We’ve been married for over 20 years, and like many couples, we’d heard about naturism before but never really thought it was something for us. There was always a bit of curiosity, but also a lot of uncertainty. We weren’t sure what it would be like, or how we’d feel once we got there.

After talking it through, we decided to take a small step and attend one of the Ipswich swim events run by Town & Country Naturists. We went in with no expectations, telling ourselves we could just observe and leave if it didn’t feel right.

Honestly, we were both surprised—in the best way. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and completely respectful. There was no pressure at all, and it quickly felt far more normal than we had imagined. Those initial nerves didn’t last long.

Since that first visit, we’ve been back many times. The Ipswich swim has become something we genuinely look forward to—a chance to unwind, connect, and just be ourselves in a comfortable, welcoming space.

Looking back now, we both say the same thing: we wish we had discovered this years ago. What started as curiosity has turned into something really positive in our lives, and we’re so glad we took that first step.

I’m a nurse, and like a lot of people, I’ve had my own struggles with body image over the years. The idea of attending a naturist event honestly felt terrifying at first. I kept thinking, What if I feel exposed? What if I don’t fit in? It took me a long time to even consider going.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to attend one of the bowling events with Town & Country Naturists. I told myself there was no pressure—I could just see what it was like and leave if I felt uncomfortable.

Walking in, I was definitely nervous. But what struck me almost immediately was how normal everything felt. People were just chatting, laughing, and enjoying the game. No one was staring, no one was judging—it was just a genuinely relaxed, social environment.

As the day went on, I started to feel more comfortable than I had expected. It wasn’t about how anyone looked—it was about the experience, the people, and just having fun. By the end of it, I realised I hadn’t thought about my body in the way I usually do.

Since then, I’ve been back four times, and I absolutely love it. Bowling has become something I really look forward to—it’s fun, easygoing, and a great way to unwind.

I’m even hoping to bring my partner along soon. If someone had told me a few months ago that I’d feel this comfortable, I wouldn’t have believed them—but I’m really glad I gave it a go.

I’d just turned 18 and started my teaching degree at uni when I finally decided to give social naturism a go. I’d been curious about it for a while, but also pretty nervous. I didn’t really know what to expect, and I definitely wasn’t sure how I’d feel once I got there.

I chose to come along to one of the swim events with Town & Country Naturists, thinking it might be a good, low-pressure way to try it out. I told myself I could just take it slow and leave if it didn’t feel right.

But honestly, within minutes of arriving, I felt completely at ease. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and way more normal than I had imagined. People were just swimming, chatting, and enjoying themselves—there was nothing awkward about it at all.

What surprised me most was how quickly the nerves disappeared. I stopped overthinking everything and just enjoyed being there. It felt freeing in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

By the end of the day, I actually didn’t want it to end. Putting clothes back on felt strange after how comfortable everything had been.

I’m really glad I gave it a go. It’s something I was nervous about for a long time, but now I can’t believe how easy and enjoyable it actually is.