Just to say that here in the UK the nudity taboo is still pretty strong. There are very few nudist beaches (that I'm aware of) in the UK...
I think some Americans think Europeans are very relaxed when it comes to things like nudity. That would indeed be the impression if you watch a lot of French films. Maybe in France it's fine to walk about with you "bum, balls and ninny" flowing freely. But try that in Liverpool on Crosby beach and although no one would stop you you would get a lot of attention from the other beach goers.