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Naked Heart Walks: a naked walk for the BHF

A Naked Heart Walk is a sponsored, clothing-optional walk run by British Naturism in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF). If you have ever wondered what a naked walk feels like but did not fancy setting off across the hills on your own, this is the gentlest possible way in: a booked ticket, a group of friendly people, a marked route through a garden or estate that has been closed to other visitors, and a medal at the end.

Here is how the walks started, how they work, what they have raised and what to expect on your first one.

What is a Naked Heart Walk?

Naked Heart Walks are co-hosted by British Naturism and the BHF. Walks have taken place in the grounds of stately homes, in gardens and woods, at nature reserves and even at a Cold War bunker. Each one is a short, sociable walk on a set route, usually at a venue that has closed its gates to the general public for the session.

The key word is clothing-optional. Nobody has to undress. British Naturism says many first-timers come simply to see what it is like, and the walks are openly pitched at people who are curious about naturism but not yet sure. If you want to keep your clothes on, or start dressed and change your mind halfway round, that is fine.

How the walks began

According to the event information published by Leonardslee Gardens, the idea came about in 2019, when BHF volunteers who were also naturists were asked about their hobby. Covid meant the first walk took two years to organise. It was held at Painshill in Surrey, where around 80 people came from as far as Cornwall, South Wales, Lancashire and Yorkshire and raised more than £25,000.

Since then the programme has grown. Writing at the end of the 2023 season, British Naturism’s walks team leader said the number of events had almost tripled compared with 2022. That year’s walks included Powderham Castle in Devon, Leonardslee in West Sussex, RSPB Rainham Marshes, the Fonthill Estate, Adlington and the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Ripon in North Yorkshire. There was also a crossing of Morecambe Bay, starting from the promenade at Arnside and wading the River Kent on the way over the sands.

How much has been raised?

British Naturism does not publish a single running total, so we will only quote figures it or its venues have put in writing:

  • The first walk at Painshill raised over £25,000.
  • The 2023 summer of walks raised about £20,000 for the BHF, according to British Naturism.

The money goes towards the BHF’s research. The charity’s fundraising manager has said the walks support its research into new treatments and cures.

Naked Heart Walk dates and venues

The walks run from late spring to early autumn. British Naturism’s North West region lists twelve walks for 2026, all now completed: Powderham Castle, Court Farm Lakes (twice), Breamore House, College Lake Nature Reserve, the Himalayan Gardens near Ripon (twice), Leonardslee Gardens, Cwm Weeg Gardens, Dorothy Clive Gardens, Hawkstone Park Follies and Telford Naturist Club. Its own ticket tally for the season comes to well over 750 walkers.

For 2027 the same page lists dates that are still being secured: the Himalayan Gardens on 26 June and 7 August, Cwm Weeg Gardens on 3 July and Hawkstone Park on 17 July. More venues are usually added through the winter, so treat that list as a starting point and check the Naked Heart Walks calendar before you plan. We also list them on our UK naturist events page.

How to sign up or sponsor a walker

  1. Book a ticket in advance. Each walk has its own Eventbrite listing, linked from British Naturism’s walks calendar. You cannot just turn up.
  2. Choose your ticket type. Venues typically offer two prices: a lower one if you pledge to raise sponsorship, and a higher one with no fundraising required. At Leonardslee in 2026, tickets were £15 to £35 including garden entry.
  3. Set up your fundraising. Walkers get a BHF fundraising pack and a link for collecting sponsorship. British Naturism also runs a BHF campaign page on JustGiving if you would rather just donate.
  4. Sponsor someone else. If walking is not for you, sponsoring a friend’s page or giving to the British Naturism BHF campaign counts just as much.

Questions about a specific walk can go to British Naturism’s head office on 01604 620361 or headoffice@bn.org.uk.

Your first naked walk: what to expect

If this is your first time doing anything naked in company, our first-time naturist guide covers the basics. On the day of a Naked Heart Walk itself, it usually goes like this:

  • Registration. Bring your ticket and either a British Naturism membership card or photo ID. You will be given wristbands, one for medical information and one showing whether you are happy to be photographed.
  • Photos are controlled. Only the authorised event photographer takes pictures, and they follow the wristband colours. Leave your own camera in the bag.
  • A short briefing, then off. There is somewhere to leave clothes at the start, or you can leave them in the car. Some people carry a light bag in case they want a layer later.
  • Gentle pace. Routes vary by venue. The Himalayan Gardens walk is about 2km. Leonardslee offers a longer route of around 5km and a shorter, wheelchair-friendly one.
  • Adults only. Walks are for over-18s. Dogs are allowed on a lead at many venues, but check the listing.
  • A medal at the finish. Walkers receive a BHF medal, and some venues have a café or afternoon tea open afterwards.

Coming alone is common. Tell a steward and they will introduce you to people. Naturism is non-sexual, and these walks are relaxed social events for adults.

What to bring

  • Proper walking shoes or sturdy trainers (sandals or bare feet are suggested for the Morecambe Bay crossing).
  • Sun cream and a hat. Bits of you that rarely see daylight burn quickly.
  • Water, and a waterproof. Walks go ahead in the rain.
  • Your ticket and ID or British Naturism card.

If you enjoy it, British Naturism also runs the Great British Skinny Dip for the BHF, and plenty of UK naturist clubs organise their own naked walks. Joining British Naturism gets you member prices and keeps these events going, and we recommend it. You can read more about the organisation in our guide to British Naturism.

FAQs

Do I have to be naked on a Naked Heart Walk?

No. The walks are clothing-optional, so you can wear as much or as little as you like and change your mind as you go. Many first-timers start dressed.

Is a naked walk legal in England?

Yes. In England and Wales, simply being naked in public is not an offence, and College of Policing guidance lists walking naked as passive behaviour needing no police action. Naked Heart Walks also take place on private land closed to other visitors.

Do I need to be a British Naturism member?

No. Anyone over 18 can book. Bring photo ID if you do not have a British Naturism card.

Do I have to raise money?

Not if you buy the higher-priced ticket. The cheaper ticket comes with a pledge to raise sponsorship for the BHF.

When are the next Naked Heart Walks?

The season runs roughly May to September. Dates for 2027 are being confirmed now, starting with the Himalayan Gardens near Ripon on 26 June 2027. Check British Naturism’s calendar for the full list.

Sources

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