As the UK basks in warm weather, many Brits will be spending time in their gardens14:18, 23 May 2026Updated 14:19, 23 May 2026The UK is set to continue basking in warm weather this weekend, with temperatures forecast to climb above 30C in certain areas on Sunday. While many will be flocking to the seaside or local pub gardens to enjoy the sunshine, others will make the most of their own back gardens for barbecues, gatherings and some sunbathing.‌For those fortunate enough to have a garden, it offers the perfect private sanctuary to savour the warm weather without sharing your space with others. Before you consider discarding your swimsuit and sunbathing in the nude in your garden, you ought to think twice.‌Even if you reckon it's acceptable, stripping off in your own garden could potentially land you in legal hot water under particular circumstances. Your legal entitlements when sunbathing in your garden depend on what you're wearing, how much privacy you can reasonably expect, and any modifications your neighbours have made to their property.‌Although you typically have the right to enjoy your outdoor space, laws surrounding public decency and local planning regulations clearly set out what you and your neighbours are permitted to do. In England and Wales, public nudity isn't illegal in itself, but there are certain conditions to bear in mind.You mustn't be nude if you're attempting to cause "distress or alarm," as this constitutes an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. If your garden can be seen by your neighbours and someone spots you, the police cannot arrest you purely for being naked.‌However, if it can be demonstrated that you are deliberately exposing yourself to shock or irritating others, you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Organisations such as British Naturism suggest you aren't obliged to notify your neighbours, but installing privacy screens is advisable to avoid any potential disputes, reports the Liverpool Echo.The Crown Prosecution Service has stated: "In the case of naturism, a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress."For those residing in terraced houses, it's generally quite straightforward to see into a neighbour's garden. This means that even while on your own property, being naked could still cause upset or alarm to those next door. It is only considered unlawful if there was a deliberate intention to cause such distress.‌Should a neighbour photograph or film you when you reasonably expect privacy (such as while sunbathing in your own garden), they could be breaching privacy and harassment legislation. Neighbours are legally permitted to install CCTV on their property.However, under domestic CCTV guidelines and data protection legislation, they must make every effort to ensure cameras aren't directly pointed at your private spaces or gardens.Article continues belowShould a neighbour construct a large shed that blocks your afternoon sunlight, your options are limited unless the structure breaches planning regulations.