Your First Time
A new kind of freedom awaits you
Thinking about trying naturism for the first time? You’re in exactly the right place. This page is written just for you — honest, friendly, and judgement-free.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect. Within an hour, I wondered why I’d waited so long.”
— A first-time visitor
Naturism is simpler than you think.
At its heart, naturism is just the enjoyment of being without clothes — in a safe, friendly, and completely non-sexual environment. It’s practised by people of every age, background, and body shape. There’s no “type”. No special knowledge required. Just an open mind and a towel.
Valley Sun Club has been welcoming curious first-timers for nearly ninety years, and we’re rather good at it.
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE LOVING NATURISM. WHY?
Three ways naturism changes how you feel
01 — It’s deeply relaxing
There’s something genuinely liberating about spending time without the layers — physical and psychological — that clothes can bring. Most people report feeling calmer and more at ease with themselves after just a single visit. The fresh air in our lovely woodland setting helps too.
02 — It levels the playing field
Without clothing as a signal of status, wealth, or identity, people tend to connect more honestly. The naturist community is famously warm and inclusive. At Valley Sun Club, you’ll find conversation flows easily and friendships form quickly.
03 — It’s good for body confidence
Real bodies — all shapes, sizes, and ages — are the norm in naturism, not the exception. Many people find that spending time in a naturist environment genuinely improves how they feel about their own body. It’s hard to explain until you experience it.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Your first visit, step by step
1. Arrive & be welcomed
You’ll be greeted warmly at the gate. Make sure we know it’s your first time — we love welcoming newcomers and will make sure you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
2. Take a look around
A member will show you the grounds, the facilities, and where everything is. No rush — have a wander, find your spot, and settle in at your own pace.
3. Undress when you’re ready
When the weather is good, nudity is the norm — but there’s no countdown clock. Most first-timers find the moment comes naturally, often much sooner than they expected. After all, this is why you’ve come to visit us in the first place.
4. Simply enjoy the day
Sunbathe, socialise, explore the grounds, or — if you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday — enjoy a drink at our licensed bar in the evening. By the time you leave, you’ll likely be planning your return.
LET’S BE HONEST ABOUT IT: Yes, nudity is part of it — and that’s good
We won’t pretend otherwise: when the weather permits, naturists are naked. That’s rather the point.
We know that can sound daunting when you’ve never done it before. It’s completely understandable to feel a little nervous. But here’s what almost every single first-timer tells us afterwards: it was far less of a big deal than they expected.
Within a short time of arriving, most people find that self-consciousness simply fades. You realise that nobody is looking at you any differently to anyone else — because they’re not. Being without clothing is completely unremarkable. And everyone here has been a first-timer once.
Valley Sun Club is, genuinely, one of the most welcoming and relaxed environments you could choose for your first naturist experience. We’ve been doing this since 1937. We’re rather good at making people feel comfortable.
🌤 Weather-dependent
Nudity is expected when the weather is good — on a cold or rainy day, clothing is perfectly fine. Nobody suffers for the cause. If the weather forecast is really bad don’t be scared to get in touch to re-arrange your visit.
👀 No staring, ever
Naturist etiquette is firm on this. People make normal eye contact in conversation — just as they would anywhere else. The culture is respectful by nature.
🙌 All bodies welcome
Young, older, slim, curvy, tall, short — naturism is for every body! Our members and visitors have real bodies in all their variety, and it is wonderfully normalising.
🔒 Completely private
Our grounds are securely enclosed and private. No photography is permitted in communal areas. What happens at Valley Sun Club stays at Valley Sun Club.
🚫 Non-sexual environment
Naturism is emphatically not about sex. Our club is a family-friendly, respectful space. Any inappropriate behaviour is simply not tolerated.
GOOD TO KNOW: A few simple courtesies
🏖 Always carry a towel
Your towel sits between you and any surface you sit on — sunlounger, bench, chair. It’s the single most important piece of naturist etiquette, and it quickly becomes second nature.
📵 Phones away in communal areas
Out of respect for everyone’s privacy, we ask that phones and cameras are kept away when you’re in shared spaces. It’s a small ask that makes a big difference.
💬 Chat like it’s normal — because it is
Normal conversation, normal eye contact. There’s nothing unusual about how members interact — the only difference is the attire (or lack thereof).
🧴 Sunscreen is your friend
Parts of you that don’t usually see the sun will be seeing the sun. Apply generously, reapply often, and don’t say we didn’t warn you.
🤝 Respect means everything
Naturism thrives on mutual respect. Everyone — regardless of age, shape, or background — is treated with the same courtesy. It’s what makes the community special.
🐾 Well-behaved dogs welcome
Four-legged visitors are welcome, provided they’re on leads and their owners are responsible and pick up after them. Dogs, it turns out, take naturism entirely in their stride.
QUESTIONS PEOPLE OFTEN ASK: Answered honestly
Will people be looking at me?
No — and if you catch someone’s eye, they’ll smile just as they would anywhere else. Naturist etiquette is very clear on this point, and the culture is genuinely respectful. You’ll almost certainly be far more aware of other people than they are of you, and that awareness tends to fade within the first half hour.
What if I get an involuntary physical reaction?
It’s a question a lot of first-timers worry about, and the honest answer is: it rarely happens. The naturist environment is genuinely non-sexual in atmosphere, and most people find their body responds accordingly.
If you’re ever uncomfortable, simply lie face down for a few minutes or cover yourself with your towel. Nobody will have noticed, and nobody will say anything.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely — and it doesn’t matter at all whether you come alone, with a partner, or with a group of friends. Everyone is equally welcome. However you choose to arrive, our members will make sure you feel at home.
Do I need to be a member of British Naturism?
No, you don’t need a BN membership to visit us as a guest. If you’re curious about BN and the wider naturist community, we’re happy to chat about it — but it’s entirely optional.
What should I bring?
A towel (essential — see etiquette above), plenty of sunscreen, a hat, comfortable footwear for walking the grounds, and although we have seating areas you may want to bring a folding chair, or a blanket to sit on outdoors.
A picnic is a great idea. If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday our licensed bar will very likely be open in the evening. You are welcome to stay a while and enjoy our great Yorkshire hospitality. Clothed or not — your call.
Bring a light cover-up in case the weather turns. We are in Yorkshire, after all.
Please remember that we don’t have the facilities to use payment cards — we’re cash only for admission fees and in the bar. And don’t forget to bring your drivers licence or other proof of name and address. We all feel that bit safer knowing who our visitors are.
Is it suitable for couples? Singles? Families?
All of the above. Naturism is beautifully inclusive — singles, couples, families with children, and groups of friends all visit and all feel at home. Valley Sun Club is a family-friendly environment and people of all ages are welcome.
What time do I have to leave?
Whether you are visiting for the day or for an overnight stay we know you’ll want to stay as long as you can, so we don’t have a specific leaving time. So long as there are members around you can stay until the very last minute.
When you are ready to go just let us know and we’ll open the gates for you. However tempted you are to stay naked, please dress on leaving. Whilst there is no law against naked driving, we don’t want you to surprise anyone in the Bilton Park site as you make your way through.
WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE: Come and see for yourself
The only way to know if naturism is for you is to try it. We promise a warm welcome, beautiful Yorkshire surroundings, and a day you won’t forget.
To book your visit, use our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Valley Sun Club · Near Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Member of British Naturism and the International Naturist Federation
Please note: As a naturist club we do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour of any form (including sexual, whether physical or verbal) and you will be asked to leave immediately should we become aware of it. Valley Club is not a venue for sexual activities.