The 15 best wild swimming spots in the UK 2024
There's nothing better than a refreshing dip during a warm spell. For those of us who love the great outdoors, plus a spot of breaststroke, wild swimming is the perfect option.
Luckily for us, the UK has a plethora of places to enjoy wild swimming, from hidden in-land beaches to mystical, blue-watered lagoons. Plus, with Google searches for ‘outdoor swimming’ increasing by 427% last summer, it's never been a more popular activity to try.
With that in mind, take a look at the best places to go wild swimming in the UK.
The best wild swimming spots in the UK
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire
Gaddings Dam, West Yorkshire
Kailpot Crag, Lake District
Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo, Devon
Frensham Great Pond, Churt, Surrey
Mullion Cove, Helston, Cornwall
Dosthill Quarry, Tamworth, Staffordshire
Tongue Pot, Eskdale, Lake District
Prince's Beach, Eriskay, Outer Hebrides
Sgwd Ddwli Isaf, Bannau Brycheiniog, Powys
Stair Hole, Lulworth Cove, Dorset
River Dart, Devon
Lower Dddwili Falls, Brecon Beacons
Goldiggins Quarry, Cornwall
Skye Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Blue Lagoon
Located next to Abereiddy Beach on the north coast of Pembrokeshire National Park, the Blue Lagoon has beautifully clear, green-blue water. Better still, the sheltered location also makes it a lovely spot for paddle boarding.
The colour of the water in this pool comes from the dark slate of nearby rocks and cliffs. Created when fishermen blasted open the seaward wall of the former St Brides slate quarry to create an artificial harbour, the lagoon retains ruined buildings that hint at its industrial past. Take care walking down the steps from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path – they’re steep and a bit uneven. The lagoon, which is about half a mile from Abereiddi car park, is open from December to August, allowing a few months of privacy for breeding grey seals.
Gaddings Dam
Nestled in the heart of Todmorden, Gaddings Dam is a hidden gem - not only do you get stunning views of the moors, but you'll also find a sandy surprise. In one corner of Gaddings Dam, you’ll find a small stretch of sand dubbed ‘Todmorden Beach’. That's right, a beach 80 feet above sea level and 60 miles inland!
Kailpot Crag
Located on the beautiful waters of Ullswater, Kailpot Crag is a popular cliff diving spot. A short footpath from Sandwick through an amazing Lake District pine wood takes walkers out onto the crag. The water may be cold but the crag is a perfect place for a wild swim - especially if you feel brave enough to leap in!
Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo, Devon
Who needs a hot tub when the flowing rapids of a Dartmoor river can give you a massage? The Teign flows through a dramatic gorge beneath Castle Drogo, slowing into the tranquil swimming spot Drewe’s Pool, before cascading through three stone plunge pools that make up Drogo Weir. Grassy banks are perfect for a picnic, while the castle – designed by Edwin Lutyens and owned by the National Trust – makes an intriguing detour. Return in the autumn to witness the ancient woodland in its burnished glory and look out for leaping salmon powering up the weir.
Frensham Great Pond, Churt, Surrey
This spot in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was created in the 13th century to supply carp to the Bishop of Winchester. Now, the pond and surrounding heathland is popular with all sorts of wildlife, from sand lizards to sedge warblers. Its sandy beaches, café and car park make it ideal for families with small children – just arrive early to avoid the crowds. Check the website before you visit to make sure potentially harmful blooms of blue-green algae, a type of bacteria, aren’t present.
Mullion Cove, Helston, Cornwall
Seals and seabirds live on the cliffs above this pretty cove with its white sandy beach, while low tide reveals a cave, where waves crash through from the seaward entrance. Picturesque Mullion has a long history of pilchard fishing and still supports a small fishing community. Come for the swimming – and stay for a snack. Satisfy your post-plunge hunger with fresh crab sandwiches at Porthmellin Café.
Dosthill Quarry, Tamworth, Staffordshire
A dip at dusk is an exhilarating way to experience the magnesium-rich waters of this deep granite quarry. Known as “Dozzi”, the spring-fed site near Birmingham is used mainly by divers, but swimmers are welcome to follow a course round its perimeter by day or night – you just need to book online. Look out for a flash of the golden orfe that lives in these waters and a pair of local kestrels on cliffs nearby.
Tongue Pot, Eskdale, Lake District
The River Esk tumbles through a succession of swimming holes and waterfalls on its journey to the sea from its source beneath Scafell Pike. Tongue Pot is one of the deepest: an emerald infinity pool within a bowl of moody fells. Jump in from the cliffs, watching out for submerged rocks, or slide in from a slope. Park at Hardknott Pass and follow hikers heading for the hills along the riverside path. Tongue Pot is about two miles upstream, just before Lingcove Bridge.
Prince’s Beach, Eriskay, Outer Hebrides
It takes a bit of planning to get to this island. But it's well worth it for the glorious turquoise waters and white shell beach. The island is named after Bonnie Prince Charlie, who landed here from France before the Jacobite rising of 1745. The pink and white sea bindweed that flowers in late spring is said to have originated from seeds that fell from the prince's handkerchief.
Sgwd Ddwli Isaf, Bannau Brycheiniog, Powys
Four rivers wind down steep tree-lined gorges over a series of falls and plunge pools on the south-western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Sgwd Ddwli Isaf (Lower Gushing Falls) on the Nedd Fechan river lives up to its name. Sink into the cold depths or walk behind the curtain of water and listen to it roar. On sunny days, rainbows dance in the shimmering air above some of the swimming spots here. There are more than 20 pools along five miles of river, some with swing ropes and deep jumps, although you’ll need to navigate narrow and sometimes challenging footpaths to get your adrenalin fix.
Stair Hole, Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Offering a geology lesson and wild swim in one, this tiny cove lies behind a wall of Purbeck and Portland stone, with caves, arches and blow holes carved by the sea. Marvel at the Lulworth Crumble, folded limestone strata, and go for a snorkel to appreciate rock formations below the sea. The spot is a five-minute wander from the South West Coast Path. Saunter west along the path for half an hour after your swim to admire Durdle Door.
Like all types of swimming, wild swimming carries risk. However, unlike swimming in a public swimming pool, wild swimming doesn't have the safety net of a lifeguard, so being extra cautious and careful is important. Plus, given the often remote location of wild swimming spots, help can be hard to reach.
Remember: Avoid wild swimming alone and never ignore 'no swimming' signs.
Keep reading to learn the best tips for keeping safe when wild swimming...
Be aware of your swimming ability
Hot weather makes cold lakes and rivers look oh-so-inviting. But don't act too fast - first, consider the strength of your swimming, plus the difficulty of the water (think about currents, temperature and depth).
"While it may be tempting to jump into a body of water in these temperatures, it is important that you understand your swimming abilities," says Natalie Burne, the content marketing manager at Blacks.
"Wild swimming can be and is very dangerous if you have not trained properly. Always pay attention to 'no swimming' signs and even if you have been swimming in the same spot for years, always be cautious, as open bodies of water can change significantly- even in a short period of time.”
Don't dive in
"Unlike a pool, open water does not have a labelled as a 'shallow end', making it difficult to know how deep water is," notes Natalie. "Always check the depth of the water, even if you visit the same spot regularly. With no awareness of how deep the water is, you really should not be diving into it."
"Whilst waterfalls are stunning to look at, they won’t be kind to you if you jump into the landing area. The undercurrents directly below a large waterfall or weir could hold you under and you may not be able to surface."
Consider wearing goggles
Protecting your eyes is always important, and even more so when you're out in open water.
"Water in the sea can lead to limited visibility," says Natalie. "If the water is clean, and it's safe to dip your head under, take extra precautions and wear goggles where possible, and only take a dip if there are signs around saying it is safe to do so."
Keep your head above the water if unsure about the cleanliness
"Snails, rats and algae can breed and release parasites into open water, which can lead to bacterial infections like Leptospirosis and ‘Swimmer’s itch’. Be careful not to swallow the water, keep your head above the water, and cover up any open wound with a waterproof plaster," advises Natalie.
Once you're out of the water, make sure to wash thoroughly as soon as you have access to a shower.
Take precautions if swimming alone
Ideally, you should never swim alone and always have at least one other person with you, even if they're watching from the side.
If you find yourself solo wild swimming, Natalie suggests: "Wear a life jacket or trail a float behind you on a cord if you choose to front crawl and breaststroke solo for the day. If you get a leg cramp, shout for help, lie on your back and paddle back to shore with your arms before the pain becomes overwhelming."
Take note of the water temperature
"Open water is usually colder than water in a pool, which can affect swimming ability," says Natalie. According to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, cold water removes heat from the body 32 times faster than cold air causing cold shock - gasping, cramps, inhalation of water, heart attack, stroke and rapid drowning.
The deeper water gets the colder it gets. Don't be fooled by sweltering weather - dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature.
Do not kick or thrash if you encounter weeds or underwater obstructions
When swimming in open water, be aware of weeds and debris below the surface. They could snake around your ankles, causing you to panic. The key is to try and remain as calm as possible.
Natalie says: "If you do encounter some, slow your swim speed right down, don’t kick or thrash, and either float on through using your arms to paddle, or turn around slowly."
Watch your footing
Outdoor swimming spots are often surrounded by uneven surfaces and slippery rocks, making it incredibly easy to lose your footing. Never run, slipping and hitting your head is even more dangerous when you're close to water. Either go barefoot to get a better grip or wear plimsolls, or specially designed swim shoes with a rubber sole.
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