Public Naturism in Wales: Where We Stand and What Happens Next
An official update from Naturism Wales
5 November 2026
Over recent weeks, Naturism Wales has been seeking answers to an important question affecting responsible naturists throughout Wales:
How can ordinary people be expected to comply with the law when the boundaries between lawful public naturism and criminal conduct are not always clear?
Following the High Court judgment in Cox v Director of Public Prosecutions [2026] EWHC 2437 (Admin), we began a programme of formal correspondence with policing authorities, policymakers and elected representatives.
Our objective has never been to challenge the police unnecessarily, demand special treatment or promote unrestricted public nudity.
We want clarity, consistency and a reasonable understanding of what the law requires.
Understanding the High Court Judgment
The judgment in Cox v DPP has significant implications for how public naturism is understood.
The Court confirmed that public nudity is not automatically disorderly and that simply being unclothed in public is not, in itself, a criminal offence.
However, it also made clear that the circumstances surrounding an individual’s behaviour are important when determining whether an offence has been committed under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.
Location, timing, behaviour, likely encounters with others and the wider circumstances may all be relevant.
This creates a genuine practical challenge.
A responsible naturist may wish to enjoy a peaceful countryside walk, swim or sunbathe without clothing, without intending to offend, alarm or confront anybody.
Yet the law does not provide a simple list of circumstances in which such activities are always lawful.
That uncertainty is precisely what we are seeking to address.
What Naturism Wales Has Done
2 October – Formal requests for clarification
Naturism Wales wrote to North Wales Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and elected representatives in Wales and Westminster.
We raised six questions:
What guidance should police officers follow when responding to peaceful, non-sexual public nudity?
Is the existing College of Policing guidance still appropriate following the High Court judgment?
What practical factors should naturists consider when deciding whether a location or activity is appropriate?
How should police distinguish between somebody being offended by nudity and behaviour reaching the threshold of a criminal offence?
Does the existing law provide sufficient certainty for responsible citizens?
Should police, policymakers, legislators and naturist organisations work together to develop clearer public guidance?
We also asked whether Parliament should consider legislative clarification and whether Welsh public bodies could help encourage consistent, proportionate policing.
5 October – Response from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner acknowledged our correspondence.
We were advised that North Wales Police would contact Naturism Wales directly to address the questions.
We welcomed that assurance.
However, by 28 October, a substantive response had not been received.
We therefore wrote again, requesting confirmation of who was responsible for answering our correspondence, when we could expect a response and what operational guidance officers currently follow.
We continue to seek that clarification.
27–28 October – College of Policing
We approached the College of Policing, whose existing public nudity guidance is particularly relevant to this issue.
On 28 October, the College’s Freedom of Information team explained that our questions did not constitute a valid request under the Freedom of Information Act.
Their reasoning was that our correspondence sought professional opinion, policy clarification and legal interpretation rather than access to existing recorded information.
We recognise that distinction.
However, our purpose was never simply to obtain documents. We wanted answers about how the law should be understood and applied.
The College’s reply did not provide a substantive assessment of the implications of Cox v DPP or confirm whether its guidance would be reviewed.
Those questions remain outstanding.
5 November – Welsh Government responds
Today, we received a formal response from the Welsh Government’s Crime & Justice Team, Community Safety Division.
The Welsh Government confirmed that criminal justice and policing remain reserved matters, meaning responsibility for the relevant criminal legislation rests with the UK Government.
It also explained that individual police forces retain operational independence and that Welsh Ministers cannot intervene in particular policing decisions.
We recognise those constitutional arrangements.
However, our correspondence did not concern a complaint against an individual officer or a request for intervention in a particular incident.
We were asking whether Welsh institutions could contribute to clearer public understanding, constructive dialogue and consistent approaches across Wales.
Unfortunately, the response did not directly address that wider question.
It instead referred us to police complaints procedures, the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Home Office.
We do not believe complaints procedures are the appropriate starting point for a community seeking clarification rather than confrontation.
5 November – Escalation to the Home Office
Following the Welsh Government’s response, Naturism Wales prepared a further formal submission to the Home Office, setting out all six questions and requesting a substantive answer.
An initial email was returned as undeliverable. Alternative contact arrangements have consequently been explored, including appropriate Home Office correspondence channels and parliamentary representatives.
The purpose of this escalation is straightforward: to identify who has responsibility for providing the guidance that responsible citizens and frontline officers need.
At the time of this update, we have not received a substantive Home Office response.
What Does This Mean for Naturists Today?
It is important that members understand what this judgment does and does not mean.
Public nudity is not automatically illegal.
Equally, the absence of a general prohibition does not mean that every instance of public nudity will be lawful.
The circumstances matter.
For that reason, Naturism Wales continues to encourage members to exercise sound judgement, behave considerately and respect the communities and environments around them.
Peaceful, non-sexual naturism is fundamentally different from exhibitionism, sexual misconduct, intimidation or deliberately provocative behaviour.
We remain committed to maintaining that distinction.
We also recognise that members of the wider public may hold different personal, cultural or religious views about nudity.
Those differences deserve consideration and respect. However, personal discomfort and criminal conduct are not automatically the same thing.
It is essential that the law is understood accurately by everyone, including naturists, members of the public and those responsible for enforcing it.
What Happens Next?
Naturism Wales will continue pursuing this matter through the appropriate channels.
Our priorities are:
1. Obtain a substantive response from North Wales Police. We want to understand what guidance officers currently follow and whether the High Court judgment has prompted any operational review.
2. Seek clarification from the College of Policing. We want confirmation that existing national guidance remains appropriate, and whether further clarification or revision is being considered.
3. Pursue answers from the Home Office. We are seeking a clear policy response concerning the existing legal framework, its practical application and whether further national guidance is necessary.
4. Continue engaging with elected representatives. We believe both Westminster and Welsh representatives have legitimate interests in ensuring that the public understands the law and that policing is consistent and proportionate.
5. Encourage constructive dialogue. Naturism Wales remains willing to participate in discussions with police, public authorities and other relevant organisations to help develop practical, accessible guidance.
We will consider the responses we receive before deciding whether further representations or parliamentary engagement are necessary.
Our Position Remains Unchanged
Naturism Wales is not seeking special privileges or exemptions from legislation.
We are asking for clarity about the law that applies equally to everyone.
Responsible naturists should be able to understand the legal considerations involved in their activities without having to risk arrest or prosecution simply to establish where the boundaries lie.
Likewise, police officers should have access to clear and consistent guidance that supports proportionate, evidence-based decisions.
We believe those are reasonable expectations.
Our community is built upon four principles:
Acceptance. Kindness. Respect. Community.
These principles underpin our approach to responsible naturism, constructive public engagement and cooperation with the police.
We will continue to promote lawful, considerate naturism while seeking the answers our members deserve.
This is not about turning naturism into a protest.
It is about ensuring that people who simply wish to enjoy an ordinary, peaceful way of life can understand their rights and responsibilities.
Being naked is not, in itself, being criminal. But understanding where the law draws its boundaries matters to everybody.
We will keep members informed as substantive responses are received.
Adam Davies
Community Coordinator
Naturism Wales
Every Body Matters.
