Police tell anyone sunbathing in their garden to 'be careful'
As temperatures rise and Britain gets a dose of sunshine, it's no surprise that millions of people head outdoors to make the most of it. Whether it's a barbecue at home in the garden or visiting a local park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer sun whilst it lasts.
Some people might prefer to top up their tan at home during the heatwave and go for an au natural approach to avoid tan lines. Ditching all your clothes while on your own property might seem like a decision that's 100% up to you, and in the privacy of your own property, but there are a few things to consider first.
Legally speaking, in England and Wales, it is not an offence to be naked in public or private. However, there are exceptions because you need to be careful that you're not causing "distress or alarm" or harassing others, as this is an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The same conditions apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The College of Policing provides full advice and guidance in this document.
Previously, Surrey Police had to clear up the rules for the rest of the country after it was called to a row between neighbours over this very issue. The force said: "If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours, then you have to be careful - an Englishman's home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law.
"In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police. In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions."
The police force offered a few options for people to consider when avoiding tan lines in the comfort of their own gardens, such as finding an area where they're less likely to be spotted by neighbours. But there's a chance your neighbours might be the ones finding themselves in trouble for complaining to the police.
They added: "You will have to decide whether your desire to be naked in your garden is more important to you than being on friendly terms with those around you. No one has the right to spy on you, and if you find that your neighbour is leaning out of an upstairs window or standing on the top of a step ladder in order to see you, then he or she may well be committing an offence."
British Naturism does claim there is "no obligation" to inform neighbours of one's desire to sunbathe without clothing. A spokesperson said: "There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest, nor can your neighbours make you cover up."
Sunbathing, especially without protection, can lead to painful sunburns, which can be more severe in sensitive areas. Make sure to apply sufficient SPF protection with sunscreen and consider avoiding this activity during the harshest times of the day (typically between 10am and 2pm).
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