The best wild swimming locations in the UK

Wild swimming allows for a freeing experience where you can enjoy being surrounded by natural beauty in some of the UK’s most peaceful and rural spots. With countless locations to enjoy a dip in freshwaters, there is something close by to wherever you are planning on visiting once travel is permitted again. Here is a look at some of the most stunning wild swimming locations to visit in the future.

River Lugg, Bodenham, Herefordshire

River Lugg is a brilliant wild swimming location that is also a great spot for camping and caravanning. The Lugg flows through England and Wales along the Welsh Marshes, providing great spots for families and inexperienced swimmers to play on the sandy beaches and river pools. This idyllic location also offers deep holes for diving throughout the river bends as well as longer swims for those more experienced swimmers down the length of the meadow for two miles from Lugg Mill to Lugwardine Bridge.

Sugary Cove, Dartmouth, Devon

Sugary Cove is a smaller, well-hidden cove around the corner from Dartmouth Castle that is known for wild swimming. This secluded beach offers a quiet location to enjoy a peaceful swim surrounded by magnificent scenery to take in from the depths of the water. Perfect for a day trip if you’re staying in Devon for a holiday, take refuge with a Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays cosy cottage to make your trip perfect. Cottages available include pet-friendly, family-friendly and snuggly, romantic options, which makes it easy for you to choose a cottage perfect for any type of trip. If you are looking to stay close by to the water, there is a selection of chalets with direct sea views located across the coast of Devon; you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Lower Ddwli Falls, Waterfall Woods, Brecon Beacons

The Waterfall Woods houses one of the most stunning waterfalls in Wales with around 20 natural pools to discover. Lower Ddwli Falls can be found 20 minutes down the woodland trail here, with a popular swimming area where visitors can snorkel and enjoy an afternoon picnic on the edge of the water. Many tourists search for underwater rock formations in these clear waters, while braver swimmers can jump into the large junction pool from the footbridge – it is a great location for families and adventurers to enjoy.

Kailpot Crag, Ullswater, Lake District

Known for its thrilling cliff jumping experience, Kailpot Crag is a beautiful spot on Ullswater where you can expect to enjoy a mile walk through the woods and past small swimming bays to enjoy a dip in. Many adventurers visit this spot for the 15ft jump into the crystal-clear waters, but it is also popular for snorkelers and laying on the beach to watch the braver visitors taking the plunge!

The Grantchester Meadows, Cambridgeshire

Head to Grantchester Meadows for a relaxing, secluded wild swimming experience and enjoy a quintessentially English dip. Best for visiting in the warmer months of spring and summer. The river’s shallows and pools, along 2km of meadows, end at the Orchard Tea Garden for tea and lunch. The river is fantastic for a lazy swim with deeper banks that are good for diving. It is fringed with greenery and early blooms for the ultimate relaxing wild swim experience.

Just a reminder that as we are in lockdown, it’s so important to follow government guidelines and not to travel. This post is for inspiration for future travels.