UK Naturism
Naturism for Beginners
New to naturism? Start here. Straightforward, non-explicit answers to the questions most people actually have before their first visit.
What is naturism?
Naturism is the practice of being nude among other people, in appropriate non-sexual settings, as a normal and comfortable way of living. It has nothing to do with sex, and UK naturist spaces are typically stricter about behaviour than most ordinary public venues.
Read our full beginner's guide →What happens at a naturist beach?
People sunbathe, swim, read and socialise nude, much as they would clothed at any other beach. It tends to be calmer than a typical beach, since everyone present has chosen to be there.
Read our full guide to UK naturist beaches →What should I expect at a naturist club?
A social, unhurried atmosphere: swimming, sport, a clubhouse, and a genuine community rather than a place people simply pass through. Most clubs arrange a supervised first visit before membership.
Read our full guide to naturist clubs →Is naturism legal in the UK?
Yes — public nudity itself is not a specific criminal offence in England and Wales. What can become an offence is nudity intended to cause alarm or distress, which is a different question from naturism in an appropriate, consensual context.
Read our full explainer on UK law →What do you actually do at a naturist resort?
The same things you would on any holiday — swim, eat, read, walk, socialise — with the difference that clothing is optional rather than expected. Meal times and some communal areas may have their own dress conventions.
See our naturist holidays guide →How do you overcome embarrassment about being naked?
Gradually, and through small, repeated exposure rather than a single decision. Most people find the anticipation is worse than the reality, and that the self-consciousness fades within the first half hour of an actual visit.
Read our guide to building body confidence →Is naturism sexual?
No. Naturist venues in the UK explicitly prohibit sexual behaviour, and the communities that run them are generally quick to challenge anyone who treats the space as something other than what it is. Nudity and sexuality are treated as clearly separate things.
Can families participate in naturism?
Yes — many UK naturist beaches and clubs are family-oriented, with children a common and welcome part of the community. Clubs that accept families typically have clear safeguarding policies in place.
Take the next step
See it in Boris Naturi's own words
Finding Freedom – In My Skin follows the same first-visit nerves described above, from secret childhood swims to a first, frightened step onto a naturist beach.
Read About the Book