Wild swimming in the UK: the top 20 places you must visit
It’s one of the most widely popular hobbies in recent years, especially when the warmer months approach, is cold water swimming (also known as wild swimming). Many have reported a benefit to both physical and mental health and taking an ice-cold dip has become so popular in the UK, the government recently added four new spots – in Rutland, Devon and Suffolk – bringing the number of wild swimming areas to 424.
A designated wild swimming spot means the water quality will be regularly monitored, providing peace of mind for swimmers.
However, wild swimming is a bit more rustic than heading to your local leisure centre, so it’s important to avoid taking the plunge if you’re not an experienced swimmer and stick to shallow waters. Make sure to do your research and ask locals for advice.
We advise you to wear a wetsuit, cold water swimming socks or boots and definitely a tow float.
With so many stunning locations available, from rivers to plunge pools to your local lido, now is the perfect time to embrace the water. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to cool off, here are 20 of the best wild swimming spots in the UK:
Where to go wild swimming in the UK?
- Sykes Lane Bathing Beach, Rutland Water
- Whitwell Creek, Rutland
- Firestone Bay, Plymouth
- River Deben, Suffolk
- Embleton Bay, Northumberland
- Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset
- River Ouse, Sussex Downs
- Skye’s Faerie Pools, Isle of Skye
- Tellisford, Frome, Somerset
- Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire
- Grantchester Meadows, Cambridge
- Levenshulme, Manchester
- River Lugg, Bodenham
- Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds, London
- Chatsworth, Derbyshire
- Windermere, Lake District
- St Nectan’s Kieve, Cornwall
- River Thames, Pangbourne
- Dorothea Quarry, North Wales
- River Isis, Port Meadow, Oxford