Our story
The story of Naturism in Wales is, in many ways, the story of how a small regional society gradually evolved into a national community with a much broader vision.
The origins lie with the North Wales Naturist Society (NWNS), which for many years provided opportunities for naturists across North Wales to meet for walks, social gatherings and outdoor activities. Like many volunteer-led organisations, it was built on the enthusiasm of a relatively small number of people who simply wanted to enjoy naturism together in a friendly environment. It played an important role in keeping naturism active in North Wales and introducing many people to the lifestyle.
However, Wales is a diverse country. Naturists were increasingly appearing across Mid Wales, West Wales and South Wales, yet there was no single Welsh organisation representing the whole nation or bringing those communities together.
That led to a gradual change in thinking.
Rather than remaining a society focused primarily on one geographical area, the vision expanded into something much larger: a community that belonged to the whole of Wales.
The organisation was renamed Naturism in Wales (Naturism Wales) to better reflect that ambition. The new identity wasn't simply a change of name—it represented a change of purpose. The emphasis shifted from being a regional club towards building a national network where people from every part of Wales could feel they belonged.
Over time the community broadened considerably.
Today, Naturism Wales offers far more than traditional walks or occasional social meetings. Members take part in camping weekends, woodland walks, wild swimming, wellbeing activities, workshops, quizzes, live music, online Zoom gatherings, educational talks and community projects. The aim is not simply to organise events, but to help people build genuine friendships and feel part of something larger than themselves.
One of the biggest philosophical changes has been the understanding that naturism isn't something we do—it is who we are.
For many members, naturism isn't limited to beaches or organised events. It is how they choose to live whenever appropriate—at home, in the garden, while relaxing, creating, exercising or spending time with friends. Events are simply opportunities for people who already share that philosophy to spend time together.
Another significant development has been the emphasis placed on safeguarding and community wellbeing. As the organisation has grown, membership processes, codes of conduct, volunteer safeguarding roles and a culture centred around kindness and respect have become defining characteristics of the community. The focus has increasingly been on creating spaces where newcomers feel welcome and existing members feel safe and valued.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the original NWNS and today's Naturism Wales is scale.
Where NWNS primarily served one region, Naturism Wales actively works to connect people from across the country. Members now travel between North, Mid, West and South Wales, sharing experiences that might previously have remained isolated within local groups. The growth of online communication has strengthened those connections even further.
The community has also become more outward-looking. Through articles, educational resources, social media, online broadcasting and public engagement, Naturism Wales seeks not only to serve existing naturists but also to help those who may be curious, nervous or considering naturism for the first time understand what it really is: a non-sexual philosophy centred on body acceptance, respect, authenticity and community.
In many respects, NWNS laid the foundations by bringing people together in North Wales. Naturism Wales built upon those foundations by asking a larger question:
"What would a truly national Welsh naturist community look like?"
The answer has become a community whose guiding principles are simple:
Kindness. Acceptance. Respect. Community.
Those values continue to shape its evolution as it brings together naturists from every corner of Wales while promoting a positive, modern understanding of naturism for future generations.