A naked walk is to be held near Ripon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
British Naturism, which promotes naturism, is organising fundraising walks in which people will strip off and feel the breeze on their skin at gardens, stately homes and castles across the country.
The seven venues taking part in this year’s Naked Heart Walks include the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, between Ripon and Masham.
It will host a two kilometre walk for over-18s only on July 1.
This year’s walks are clothing-optional so there is no compulsion to strip naked.
An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed almost seven million Brits describe themselves as naturists or nudists.
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.
“I’m delighted to see the number of our Naked Heart Walks more than double this year and would encourage anyone to come and give it a go — and raise much needed funds for our charity partner.”
Ben Bishop, fundraising manager at the British Heart Foundation, said:
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new?
“Whether you dare to bare or keep your clothes on you can take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”
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Historic Harrogate naturist club holds first open day since covid
An historic naturist club in Harrogate is to hold its first open day since covid.
Valley Sun Club, which dates back to 1937, has a caravan site in a secluded spot on the outskirts of Harrogate.
The club, which is situated on five acres of land, is looking to reach new people in the area during its open day, which takes from 10am on Sunday, July 18.
It hopes that those who have missed the secluded naturist beaches in Europe will try out their Harrogate club as part of the staycation boom.
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To protect privacy, the precise location of the club has not been divulged, other than it is on the outskirts of Harrogate.
Those involved also requested to only use their first names.
Anne, who is in charge of membership at Valley Sun Club, told the Stray Ferret:
“Naturism is growing in popularity around the UK but it is probably not as popular as we would like it to be around Harrogate.
“We are just trying to reach out to anyone who might be interested, it might not be for everyone but I think there are lots of benefits to getting involved.”
To book your place, or for more information, contact richardatvalley@gmail.com or call 07340 177142.
As well as sunbathing, the club has boules, miniten, a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course and a bar at weekends with a pool table, darts and karaoke.
Many members have a caravan on site during the summer season, which allows them to stay as often as they wish but caravans are also available for rental.