Yorkshire

Given that Yorkshire is such a big county it is hardly surprising that it has a significant number of people practicing naturism. The sense of surprise starts to develop when one realises the sheer number of clubs, facilities and the dynamism of the naturism that flourishes here. A staggering total of nine clubs (eight affiliated to the C.C.B.N.), Bed and Breakfast opportunities, our nude beach at Fraisethorpe, just south of Bridlington and that at Scarborough (both of which sadly are no longer official and indeed are the subject of some dispute, the latter in particular) and a myriad of other ventures all combining to make 'Gods own County' a really rich naturist experience! Yorkshire seems to spawn some real Naturist characters, all expressing that gritty independence of spirit so associated with the archetypal Yorkshire man and woman Such people as the cheerfully idiosyncratic Malcolm MacDonald, the naturist Philosopher, who in his time, strode his lonely way across the wilder parts of the Pennines. Across on the other side of the County and far more practically, the efforts of David Martin to extend the accessibility of the naturist experience, have had a national impact. This independent streak, along with the real variety of naturist opportunities on offer, probably accounts for the large number of non-club naturists who throng to the beaches, the saunas and other events throughout the year. Despite being firmly in 'the North' of England, Yorkshire seems to be blessed with a climate that, with prudence, is particularly conducive to the Naturist way of life. Sheltered on the West and from the prevailing weather by the Pennines, it has a low rainfall (remember the problems faced by Yorkshire Water?) that brings the bonus of plenty of sunny days! The summer may start a little later and finish a little earlier than in the South but once it here, the sun really shines! Nude beaches: Fraisethorpe Beach. (Map ref: o.s. map 101 170619) Easy to find, the main (textile) beach is signposted from the A165 about three miles south of Bridlington, going towards Hull. Follow the narrow road to a car park by the textile beach and then walk south for about half a mile to join the other naturists. Alternatively park at Barmston, to the south and walk a similar distance northwards. Once 'official' this lovely beach now sprouts ugly notices, of dubious legality, forbidding nudity. These signs are cheerfully ignored by the many beach users who continue a naturist tradition of over fifty years, though it is advised to remain close to others similarly nude, on the basis of there being safety in numbers. Negotiations with the local Humberside police, have, since the new Sexual Offences Act clarified the legitimacy of naturism in established locations, ensured that though still disapproved of by the local Council, it is a civil matter and they will only attend if a complaint is made as to a criminal nature. (It is worth mentioning that beach users should avoid the area of the small beck to the south of the nude beach area as that is one frequented by those seeking al-fresco sexual contacts; the source of some annoyance to local walkers when their activities encroach more blatantly near the well used cliff path. These activities were largely the cause of the ‘Official’ status being withdrawn and should they again encroach upon the more publicly frequented areas it is in the interests of nude beach users to inform the police). Cayton Bay. (Map ref: o.s. map 101 065848) Scarborough is of course Bridlington’s arch rival -"What they can do we can do better"- so they too had an official clothing optional beach and beat their rival to making it unofficial again! Situated just south of the town, Cayton Bay is a lovely place and the stretch of beach historically used by naturists is that along the northern end of the bay; at the foot of a cliff that both offers privacy and shelter from the North Sea breezes. Though the descent to the beach is rather steep (and the ascent of course, equally so!) the reward is a real sun trap with a view of some of the loveliest coastal scenery imaginable. It is a constant surprise that this idyllic spot is not more used. Maybe it is the climb back up that puts people off? Similarly to the experience of Fraisethorpe the local Council now disapprove and have been rather more successful in deterring nude use of this delightful beach. Many naturists have been driven to the more discreet use of the even more delightful and usually deserted southern end of Cornelion Bay, (o.s. map 101 ref: 065855) just around the headland to the north of Cayton. All along the coast there are remote little bays and stretches of empty coast where naturists can (and do) relax and it is great fun exploring the varied coastline to seek out ones own special spot. Try the long low and lovely beaches of Holderness (north of Spurn Point) or the rugged coves around Whitby; though great caution is needed as to the often unstable cliffs. It's so easy to be naturist in Yorkshire without joining a club (though lots do as well) and Yorkshire people are spoilt for choice with regular swims and other events organised by “Coast & Country” (sadly not affiliated with B.N.) at some splendid modern venues; such as the Leisure Centre at Selby or the lovely new leisure complex at York (The York ‘Waterworld’). Yorkshire clubs however are far from stuffy and offer a welcome at their many open swim sessions. The Ryedale Naturist Club about to celebrate its twentieth anniversary, are very happy to have visitors to their fortnightly, Sunday, swim and sauna at Malton. Similarly Pendale at Brighouse West Yorkshire and their neighbours at the Leeds Naturist Group have weekly swim sessions, the latter at the lovely old Victorian baths at Bramley on Saturday evenings. That the second oldest club in the country is in Yorkshire probably says it all, as to why naturism is so well established there. The Yorkshire Sun Society was founded in 1932 and now boasts some fine facilities in its splendid 25 acre grounds north of Hull. Travelling westwards to the lovely old city of York The White Rose dating from just after the war; is one of the countries leading clubs, in its verdant wooded grounds; it is a favourite for visitors to that historic city. Continuing across the county to Harrogate, that grey stone, stately old lady of a town has The Valley club with its particular welcome for children. The Pennines with their scattered little stone built mill towns hold their own with several clubs ranging from the tiny Pendale at Brighouse - a small club with a big welcome - to Ashdene in Calderdale. The facilities there are enough to tempt one, whatever the weather and have the advantage of being wheelchair accessible. Another gem, though officially in Co. Durham but a part of the Yorkshire Region, is Greenacres, near Consett, with its magnificent facilities, beautiful grounds and friendly people. Visitors wanting to be pampered are welcomed at The Viking Hotel in Bridlington, the proprietor of which is happy to offer advice as to local beaches and clubs. Being a county of big open spaces, vast moorlands and rolling wolds, the opportunity for 'get-away-from-it-all-naturism' is very real. Derek and Christine Jakeman are well known pioneers of the experience on the North York Moors - though I and my Irish Setters have a preference for the wide open downloads of the Wolds. Yorkshire folk are not normally known for their reticence and are usually eager to wax exuberantly on the merits of their county. Maybe it’s just that they are too busy getting on with it! Be assured they would love to share it all with you! Apart from the landed clubs welcoming visitors the delights of camping or caravanning at a farm run by naturists, is available courtesy of Colin and Carol Wood, at Candy Farm, Finningley near Doncaster. There are lovely walks on their land and adjacent nature reserves and this unspoilt location on a working farm, will appeal to those wanting a more peaceful place to stay.