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A group of visitors to The Alnwick Garden this summer will have more reason than most to keep their fingers crossed for good weather.

The Northumberland attraction is opening its doors to naturists who during a special after-hours visit on July 13 will be baring all among the garden's blooms.

The event marks a first for The Alnwick Garden and is exclusive to members of British Naturism and to the INF - the International Naturist Federation - who will pay a special price of £7 for the pleasure of getting their kit off in the grounds whose attractions include a 120 water jet Grand Cascade.

For three hours, the naturists will have the run of the award-winning garden, including the likes of the 50 swinging chairs in the Taihaku Cherry Orchard; the Bamboo Maze and refreshments in The Pavilion Kitchen.

And while the idea of a visit to its Rose Garden would seem to present some thorny issues, it is suggested that this will be a highlight of the occasion.

A description of the visit - referred to as a "rare treat" - on the British Naturism website says: "In June-July The Alnwick Garden's iconic Rose Garden comes into its own, with over 300 David Austen roses generating over 10,000 blooms!"

It also highlights its famous Poison Garden which is filled with deadly plants.

The Duchess of Northumberland , who founded the garden, suggested that the naked visitors "may have to be a little careful" strolling through the poison plants but said there is so much to see and do that "we are quite sure the naturists will have a marvellous time".

She added: "Our culture needs to move towards a healthy sense of body acceptance and the natural environment of the Garden will be both mindful and liberating.

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"Let’s hope the weather is kind!”

On its website, The Alnwick Castle, whose normal opening hours are 10am until 6pm, advertises the "private event" as starting at 6.30pm on the day.

It adds: "Few of us can forget the iconic moment when Barbara Windsor’s bikini top flew off in the 'slap & tickle’ Carry On series loved by millions, but British Naturism is actually rather more serious than that.

"Founded over 50 years ago, naturists simply want to enjoy life without the encumbrance of clothes."

And a spokesman for British Naturism was delighted to add The Alnwick Garden to its programme of events for members, which range from naked bowling to cruises and the likes of days out to Alton Towers.

The spokesperson said: "Naturism in the North East is growing in popularity and it’s wonderful to have a new event in such a stunning location for people to enjoy.” The tickets also include the option for families to take along children.

British Naturism has more than 9,000 members and currently is in the process of arranging The Great British Skinny Dip - for the fourth year - across the country but no North East location has yet signed up to take part.