to a group coffee morning that I’ve recently joined. I overheard someone mention the word ‘naked’ though not sure in what context it was but I said ‘You won’t want to hear what I like doing’. The young lady that runs the group asked me to tell them and so I told her and two other ladies next to me that I’m a Naturist. They were all interested and one said she would love to try it. 

I’d got into a text conversation with one of my fellow postgrad students about holidays, beaches and such like and then mentioned that we’d often found Naturist beaches to be a quieter, more chilled out alternative to the busy mainstream places. Rather unnervingly the conversation ended right there and I heard nothing more for a couple of days. I’d begun to wonder if I’d said too much, but then they replied at length, saying how awesome it sounded and telling about the one time they also stripped off on a remote beach. Glad I’d accurately spotted a like-minded person rather than completely misjudging the whole thing!  

Was asked today at work by a female colleague what I planned to do on my next days off. I mentioned going to the private session at the Dover swim, on Sunday evening. I didn’t mention that it was a nude swim, but she asked if it was. We spent about an hour discussing all things naked, the outcome of which is that she is now thinking of coming along.

Booking a cookery lesson with a local provider who will come to you with equipment and ingredients. Actually, my kitchen is rubbish and I'm in the process of getting a new one and so I will go to her. Told her that, and that I live at Spielplatz and asked if she'd heard of it. She told me her mum used to be a district nurse and visited some patients who lived here.

Where I live, I am lucky to have glass doors opening out to the garden, but it's a communal garden for a small block of flats. One of the lady occupants often strolls by to admire my gardening exploits. I have told her that I am a Naturist and generally don't wear anything while at home. She seems to be strolling by more often and now I make no effort to cover up, as we chat about the garden. Next time I will invite her in for a cuppa.

Image: Linked In Sales Solutions

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. And if you go to an event and have a blast (well, you will), please consider writing about it for this website, BN magazine, as a blog on the Members’ Forum - or all three!

Highlights
Are you ready for the Naked in Northumberland weekend which includes a boat trip around the Farne islands and a visit to the Duchess of Northumberland’s Alnwick Garden?
The World Naked Bike Rides continue - check out which ones are happening this weekend
As usual, you’ll find plenty of nude swims to go to plus socials, walks and plenty of online events, this weekend and through next week.

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

Forth Boat Trip - have you booked?

Here's a great way to celebrate the finale of Edinburgh International Festival - a Naturist Boat Trip on the river Forth!
A regular event in the BN SANER region calendar now, it's a brilliant opportunity to sail naked under the iconic World Heritage Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.  Our boat has a bar and a heated saloon with open deck spaces, so all weather conditions are covered. 
The event takes place on Sunday 24 August - find out more and book your place now!

British Naturism Sunfolk - awaiting your visit!

Have you been to British Naturism Sunfolk yet? Plenty of people have including many non-members and those new to Naturism. Bookings have been good through the season and especially during this lovely spell of hot weather, soaking up the sun on the lawns and dunking themselves in the pool to cool down! They are also making the most of the bistro with its new lines. Little’s Coffee now supply smooth, bold, barista-style coffee. Standard pizzas have been replaced with those in calzone-style, together with frozen box meals in different menu choices and snacks from Nudi and Bare Fruits. Cold drinks from Cawton Press and Belvoir fill the chiller cabinet, and new artisan Ice Cream supplier, Saffron, has its own freezer.
We’ve also hosted themed and specialist weekends in the opening weeks. Naked Retro Games took over the meeting room and parts of the Pavilion with enthusiasts who wanted to relive their childhood gaming memories. In early May, Roy and Georgia led a Naked Fitness weekend with a full programme of exercise and yoga for the participants. In June we held our Pride weekend. There's a Holistic Weekend to come in September.
 It’s always great to hear from our guests, and this really encourages our Wardens, who volunteer their time to make sure our guests have the best time when they visit. This year you will meet new members of the Warden Team as well as familiar faces from the first season

What our guests are saying
Each time I have paid for a day visit to Sunfolk, it has been well used and people I have spoken to have expressed the desire to return as often as they were able. Some of the visitors I spoke to were experiencing Naturism for the first time and several were from demographic groups currently under-represented in BN. This amply demonstrates the value of the site as a showcase for Naturism, something that a balance sheet can never show.
I'm just back from my second visit to Sunfolk. What a lovely place – idyllic surroundings, with beautiful and incredibly well-kept grounds, nature – bluebells, common blue butterflies flitting through the trees, and birdsong (including a very melodious blackbird). All facilities immaculate – and a great (and warm!) swimming pool. I have had a rejuvenating day after a busy week in London and I have got home feeling mentally and physically rested.
I went to Sunfolk yesterday for the first time since the reopening, and had a wonderful time, despite the weather slightly turning cooler by late-afternoon. Thank you to the wardens who were all very welcoming and helpful, and all the other guests I spoke to, who were all really lovely and friendly. I'm hoping to come back again soon before the end of the season!
I was there on Friday with my two noisy boys and they loved it! I was blown away with the wonderful reception we received from the wardens. I can't believe the transformation that has been made by the renovations. The older child has been telling mummy how wonderful it was, and she has said that she may join us at some point ... now this is a massive shift in mindset. So fingers crossed.
I've just finished a super two nights at Sunfolk, staying in one of the comfortable glamping pods. Colin was a very welcoming warden, the facilities were excellent and the sun was shining throughout. The pods were much nicer than one I stayed at in Scotland recently. Looking forward to coming back and I can see how the site would be enjoyable even in inclement weather. The shops are only a few minutes walk away – ask about the short cut.

British Naturism Sunfolk is a five-acre woodland site owned and operated by British Naturism. It’s five minutes from where the M1 and M25 join, just outside of St Albans. It’s perfect both for seasoned Naturists and for those looking to explore a clothes-free world for the first time. Everyone is welcome!

sunfolk.bn.org.uk

Day 6: That’s a Wrap! Nudefest 2025 Closes with Sunshine, Snakes, and Madness

Nudefest 2025 has officially come to a close — well, apart from the packing up and saying a few hundred goodbyes! But what a final day it was, bringing together the perfect mix of sunshine, silliness, surprise acts, and some slithering special guests.
As always, the day began with our reliable favourites: morning fitness and yoga under the already blazing sun. The atmosphere was warm in every sense of the word — cheerful, relaxed, and filled with anticipation for the last big push of the festival.
One of the day’s highlights came courtesy of Garwynn’s Reptiles, who brought along some fascinating friends: pythons, boa constrictors, king snakes, and even a few tarantulas. Visitors and regulars alike grabbed the chance to handle and be photographed with the creatures.
But the bigger surprise was an unheralded daytime cabaret that quickly took over the festival vibe. What started as a light bit of entertainment turned into a full-blown tribute to the likes of Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Garth Brooks — complete with costumes, crowd participation, and a generous helping of country spirit.
As the afternoon wore on and the sun continued to blaze, the slip and slide became the ultimate way to cool down — as festivalgoers flung themselves along the track with varying levels of grace and enthusiasm.
Cooling down didn’t last long, though, as many slid straight into Squiffy Yoga. It’s billed as part yoga, part drinking game — though most agree it’s mainly just the latter. This year, squiffy yoga took on a new dimension as it climaxed with the hen party of our yoga instructor and long-time staff member, Georgia. Georgia knew it would be marked in some way but being paraded through an archway of several hundred naked guests is perhaps one of the stranger hen party activities.
And then came the finale: a high-energy performance from a band we’ve been hoping to book for years — SKA Madness. They brought all the iconic ska hits, an infectious stage presence, and enough brass-fuelled energy to get the whole site dancing one last time.
As the sun set on the final night of Nudefest 2025, it was hard not to feel a bit emotional. This week has been about far more than just activities and music. It’s been about community, freedom, laughter, and the powerful shared experience that Naturism makes possible.
We’ll be back in 2026 — and we’re already counting the days.


Thanks to our Nudefest sponsors!
Suntreckers - suntreckers.org.uk
BHH Naturist Resort, Fuerteventura - naturistcanaries.com
Vritomartis - vritomartis.com

Nudefest Day 5: A Day of Musical Highlights and Festival Energy

As we head into the final full day of Nudefest, it’s impossible not to look back at Friday and feel like we’ve already experienced the festival’s grand finale. From classic activities to unforgettable performances, the energy on site was electric—and it’s safe to say the bar has been set incredibly high.
The day began with familiar favourites. Archery sessions were in full swing, the colourful chaos of the Holi paint fight once again proved wildly popular, and the much-loved Naked Pop Quiz brought together fun, facts, and friendly competition. But while these regular fixtures brought the usual smiles and laughter, it was the musical line-up that truly stole the show.
Sorrel Nation Returns - With a Twist
A highlight for many was the return of Sorrel Nation, a Nudefest favourite whose soulful original music has become part of the festival’s fabric. This year, Sorrel was joined by her partner Theo on cello, adding a new and haunting dimension to her performance. The combination of her powerful vocals and the deep, resonant strings captivated the audience, weaving together original songs with the occasional cover that had the crowd singing along.
Introducing Dathan Horridge
Also taking to the stage in the afternoon was Dathan Horridge, making his Nudefest debut after a memorable first appearance at EveryBody last year. Dathan's set stood out not only for his musical talent but for his unique ability to blend dark comedy with serious, emotionally resonant themes. His performance had many crying with laughter, only to be struck moments later by the poignancy of his lyrics. It was a rollercoaster experience that will stay with many for a long time.
The Wurzels Take Centre Stage
As the sun began to set, anticipation built for the headline act—and what a headline it was. Somerset legends The Wurzels arrived to raucous cheers from an audience that included many who had booked their entire festival weekend just to see them perform. With their trademark blend of West Country humour, folk-infused music, and onstage antics, The Wurzels delivered a set that had everyone dancing, laughing, and joining in on every chorus. They captured the spirit of the festival perfectly: unpretentious, joyful, and proudly local.
Is This the End? Not Yet.
Given the scale and energy of Friday’s schedule, you’d be forgiven for thinking the festival had reached its climax. But Nudefest isn’t finished yet. Saturday still promises more highlights, some that are on the programme, and others that might just take everyone by surprise…

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. And if you go to an event and have a blast (well, you will), please consider writing about it for this website, BN magazine, as a blog on the Members’ Forum - or all three!

Highlights
Have you been to the new London Swim on Saturday and Sunday nights yet? It’s proving popular. Don’t forget there is also a sauna and a steam room, and starting this Sunday, a yoga class, with a Spin class to follow Sunday week.
The World Naked Bike Rides continue - check out which ones are happening this weekend
As usual, you’ll find plenty of nude swims to go to, including a ladies only event in Surrey and the monthly Great British Skinny Dip at Wigton pool in the Lake District, run by the pool themselves. And you can make the most of the good weather with more swims and walks taking place through next week.
Looking ahead to the following weekend, get ready for the Naked in Northumberland weekend which includes a boat trip around the Farne Islands and a visit to the Duchess of Northumberland’s Alnwick Garden.
Planning ahead - two events to look forward to in August: the Forth Boat trip run by the SANER region, which takes place at the same time as the Edinburgh Festival and a new music-based weekend in the LASER region in East Sussex.
Finally, if you missed out on Nudefest but were inspired, get your place booked now for our Baskerville Hall hotel and camping event, also in August

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

Nudefest Day 4: Scorching Sun, Circus Scares, and Serious Media Buzz

As Thursday draws to a close at Nudefest, I’m writing this update from out in the field, surrounded by warm evening air and the sound of tonight’s headline act—Ed Sheeran’s Songbook—filling the site. It’s been a day that was both absolutely scorching and absolutely packed.
The day began with the usual dose of fitness and yoga, but things quickly escalated with jaw-dropping circus acts in the big top, including genuine knife-throwing—with Pam bravely standing in front of the board. Alongside that, meaningful discussion sessions like Meet the South West and Women in Naturism brought community voices and shared perspectives into the heart of the day.
Live music kicked off with the one-man band Andy Twyman, whose blend of off-beat musical humour had the crowd laughing and clapping. That was followed by foot-stomping sea shanties, and then the day culminated in the much-anticipated headline act, Ed Sheeran’s Songbook, lighting up the evening.
But perhaps the most powerful element of the day wasn’t on stage—it was happening behind the scenes and in front of cameras.
A Breakthrough Day for Naturism in the Media
It’s been a phenomenal day for promoting Naturism. There has already been one success from earlier in the week that was published yesterday:
TheNakedTruth team - Saoirse Newhouse, Mark Bass, Rachel Rhodes, and Martha Vickery - have been incredibly active across multiple media platforms, ensuring that Naturism was front and centre in mainstream conversations.
• An online article published by BBC Somerset featuring Sue May, Saoirse Newhouse, and Dave Bygrave.
But there’s more, here’s just a snapshot of what’s happened in the last 24 hours:
• A live appearance by Mark Bass on the BBC Radio Somerset Breakfast Show.
• A recording with Martha Vickery and Rachel Rhodes for BBC Radio Somerset, expected to air on Sunday.
• A video interview with Martha Vickery by BBC Points West, also due to be broadcast Sunday.
• An entire day of filming with TheNakedTruth team, led by Saoirse Newhouse, and contributors for a feature-length documentary on Naturism and youth for ARTE Television - a respected European broadcaster. This production is expected to explore real Naturist topics in depth and, importantly, feature uncensored nudity in an honest and respectful context.
The sheer volume of coverage and interest from just one day is a testament to how far TheNakedTruth campaign has come. It shows both the strength of our team and the increasing recognition of Nudefest as a platform for changing public perceptions of Naturism.
Friday may be quieter on the media front, but the activities? They're about to hit another level. But you'll have to wait just a little longer to hear about that…


Thanks to our Nudefest sponsors:
Suntreckers - suntreckers.org.uk
BHH Naturist Resort, Fuerteventura - naturistcanaries.com
Vritomartis - vritomartis.com

Nudefest Day 3: Things Are Heating Up – In Every Sense!

Nudefest is hitting its peak and the atmosphere couldn’t be more electric. With the sun blazing and spirits even higher, guests have been diving headfirst into the packed programme of activities—and yesterday was one for the books.
A standout moment came with a trip to the nearby Burrow Hill Cider Farm, where dozens of festival-goers spent three hours completely at ease in their skin, sampling some of the finest cider brandies the UK has to offer. Normally reserved for the most exclusive venues and dining tables, these award-winning drinks were enjoyed in true naturist style — free, open, and surrounded by likeminded people.
Back at the main site, the energy didn’t drop for a second. The afternoon brought live music from Razzomo, and more light-hearted chaos courtesy of the ever-popular Naked Pop Quiz. But the true headline act — and for many, the high point of the entire week — was the comedy night.
This year’s line-up was arguably the strongest Nudefest has ever hosted, featuring performances from Matt Stellingwerf, Esther Manito, and Scott Bennett, all expertly held together by host Ben Van Der Velde. Sitting front and centre wearing pink cowboy hats, TheNakedTruth team (joined by a local cowboy for good measure) quickly became the comedians’ favourite targets—taking the teasing with laughter and pride.
Earlier in the day, Ben Van Der Velde also led a spontaneous improv workshop — delivered completely naked. His relaxed presence and willingness to fully embrace the environment show just how much he’s become part of the Nudefest family over the years.
As for what’s next? Today sees the arrival of the circus — yes, really — and a full schedule of live music, culminating tonight with Ed Sheeran’s Songbook tribute act.
The sun is shining, the energy is high, and everything about this week continues to prove why Nudefest is one of the UK’s most vibrant and unforgettable naturist gatherings.

French opinion poll shows encouraging results - and parallels with British Naturism's 2022 poll.

BN's former International Director and now INF Vice-President Edwin Kilby, reports on a survey commissioned by the French Federation for Naturism (FFN), published just ahead of World Naturist Day on 1 June.
'The survey reveals that roughly 25% of French adults between the ages of 18 and 75 have experienced Naturism beyond the confines of their homes, with another 10% indicating a curiosity to try it. These figures translate to approximately 13 million people who have dabbled in Naturism and an additional 4 million who would consider participating.
Whilst we should beware of drawing too many conclusions from one survey, there is room for cautious optimism from its findings. It's also notable that there are striking similarities with those of the BN survey commissioned in 2022, particularly as regards the overall numbers of people participating in Naturism, and also the interest among younger people.'
You can read more about this on the INF-FNI website, here, which also includes a link to the FFN's press release.

Image: CHM Montalivet/Charles Platiau

Nudefest Day 2: New Faces, Global Guests, and the Power of Honest Conversations

Nudefest really came to life yesterday with the first full day of activities. The sun made its presence felt, some of us have the tan lines (or not!) to prove it, but the high spirits and energy didn’t falter for a moment.

The main field has been a hive of activity all day, filled with classic games, enthusiastic participants, and live music setting the tone. Meanwhile, the marquees haven’t been quiet either. From fitness classes to hands-on craft sessions and thoughtful discussions on respect and safety in Naturist spaces, there’s been something for everyone.

A particular highlight—or perhaps a delightful surprise—was the ongoing presence of Split Style Coffee, who provided not just barista-level caffeine and muffins, but, for one day only, a touch of unlimited chaos. There’s likely more to come on that front, so keep an eye online.

Adding an international dimension to the festival, we were pleased to welcome Héctor Martínez, Communications Officer for the International Naturist Federation. Travelling all the way from Mexico, Héctor spent several hours with our very own Saoirse creating content to be shared by both British Naturism and the INF. It’s a reminder of the strategic value of events like Nudefest, not only do they serve our members here in the UK, but they also help to amplify Naturism around the world.

Speaking of storytelling and shared experiences, our newest member of TheNakedTruth team, Rae, has been settling into her first Nudefest. Like Saoirse, Rae is a university student, and has been reflecting on the challenges of sharing this unexpected new experience with her peers.

“I had a call with my tutor last week and mentioned I was working at a festival,” she explains. “She asked which festival, so I said a small festival in Somerset. Being a festival-goer herself, she persisted and asked which one. So I was left with little choice but to be honest. ‘Nudefest.’ It was actually worth telling her just to see the look of shock.”

Much like Saoirse before her, Rae has now "outed" herself as a Naturist and there’s no going back. These moments may seem small, but they are deeply significant. They reflect how events like Nudefest aren't just fun gatherings, they're also key to normalising Naturism through conversation, one person and one honest answer at a time.

And that was just yesterday.

Today, we begin shifting up through the gears. Alongside all the regular activity, we have one of the most anticipated traditions of the week: the visit to the cider brandy farm 🍎—a perennial favourite. Then, tonight, we raise the roof with our big Comedy Night featuring top performers and plenty of laughter.

Nudefest is off to an unforgettable start—and we’ve only just begun.

Thanks to our Nudefest sponsors!
Suntreckers - suntreckers.org.uk
BHH Naturist Resort, Fuerteventura - naturistcanaries.com
Vritomartis - vritomartis.com

Nudefest Day 1: Sunshine, Pizza, and Rock & Roll

Day 1 of Nudefest has come to a close—and what a start it’s been! With glorious, uncharacteristic sunshine greeting our arrivals this year, the festival site quickly filled with sunbathers making the most of the weather as soon as tents and motorhomes were pitched. The atmosphere has been buzzing since the first camper rolled in at 10 am.
By late afternoon, the bar was open, food vendors were in full swing, and the festival spirit really took hold. New to the food lineup this year is Street Italian, a pizza venture run by none other than James Shuttleworth—familiar to many as the EuNat youth leader. His debut at Nudefest has already earned plenty of fans, and his pizzas are proving just as popular as his passion for Naturism.
The evening’s entertainment saw funk and rock band Scratch take to the stage, electrifying the crowd and raising the bar for what’s shaping up to be a spectacular week ahead.
And speaking of what’s ahead… tomorrow brings a visit to the cider maker (with tasting, of course!), a full programme of daytime activities out on the field, and a double bill of live music to round it all off. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out more...
Stay tuned, and stay bare!


Thanks to our Nudefest sponsors!
Suntreckers - suntreckers.org.uk
BHH Naturist Resort, Fuerteventura - naturistcanaries.com
Vritomartis - vritomartis.com

New Naked Heart Walk announced!

We're delighted to bring you news of a new Naked Heart Walk for 2025, at College Lake, near Tring in Hertfordshire that takes place on Saturday 6 September.
College Lake is one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserves and supports more than 1,000 different wildlife species. The venue is ideal for a Naked Heart Walk as it is a circular self-guided walk on a gentle footpath with way markers. There is a shop, ample parking and toilets. Naked Heart Walks are clothing optional to encourage attendance - and so you are welcome to complete the walk by yourself or bring friends. There will be three walks to choose from.
Find out more and book your tickets here!
This venue was suggested by a BN member! If you have an idea of suitable locations for Naked Heart Walks or Great British Skinny Dips, or indeed any Naturist event, please let us know!

Nudefest 2025 Kicks Off Under Glorious Sunshine

The wait is over—Nudefest 2025 starts today! As the sun rises over our beautiful Somerset site, excitement is already building for what promises to be one of our biggest and best festivals yet.

Under the direction of the Events Team, the site build has been underway all week, and the finishing touches are now in place. The TheNakedTruth team has arrived on-site and will be here all week, capturing the atmosphere, speaking to festival-goers, and sharing stories across social media.

A Week Full of Variety
Each day of Nudefest offers a packed programme of activities. Regular features such as yoga, fitness, and craft sessions run throughout the week, offering something for all interests and energy levels. There are also some special sessions that set each day apart, including:
• Cider tasting sessions featuring a range of local favourites and cider brandy
• Foraging to connect with the natural environment
• Circus return to the Big Top!

Evening Entertainment
As always, the evenings promise a completely different vibe, with nightly live entertainment to keep the energy high. Highlights this year include:
• Tribute acts to Ed Sheeran and Madness
• Our ever-popular Comedy Night
• A headline performance by West Country legends, The Wurzels!

Voices from TheNakedTruth Team
We asked members of TheNakedTruth team what they’re most looking forward to:

“Definitely getting to try different types of cider and cider brandy, and I might buy some to take home.” – Saoirse

“This is my first time at a Naturist event, so what I’m really looking forward to is meeting people.” – Rae

“Ooo! And yoga!” – Also Saoirse

“Ooo! Also when we arrived, we got to meet Pam’s new puppy—she is so cute!” – yes, Saoirse again, can't shut her up

Editor’s note: "cute" ref the puppy, not Pam.

Not Booked Yet?
It’s not too late to join us! With sunshine forecast all week, now’s the perfect time to book your place and experience the freedom, fun, and community spirit that make Nudefest so special.
Head over to the British Naturism Events page to grab your last-minute tickets and be part of this unforgettable week.
The full program is below!

Nudefest 2025 - Pre-event - Final.pdf

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.
In this powerful episode, Helen Berriman speaks to Louise Butcher — also known as The Topless Runner.
Breast cancer survivor Louise made the deeply personal choice to have a double mastectomy without reconstruction, despite immense pressure from society to conform to an ideal of how a woman “should” look. Through her courageous decision, and by running topless to challenge restrictive dress codes in sport, Louise has sparked vital conversations about body autonomy, gender equality, and the freedom to accept ourselves exactly as we are.
While Louise does not identify as a Naturist, her story resonates strongly with the values of body freedom, confidence, and advocacy at the heart of this podcast. Her resilience and determination to break down outdated norms align closely with the naturist philosophy of normalising all bodies and respecting everyone’s right to choose how they present themselves.
In Episode 20, Louise talks about her health anxiety, her cancer journey, and how not having breasts has made her question what it is people really see when they look at a topless woman. Her story is an inspiring reminder that body freedom takes many forms, and there is tremendous power in challenging social expectations.
Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts - launching today, Saturday 5 July
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
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.

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