Greenacres sun club
Greenacres Sun Club is a friendly members club in the heart of the beautiful Durham countryside. The club was founded in 1953 and is open to new members. Also, couples and families who are naturist club members, members of CCBN or other INF - affiliated clubs are most welcome as visitors by prior arrangement. The club was founded when an old Alms Houses site was bought in 1953 ensuring the site has been in more or less constant use since the early 19th century, albeit not always by naturists! The founders worked hard to clear the dense undergrowth and develop the site, their determination to make Greenacres a leading naturist site has built up the club's facilities to where we are today.
The historic city of Durham, with its magnificent World Heritage designated cathedral and castle is only 7.5 mile away, and Hadrian's Wall country is only half an hour away by car. Beamish, one of Europe's top open-air museums is also nearby, as is the city of Newcastle, and the huge Metro Centre shopping complex and the Angel of the north at Gateshead. Greenacres is on the edge of the lovely Durham Dales, Lake District, The Borders and Scotland - and makes an ideal base for touring this interesting and scenic area of north-east England.
Kynren – 29th July to 9th September 2023. An Epic Tale of England returns to its spectacular Bishop Auckland stage in County Durham for 2023 with an extended run and a new seating category. Why not stop off at greenacres for a break it's only 13 miles from Bishop Auckland.
Naturism, often called nudism, has as many definitions as there are naturists. The International Naturist Federation, which represents millions of naturists around the world, including all members of British Naturism, describes it as:
"A way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment."
Who are naturists?
Anyone can be a naturist. Your background, age, shape and colour are irrelevant when it comes to enjoying the freedom of naturism, which is why it attracts people from all walks of life. Naturists practise social nudity, aimed at encouraging self respect, respect for others and the environment. We only enjoy clothes-free activities in the right environment, among like-minded naturists, when it is warm enough.
Frequently asked questions
What preparations should I make before visiting a naturist club?
Generally none at all, apart from those you would normally make to go anywhere. It doesn't take much to make yourself presentable in a naturist environment.
Are children likely to be shocked by their first sight of a naturist club?
No. Children take to nudity like ducks to water. Cases of children being upset by the sight of nude people are extremely rare. As people grow up, they are taught by social convention that nudity is wrong or shocking. You are not born with an aversion to human bodies: before the Victorian period society was far more tolerant of the bare body and we seem to be moving steadily back in that direction. There's nothing inherently wrong with nudity.
Is it advisable for people with less-than-perfect figures to join a sun club?
Yes - that's the whole point. Every body is different, but naturists will like you just as you are. It isn't in the least important what your body is like because people accept you in your entirety. That's all there is to you!
Will I have to go around naked all the time?
Well, nudity is largely the point of naturism. However, a club is a place where you may take all your clothes off, not one where you must. Women may wish to wear a bikini bottom during periods; when the weather cools off, everyone will cover up.
I don't think my wife and I would have the courage to strip off our clothes in what is, in effect, public. How would we get over our inhibitions?
If you visit a naturist beach, you will soon feel that it is you who are out of step among all those naked people - men, women and children! Similarly, nobody expects you to undress the minute you enter the grounds of a naturist club on your initial visit, but in most cases you will quickly feel the relaxed atmosphere and see how comfortable nude people are with one another.
Once you feel at home, which often takes only a few minutes, you will feel free. But if you realise that naturism is not for you, your clothes will stay on and you will leave. In all honesty, few can resist the call of naturism once they have experienced it.
Do men ever become aroused during their first visit?
This is an age-old question among people who have not experienced naturism. Nudity in sun clubs is not sexually stimulating, and being naked in a social environment for the first time will give you plenty else to think about. If this is your worry, try it - you'll be OK.
What will people say when they find I'm a naturist?
They won't unless you choose to tell them. Other naturists are, of course, fully understanding and would want to protect your enjoyment of naturism rather than jeopardise it. People are usually interested in the subject, and naturism is something to be proud of.
When I told my friend I was visiting a naturist club, he was shocked and hinted that I would be mixing with undesirables. Is that right?
Naturists cover the complete range - singles, partners, married couples . . . Most clubs are family orientated, and usually you will see parents with children from babies upwards with their grandparents.
There is nothing to offend even the most sensitive soul, and your friend is speaking without knowledge and has assumed wrongly that nudity must mean amorality. You only need to visit a club, beach or leisure centre evening to see what sort of people naturists are, and the pursuits we enjoy. Your friend couldn't be further from the truth.
Can I expect any real health benefits from naturism?
Yes, if you go to a naturist place you can get fit just enjoying the facilities: swimming and all the other games and sports. It's much more enjoyable than a gym as it doesn't feel like an effort or a chore. You will also benefit from the general air of relaxation and freedom from stress.
I remember seeing that commercial on television, featuring nudists frying Danish Bacon. Isn't it dangerous to do certain things without the protection of clothes?
Yes, it is, which is why the sensible naturist dresses when doing certain jobs, or in cold weather, and is aware of the dangers of sunburn.
Information courtesy of British Naturism.