Is joining a naturist club kept confidential?
Absolutely yes. All members of Avonvale Sun Club have complete confidentiality. We recognise that not everyone appreciates or understands the wonderful world of Naturism so your details are not divulged to anyone outside the club.
Where is Avonvale Sun Club?
Avonvale is located in a beautiful part of the New Forest National Park just a few miles from Ringwood. The actual address is not publicised in order to maintain privacy.
When is the club open for members to use?
Avonvale is available for use 365 days of the year so members can visit the club whenever and as often as they wish.
What type of people are members of Avonvale Sun Club?
The membership covers a wide spectrum. All ages from young to old. All professions from unskilled to professional people. But in Naturism it does not matter whether you are rich or poor, or from what walk of life you come from for without clothes we are all the same and everyone mixes in.
We don't have perfect bodies so are we going to feel out of place?
No. Wherever you go from your local High Street to a beach anywhere in the world you will see people of all shapes and sizes and at Avonvale it is no different.
Is Avonvale a club solely for couples / families?
No, Avonvale is family / couple orientated but we keep a balanced number of singles both male and female. Some members have become single since joining the club.
Is Avonvale a friendly club?
Most definitely yes. We believe that Avonvale is exceptional in this respect as new members in particular are made to feel very welcome and receive much support from the existing members.
Is it safe at Avonvale?
It is very safe. Naturists tend to be very honest and trustworthy people so it is not necessary to lock valuables away as they would most likely be safe. Having said that it is better not to put temptation is people’s way but in the 50 years Avonvale has been in existence we have never had any problems. Also because Avonvale is in enclosed grounds it is safe for all, especially children, to wander around the grounds as they wish. In addition Avonvale has a Safeguarding Policy.
We have not been to a Naturist Club before so what happens at a first visit?
Normally you would be met by an existing member and would be shown around the club grounds and facilities. You would also have the opportunity to meet other members at the club on the day of your visit so you can ask them additional questions if you wish. Having been shown round the club you would then have the choice of staying for as long as you like for the rest of the day or you can go away and have a think about whether you wish to join or not. You would be under no pressure whatsoever.
Do we have to be without clothes all the time?
Certainly not because if the weather is cool or turns cool then most people will either get totally dressed or put something on warm.
Are there times when we would be expected to be without clothes?
Yes. After all this is a naturist club so all adults would be expected to get undressed providing the weather is warm enough.
We have children and they may not want to get undressed. Is that OK?
Yes. No child is forced to get undressed so it is up to the parents or the children themselves as to whether they wish to take their clothes off.
Are there any occasions when it is mandatory to be without clothes?
Yes. Adults using the swimming pool or sauna (children under the age of 18 are exempt and free to choose whether they wish to wear swimwear).
Do we have to be without clothes to attend functions?
Yes and No. Some functions are organised in the club grounds so if the weather is warm enough then usually you would be without clothes. If it is an evening function then it solely depends upon whether you feel warm enough without clothing.
Some functions are organised outside of the club grounds e.g. Christmas Dinner etc. On these occasions you would dress normally as you would do at any non-naturist functions.
Is it expensive to join Avonvale Sun Club?
No. There is an annual membership fee that goes up each year to keep up with inflation but the level of fees is easily in the reach of all families and a fraction of the cost of a Health Club or Gym. The fee also covers the whole family no matter how many children you have and once paid you are entitled to visit the club as frequently as you like. For information on the current level of fees pleae go to our Fees & Contact page.
Is Avonvale a proprietary Sun Club?
No. It is a members club run by the members for the members. It is therefore non-profit making so our fees are low but kept at a level whereby we can maintain and improve our facilities.
Are members expected to contribute to the running of the club?
Generally yes. As a members club we do have organised work parties to cover various aspects of maintaining and improving the club. This work is mostly performed in the winter months at regularly organised “Club Maintenance Days” and can be an enjoyable and satisfying social occasion. Members also help out in the running of social occasions.
Are there regular activities outside the summer and warm periods?
Yes. Every Sunday (except the occasional “Club Maintenance Days”) Miniten, a form of tennis, is played throughout the year. Regular Sauna evenings are held, usually on Fridays and Saturdays. Various other activities are notified to members via email, the website and notices displayed in the club house. Avonvale is an all year round club for those who wish it to be.
Are dogs allowed in the club?
Yes but there are restrictions. Dogs can be brought to the club but they have to be kept in the owners car (there are plenty of shady places to park) and not walked in the club grounds. The owners have to exercise their dogs outside the club but as we are in the New Forest National Park there is ample space to walk the dog. Owners of dogs must keep their dogs under control at all times and if a dog(s) are found to be a nuisance e.g. continually barking, then the offending animal will not be allowed at the club in the future. We have to make these rules as not everyone are dog lovers and we would not want "fouling" around the club site.