Whilst we have experienced Naturists amongst our members, we also have newbies – and everything in between – but one thing we have in common is that we were all new to it once. Perhaps you’re just curious about trying it – maybe you’ve been practising home nudity and want to try a social setting. Our group is a great way to make that happen!
Naturists come in all shapes and sizes. The media image of what a perfect naked body should look like is rarely reality at a Naturist event! What you will see is lots of people comfortable in their own skin regardless of what they look like.
The Language of Naturism
As with most things, Naturism comes with its own jargon, buzzwords and acronyms. Here are selection of some of the terms you may not be familiar with.
Landed Club
Landed clubs are Naturist clubs with their own land and facilities.
Non-landed Club
Put simply, the opposite of a landed club; indeed we are a non-landed club ourselves.
Textile
Textile is a term we Naturists use for non-naturists – textile as in clothes! Similarily, you’ll often see or hear the term textile beach.
British Naturism
British Naturism – commonly referred to by BN – is UK’s national organisation for Naturists, Naturism and Naturist places for over 60 years. The Outreach Group is a member of BN, as are many of its members individually.
GBSD
Great British Skinny Dip is a nationwide series of swimming events across the UK, raising money for the British Heart Foundation.
WNBR
The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is a global protest movement with rides in cities around the world, raising awareness of issues such as safety of cyclists on the road, reducing oil dependence and saving the planet.
FKK
Freikörperkultur, or FKK, is a Naturist movement with its origins in Germany. On the continent you will often find Naturist beaches are signposted as ‘FKK’.
INF
The International Naturist Federation is the global organisation that represents the different nations’ official Naturist organisations, such as BN. Membership of BN, whether as a club or group like Outreach or as an individual member, automatically bestows membership of the INF. Individual BN/INF members receive the ‘INF Stamp’ along with their annual membership card. This is a card that can be used when visiting Naturist places, such as campsites and resorts, when travelling abroad. This is an indication that the person is a genuine Naturist (and some sites offer a discount to INF card-carriers).
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Below, you’ll find a selection of frequently-asked-questions
What is Naturism?
Naturism is the practice of going without clothes – whether that is just occasionally at a beach or in your garden, or as a more general part of everyday life. Naturism is healthy and sensible – who wants to wear clothes when the weather is hot and great fun!
What is the difference between Naturism and Nudism?
For the most part, the terms “Naturism” and “nudism” are largely interchangeable. In the UK, Naturism is generally preferred while in the US they use Nudism. On the European continent it varies from one country to another but often you will see both terms being used.
Do I have to be naked all the time?
No, it’s a myth that Naturism is about being naked all the time. There are some basic rules though – at a Naturist club it’s usual that you will have to be naked in the pool area and the sauna. Otherwise you will see lots of people in wraps, sarongs, or if the weather is cold, fully dressed. There are some Naturists who like to be naked all the time, but mostly it’s about personal choice to be naked or not. Even with those basic rules there are, of course, exceptions for that ‘time of the month’ so it’s not uncommon to see a women with bikini bottoms on.
How do Naturists disassociate seeing a naked person on a naturist weekend from seeing a naked person in a sexual context?
It is always a surprise to those new to Naturism that once everyone is naked you very quickly stop thinking about it. So the question is similar to saying ‘how do you disassociate seeing a clothed person on the street from seeing a clothed person in a sexual context? In other words, this question is not specific to Naturism. The difference is, outside of Naturism people are usually only seeing genitals when there is a sexual context – hence they link genitals with sex. In Naturism there are genitals all around you, so it’s just another part of the body.
Is it legal?
The law in the UK is clear that nudity itself is not criminal, unless there is a sexual context or intent to cause alarm or distress.
If you wish to find out more, the following British Naturism pages give more detail:
Law & Naturism – British Naturism
College of Policing Guidance on Public Nudity – the 2024 Update!