Can I sunbathe naked in my own garden? Full laws and rules you need to know

BRITAIN will reach highs of 35C today, with many planning on catching some rays in the comfort of their own garden. Temperatures are set to reach the hottest they will all week, so you may be eager to strip down to your birthday suit to get rid of any tanlines. Can you sunbathe naked? We explain the rules Credit: Getty According to government guidance, it is not illegal to sunbathe naked in your own garden. However, this all changes if the intent behind your actions is to cause harm to others. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It is a crime if you intentionally expose yourself to others with the purpose of causing distress and alarm, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. If you are found to be breaking this law you could wind up in prison for two years and be slapped with an unlimited fine. The Crown Prosecution Service adds that a “balance needs to be struck between the right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress”. In this case, police advise to exercise some caution and discretion when baring all outside. With this in mind, it is probably best to avoid stripping off in your garden if it overlooks your neighbours. And you should also not sunbathe naked in your local park. Most read in The Sun Your neighbours also have a legal right to complain if they do spot you baring all in the summer sun. This could land you in some hot water with local authorities. So if you are especially eager to strip down in the sun it may be worth investing in tall hedges or privacy fences. Comment now