Lifestyle Press

Described by many as a festival within a festival, Lost Horizon provides healing recovery space and sacred time to unwind and rejuvenate away from the bustle and mayhem. Melt in a hammock, recharge in the sunshine or lounge by the fire in the lodge. Some of the best musicians on the festival circuit have played often promoting and joining in with the naturist theme.

Mike and Jo Eveleigh  – previously managers at Tything Barn – have embarked on a new naturist venture of their own. Dolcoed has 15 gravel touring pitches, each with electric hook-ups. In addition, there are grass camping pitches available without electric; and a modern toilet and shower block with shaving points. Nestled in a naturally sheltered site, views from Dolcoed take in the mountainous forested landscapes of the western Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains.  The young couple have big aspirations for the future and aim to develop the site along the lines of a continental naturist resort.

Andy and Kathy Eke’s Acorns Naturist Retreat at Creacombe Parsonage, near Tiverton, in the heart of Devon, continues to thrive. In addition to B&B, mobile homes and camping accommodation, facilities have been developed to include a sun-trap swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, indoor club room with lounge and games area, and a licensed bar. Naturist massage has also been added to the extensive range of services on offer. Home-grown or locally sourced food is used whenever possible. Acorns is set in 13 acres of attractive grounds situated mid-way between Exmoor and Dartmoor, and enjoys lovely views across the countryside. The location is handy for the north and south coasts, which offer a choice of bare beaches.

Simon and Ruth offer naturist stays at The Forest Spa, at their home in the Wye Valley, Gloucestershire. The venue is Oak Lodge near Monmouth on the edge of the Forest of Dean and within the Wye Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Accommodation is available for a single night, or a longer break. Fine views can be enjoyed from the outdoor hot-tub, and day visits are also possible.

Described by the owners – Sarah and Jim – as a private camp for anyone who loves getting back to nature! Set in what was once an old quarry in a sleepy village, near the town of Frome, Qwarrior Tipis apparently offer the total “glamping” experience. All are welcome to the secluded spot in the rural countryside, and according to Sarah and Jim, ‘it is especially made for naturists, lovers and families who will have total privacy here amid the birdsong and rustling trees’.

The Forest Spa is for couples who enjoy making use of the sauna, hot tub and relaxation room the way the Finnish do, without swimming costumes. This will suit naturists and others, who simply like to use a sauna as it was intended.

The naturist owners, Simon and Ruth, also offer B&B accommodation at the property in the Forest of Dean, to those who would like to stay overnight following a spa evening.

Alison Powell has been in touch to tell us about another skinny dip taking place this summer, which is in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Early Sunday morning on 19th June is the date; and the place is the National Trust owned Llangennith beach at Rhossili, on the beautiful Gower Peninsular, South Wales. The organisers are aiming for a world record and hoping at least 300 souls will be taking part.  Apparently the police and the National Trust have both given the event their blessing, so it sounds like an opportunity not to be missed – and all in aid of a good cause!

Here’s a first – Go Camping’s new luxury tents at Bolding Way Holidays in North Norfolk: combining glamping (glamourous camping) with clothes optional naturist leisure at this new venture for the 2011 season. Situated on the coast at Weybourne, Bolding Way is a short drive from the renowned nudist beach at Holkham.

Sunday 17 July 2011 is the date for British Naturism’s nationwide Great British Skinny Dip. It will be a fun event happening across the UK. Many locations – including some traditionally clothed venues – will host skinny dips so that anyone can experience the joy of swimming without clothes.

According to BN, “There is nothing quite so liberating and life-affirming as swimming without clothes and the wonderful sensation of the water over your whole body. In fact, the swimsuit is the most pointless item of clothing invented – it neither keeps you warm nor dry!” If you are ready for a thrilling and different experience that might well change your life, put the date in your diary now. For further details and contacts, use the BN link www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

Scott Watkins, Assistant Producer on the popular UK Channel 4 programme – Relocation Relocation – is trying to find home-seeking naturists. “We are currently casting for a new series, hunting for couples looking to relocate / buy 2 homes. We have noticed a recent trend in people who apply – naturists looking to relocate to a warmer climate in order to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle” claimed Scott. He said if anybody is interested in taking part he’d love to speak to them. Scott can be contacted at IWC Media by phone: 0141 353 8439, or by email: scott.watkins@iwcmedia.co.uk

A unique new naturist event has been arranged at Butterfly World, St Albans, north of London, on Saturday 21 August 2010. The clothes-optional evening session runs from 6pm until 9pm and admission costs £5 for adults and £3 for children (3-16). The venue for this special occasion is only minutes away from three established naturist clubs – Spielplatz, Sunfolk Society and Five Acres – making it an ideal destination for a weekend break.

The project is still under development but by next year the centrepiece will be a large biome 100 metres in diameter and with 10,000 butterflies, humming birds, tropical plants and other insects. The clothes-optional evening is open to all.

From the beginning of November Simon and Ruth are making their Wye Valley holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean, near the Gloucestershire town of Coleford, available to naturists. Pike House Cottage has two double bedrooms and is set in its own attractive and completely secluded garden. A hot tub in the grounds can be used naked all year and the grounds offer complete privacy for nude sunbathing. According to the naturist owners it is a place that’s ‘ideal for a time away without clothes’.

Saturday 4th July ’09 is the date for the first ever clothes-optional swim, social and picnic at the historic open-air Pells Pool, in Lewes, East Sussex. From 7.30-10.30pm, tickets £3 in advance or £5 on the door (accompanied under 16s free).

Silver Spring Farm, an attractive country house close to the south-west coast of Cornwall, is available for holiday lets to naturists during 2009. The secluded grounds include a large heated swimming pool and hot tub. The property is conveniently situated for a number of unofficial nude beaches, while the Eden Project and other major tourist attractions are easily accessible. Contact Steve Clarke at Canarian Dreams for more details: Tel + Fax +44 (0)1326 341 190 (or 0800 988 3346 UK only).

Naturist touring holidays in style – whatever the weather! A luxury 6-berth motorhome in the south-west of England offers all the comforts of home including a walk-in shower, fully fitted kitchen with large fridge-freezer and a TV/CD/DVD player. The brand new air-conditioned Mooveo vehicle is located in the Bristol area, close to the international airport and handy for a quick get away to explore the West Country, Wales or further afield. Armed with a copy of ‘Bare Britain’ or ‘The World’s Best Nude Beaches and Resorts’, you’re free to discover the finest places to stay and relax as nature intended.

Following the the success of the inaugural Splashdown event earlier this year in Poole, Dorset, YBN (Young British Naturists) together with the UK’s national organisation British Naturism have announced the date for another night of fun next summer. Tower Park, Poole is the place and Saturday 11 July, 2009 is the date! Open to all naturists (including non-members), with admission by ticket only. Families and young people are especially welcome. With a choice of 12 flume rides and the Buccaneer Beach Lagoon and Landings play area for the younger ones, there’s something for everyone.

The date has been set to coincide with a BN beach day at nearby Studland bay on Sunday, 12 July.

(Review of the 2008 event)

We have just come across a useful website listing five of Cornwall’s naturist beaches – www.nudecornwall.co.uk. In addition to clear directions, the site provides a good selections of photographs to illustrate the bare bathing locations.

We heard from the owners of a new clothes-optional venture this week – a luxury self-catering bungalow set beside a private lake in rural Lincolnshire. In addition to relaxing on the spacious sundeck and soaking up life on the farm, guests can also enjoy the hot-tub and sauna. There is plenty of wildlife in the area and bikes are available to hire. For those who need to ‘stay connected’, free wi-fi access to the internet is provided. The property is just 10 miles from the coastal resort of Skegness.

One of Cornwall’s favourite and most popular naturist beaches is back in business for 2008! Penhale Sands was omitted from The World’s Best Nude Beaches because late in 2006 difficulties were encountered with the MOD (Defence Estates) and the local Council, concerning its future status – an attempt was made to ban nudist use. However, following intervention by British Naturism – the UK’s national organisation, which made recommendations for the management of the beach, all parties concerned have agreed enjoyment of the shore can now continue au naturel. (Full details, directions and photos in the Bare Britain guidebook pages 20-22)