Nudism in Britain

Nudism in Britain the liberating experience of social nudity

sun

An ever increasing number of people in Britain are discovering the pleasure to be derived from social nudity. Some enjoy being naked in their own homes and gardens, others belong to private clubs , and others go naked on secluded beaches and in the countryside. Some choose to describe themselves as naturists or nudists, others do not.

THE TRADITIONAL NATURIST CLUBS

Many (but not all) traditional clubs require potential members to be members of British Naturism which is a rather decrepit organisation, with a generally conservative and narrow-minded membership, which purports to represent naturists in Britain. Apart from outdoor clubs there are numerous locations around the country which hold regular indoor naturist swimming/sauna sessions. Full details are contained in the British Naturism website or BN's magazine which is issued free to members. The organisation has long been criticised for its lack of democracy and BN seems totally irrelevant to many nudists/naturists in Britain who are not members of clubs.

You don't have to miss out just because you are single. There is a BN affiliated club specifically for single naturists which organises a range of activities around Britain. You can find out more at Singles Outdoor Club website.

NUDIST PHILOSOPHY

Many naturists consider social nudity to be no more than a leisure activity. However, radical nudists see it as part of a wider philosophy of life and part of the struggle to achieve a freer society. If you want to refresh the parts that the average naturist barbecue cannot reach take a look at this essay:

Nudism - The Radical Tradition shows the long historical connection between nudism and radical politics. Nudists have not always been conservative bores!

OTHER WEB SITES AND PUBLICATIONS

The Naturist UK FactFile(NUFF)

The Naturist UK FactFile, has developed out of the uk.rec.naturist newsgroup - see below. It provides an alternative source of information on clubs,swims, beaches,etc.

H&E Naturist

H&E Naturist (formerly Health and Efficiency) is a long established magazine available from some newsagents or by postal subscription. (Telephone 01405 764206.) It has been a valuable first point of contact with naturism for many people over the years. It has in the past received undeserved criticism from prudish naturists because of its more libertarian attitude to sexual matters. The associated H&E Naturist website is used to promote the magazine and is otherwise of little interest.

The Naturist Guide to Great Britain

The Naturist Guide to Great Britain by David Martin is recommended by many naturists. The style is somewhat rambling and inclined to reflect the personal whims and prejudices of the author ( and why not - if you share them !) This type of guide depends heavily on hearsay and gets out of date quickly - but the latest edition is available from Coast and Country Publications at the address shown below.

The Nudist Way

More useful is The Nudist Way, also by David Martin, which provides loads of information about locations used in the British countryside by nudists for nude walking and picnics, etc. Highly recommended and bound to whet your appetite for free range nudism!

Contact : Coast and Country Publications, 3 Mayfield Avenue, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO12 6DF

NEWSGROUPS FOR NATURISTS/NUDISTS

uk.rec.naturist

uk.rec.naturist is a USENET newsgroup used by naturists/nudists in Britain (well mainly Southern England!) As all USENET groups, it contains plenty of drivel and regular bores who will argue that black is white for the sheer hell of it. Many regulars use it as a mere chat group. However, a welcome development was the creation of a monthly posting, the Naturist UK FactFile (NUFF) which has now expanded into a NUFF website - see details above.

NATURIST HOLIDAYS IN MID-WALES

Naturists seeking a relaxing holiday in Mid Wales are invited to hire a caravan or small cottage at Tan-y-fford, a smallholding at Penuwch, near Tregaron. The caravan is set in its own field in a valley and has a small stream running along the lower end of the field. There is direct access to a secluded "secret garden" for private sunbathing. For further information see the Tan-y-fford website. The owners, Gordon and Liz, are naturists.

NATURISM AND GLOBAL WARMING

Naturists have traditionally sought the sun by flying to other countries with more favourable climates. However, it is now time to consider the consequences of air travel on climate change. This growing awareness should make all of us consider the scope for naturism in Britain and, hopefully, lead to a renaissance of naturist holidays and facilities in Britain. Imagine if all those naturists who in recent years have taken their holidays in other countries suddenly stripped off on British beaches!