A Guide to Wild Swimming in the UK
Wild swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and connect with nature by enjoying the UK’s lakes, rivers, and coastline. If you’ve ever gazed at a sparkling stretch of water and thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to take a dip?” — this guide is for you. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to convince you to take a dip, from safety information to the very best places to wild swim in the UK.
What is wild swimming?
Wild swimming is the act of swimming in open waters like lakes, rivers and the sea. There’s a bit of a buzz around wild swimming in the UK and its popularity just seems to keep growing. You might have seen people enjoying a dip while out exploring - now it’s your turn!
Best time to wild swim
In the UK, spring and summer are the most popular seasons for wild swimming, thanks to warmer water temperatures. That said, many enthusiasts enjoy it year-round - with some finding winter dips invigorating and refreshing. H2: Benefits of wild swimming From boosting your mood to building community, wild swimming offers a wide range of mental and physical benefits.
Mood boosting
Completing a swim outdoors, surrounded by nature, can provide a sense of euphoria. The mental lift from wild swimming is often immediate and long-lasting.
Reduces stress
Wild swimming demands your full attention, helping you to focus and forget daily stress. Cold water has been shown to reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
Community building
Whether you join an organised group or take a buddy along, wild swimming is better when there’s someone to share the moment with. Spending time together in the outdoors builds bonds and fosters a sense of belonging.
Increase fitness
Wild swimming is a low-impact way to raise your heart rate while being gentle on your joints. It engages nearly all major muscle groups, increases lung capacity, and improves cardiovascular fitness.
Safety tips for wild swimming
Swimming in open water comes with risks, but you can minimise them by following a few essential safety tips:
- Research your chosen swimming spot: know where the best entry and exit points are, check water quality, and note any hazards like tides or boat traffic.
- Take someone with you, even if they’re not planning on swimming; it’s a good idea to have someone on the shore to keep an eye on you.
- Enter the water slowly to avoid cold water shock and hyperventilation.
- Make yourself visible to other swimmers or boats with a bright swim cap or float.
- Know your limits and build up slowly to longer swims.
- Take warm, dry clothes for afterwards, even in the summer.
What to wear wild swimming
The water temperature and your comfort levels determine what you should wear while wild swimming. In colder water, or if you’re just starting out, a wetsuit provides insulation and reduces the risk of cold-water shock. In summer, a swimsuit or trunks may be fine, but some will still prefer a wetsuit year-round. You don’t need a lot of equipment to start wild swimming, but there are some accessories you might find useful, including:
- Bright swim cap (for warmth and visibility)
- Neoprene gloves, boots, and hood
- Goggles
- Water shoes
- Large towel or robe for drying off quickly
How to find a wild swim spot
Looking for your next wild swim location? Here are some ways to find hidden gems both nearby and further afield.
- Research on social media forums
- Join Reddit communities like r/Wildswimming
- Connect with a local swim group
- Have a look on Google Maps to search for rivers, lakes, and coastal areas
Best UK wild swimming locations
Carry on reading for our guide to the best wild swimming spots in the UK and campsites to stay on nearby.
1. Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire
Located among the rocky cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most picturesque settings for wild swimming. Nestled close to the idyllic Welsh village of Abereiddi, Blue Lagoon is a former slate quarry, which is what gives the water its incredible colour.
This is a popular place for coasteering, rock climbing and hosts events like the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Our St Davids Club Site is just minutes away from the Blue Lagoon and surrounding coast.
2. River Dart, Staverton, Devon
Winding through the heart of Devon, from Dartmoor to Dartmouth, the River Dart is an ideal location for a swim. Catch the steam railway from Littlehempston to the idyllic village of Staverton; home to a 300m stretch of water ideal for lap swimming. Enter the water down the footpath between the railway station and the old mill; the swimming spot is opposite the weir.
Our California Cross Club Site in South Hams is a brilliant base to explore all that Devon has to offer.
3. Grantchester Meadows, Cambridgeshire
Passing through the university city of Cambridge, the River Cam winds through some of the country’s most idyllic towns and villages.Situated in the quaint village of the same name, Grantchester Meadows is a green open space with the River Cam flowing merrily through the centre. The meandering river is navigated simultaneously by swimmers and punters. Dive in from the deep banks, or wade in from the shallow banks near the Orchard Tea Garden.
Our Cambridge Club Site is the perfect base to explore the city.
4. Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
Thought to be the inspiration for Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Mourne Mountains are an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The mountains are home to shimmering loughs, ideal for wild swimming. Framed by several peaks including Slieve Loughshannagh and Slieve Doan, Lough Shannagh is a wide-open lake with cold, clear water and a stunning backdrop. Our Delamont Country Park Club Site is our wonderful campsite in County Down with plenty to do nearby, including the Mourne Mountains.
5. Skye’s Fairy Pools, Scotland
Located near the village of Carbost, the Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools are mystical rock pools fed by a series of waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains. Popular among wild swimmers, the pools are also one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions.
Submerge yourself in this fairytale setting and take a dip in crystal-clear waters tinged with green and pink. Swim beneath the underwater archway connecting two pools, here you’ll see the rock face encrusted with quartz. Stay on the Isle of Skye on our Skye Club Site.
6. River Stour, Fordwich, Kent
Nestled beside the river, Fordwich is a remnant market town often labelled as England’s smallest town. The river is at first open and sunny, but after two miles becomes wooded and secluded. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming alongside you. Our Canterbury Club Site is just a few minutes away and offers wonderful access to the coast and local attractions.
7. River Trent, Anchor Church, Ingleby, Derbyshire
Passing through the northern midlands and emptying in the North Sea, the Trent is the third-longest river in the United Kingdom and home to some of the best spots for swimming.
Close to the hamlet of Ingleby, the alluring caves of Anchor Church overlook a quiet lagoon popular with wild swimmers. Access the water from the southern edge and swim lengths of approximately 100m. Stay on our Conkers Club Site to enjoy a break away in Derbyshire.
8. Treyarnon Rock Pool, Cornwall
Located on the Cornish coastline, Treyarnon Bay is a small sandy beach, bordered by low cliffs and dunes.
Along the north edge of the beach, the rock pool is refilled each high tide with natural fresh seawater. Take a dip in this tidal pool, approximately 8ft deep, and marvel at the panoramic views. Enjoy a break in Cornwall on our Tregurrian Club Site.
9. Windermere, Cumbria
No article about watersports in the UK is complete without mentioning at least one of the lakes in the wonderful Lake District National Park. Windermere is one of the most popular lakes for swimming and with our Bowness-on-Windermere Club Site right on the shoreline, you can pitch up and explore straight away.
10. Linhope Spout, Northumberland
In the beautiful Breamish Valley you'll find this spectacular waterfall, tumbling into the pool below which makes a wonderful spot for a dip. The surrounding forest is a wildlife hot spot and red squirrels can often be spotted so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Our Dunstan Hill Club Site is a wonderful place to pitch up and explore the best attractions and beauty spots that Northumberland has to offer.