Yorkshire Dales
Appletreewick, River Wharfe
A popular stretch of the River Wharfe with grassy banks and several deeper pools for swimming. The area near the old stone bridge is particularly scenic and a classic Dales swimming spot.
Venue informationA little planning. A better day by the water.
Resources for wild swimmers
Find UK wild swimming venues, plan your next dip and explore trusted guidance for open water swimming. A growing directory curated by Paul and Kate, the swimmers behind Wild Swim Studio.
About this directory: Venues and links are provided for general information, not as recommendations or endorsements. We do not assess venues for safety or suitability, and inclusion does not confirm permission to swim. Information may change. Check current access, conditions and water quality with the venue or relevant authority. The guidance below is general information, not swimming instruction or a substitute for qualified advice.
Find your next place to explore
Wild swimming venues (UK)
Check current access, opening times, booking requirements and conditions with the venue or land manager before travelling. Notes below describe the location and may change; clear-looking water is not proof of water quality.
19 venues
Gwynedd, Wales
Barmouth Beach
A huge, sandy beach on the Mawddach Estuary, offering stunning views and relatively shallow water. It's a popular and accessible location for a sea swim with the dramatic backdrop of the Welsh mountains.
Venue informationLondon
Beckenham Place Park Wild Swimming Lake
A purpose-built swimming lake that is the first of its kind in London, providing a safe and managed environment. The venue features a sandy beach and is regularly tested for water quality.
Venue informationLake District
Buttermere
One of the most scenic lakes for a swim, surrounded by iconic fells like Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. The water is exceptionally clear, and there are numerous accessible pebble beaches along the shore.
Venue informationHaxby, York
Chaloner Pond
Chaloner Pond near York offers wild swimming in a peaceful, natural setting alongside regular wellbeing activities such as Pilates, sauna sessions, and sound baths . It’s a community-focused venue designed to boost mood, build confidence, and connect swimmers with nature
Venue informationSomerset
Clevedon Marine Lake
A beautifully restored Victorian tidal pool on the Bristol Channel coast. It offers a large, safe area for swimming with the feel of the sea but without the strong currents.
Venue informationIsle of Skye, Scotland
Fairy Pools
A series of magical, crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle. Famous for their beauty, they offer a very cold but unforgettable swimming experience beneath the Cuillin mountains.
Venue informationCambridgeshire
Grantchester Meadows
A classic river swimming spot on the River Cam, immortalised by the poet Rupert Brooke. The slow-moving river is flanked by idyllic meadows, perfect for a picnic and a gentle swim.
Venue informationLondon
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Iconic, historic swimming ponds (Men's, Ladies', and Mixed) providing a slice of wild swimming in the heart of London. They are lifeguarded and offer a quintessential London outdoor experience.
Venue informationHelmsley, North Yorkshire
Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
Yorkshire's only 25m heated open air pool, set in the North York Moors National Park. It offers lifeguarded outdoor swimming, family sessions, events, private hire, and seasonal cold water sessions, with online booking available.
Venue informationHowsham, York
Howsham Mill
Howsham Mill is a popular wild swimming spot on the River Derwent, located near Howsham Bridge, featuring a small beach and a ladder for entry and exit. Swimmers should be aware of the presence of cows in nearby fields, a tricky entry/exit ladder, and a strong current near the weir, which is downstream from the Mill. While free, the site does not have lifeguards.
Venue informationMalhamdale, North Yorkshire.
Janets Foss
A small waterfall and clear pool nestled in woodland near Gordale Scar, famous for wild garlic in spring and local folklore about the fairy queen Jennet. Popular for paddling and wild swims, it’s accessible via a footpath from Malham village and open year-round
Venue informationCrockey Hill, York
Pool Bridge Farm
Just outside the city, Pool Bridge has four lakes for wild swimming, from lily-covered ponds to a 300m circuit. A wood-fired sauna and family-friendly sessions make it a popular spot, with booking required online.
Venue informationEast Sussex
Saltdean Beach
A quieter alternative to Brighton, this pebble beach has a backdrop of iconic white cliffs. The art deco lido is nearby, but the sea here offers a refreshing and classic coastal swim.
Venue informationHyde Park,London
Serpentine Lido
One of London’s most iconic open-water swimming spots, open to the public from late May through mid-September. The lido has lifeguards, changing facilities, and an adjacent café, making it a central summer destination for wild swimmers and families alike.
Venue informationLeicestershire
Stanton Lakes
A privately-owned lake offering organised open water swimming sessions in a clean and safe environment. The venue is popular with triathletes and leisure swimmers alike, with a restaurant on site.
Venue informationMasham, North Yorkshire.
Swinton Park
Set in the parkland of Swinton Park Hotel, the estate’s wild swimming lake has a purpose-built platform and is open year-round with pre-booked time slots . Swimming is free for hotel and Country Club guests, or available with a parkland pass
Venue informationNorth York Moors
Thomason Foss
A beautiful waterfall and plunge pool near the village of Goathland in the North York Moors. Accessible via a short walk, it offers a refreshing and secluded dip in a classic Yorkshire setting.
Venue informationWiltshire/Somerset
Warleigh Weir
A picturesque river swimming spot on the River Avon, featuring a large grassy meadow for relaxing. It is a community-managed, free location popular in summer, with a focus on respecting the environment.
Venue informationNo matching venues. Try a wider location or clear your filters.
Before you leave home
Tips & guides for your next swim
Before you swim, check local conditions and access, and choose a swim that suits your ability. The tips below are a starting point — follow the links for more detailed safety advice.
Choosing your venue
Confirm permission, booking and opening arrangements. Identify entry and exit points and seek current local advice. At the coast, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Reading the elements
Check weather, tides and currents before a coastal swim. Conditions can change: be willing to change your plans or stay out. Check venue notices and current water-quality information too.
Understanding the cold
Cold water can affect breathing and swimming ability. Enter slowly, avoid jumping straight in and allow your breathing to settle. Read the RNLI’s cold-water guidance before planning your first dip.
Your safety blueprint
Go with a buddy, tell someone on shore your plans and take a means of calling for help. Wear a bright swim cap and prepare warm clothes for afterwards. Know the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance.
Guidance: RNLI open water swimming and Float to Live. Read their full advice before swimming.
Keep these to hand
Trusted wild swimming resources
RNLI swimming guidance ↗
Preparation, equipment, conditions and what to do in an emergency.
Float to Live ↗
Learn the RNLI’s guidance for staying afloat if you get into difficulty.
Outdoor Swimming Society ↗
Outdoor swimming articles, community and inspiration.
Outdoor Swimmer magazine ↗
Swimming stories, interviews, destinations, events and gear reviews for people who love being outdoors in the water.
Planning a wild swim: common questions
How do I find wild swimming near York?
Search for York or choose a location in the directory. Listings include Howsham Mill, Chaloner Pond and Pool Bridge Farm. Each has different access arrangements and conditions: follow the information link and confirm current details before visiting.
Does a listing mean a venue is safe to swim?
No. Listings are suggestions for further research. Weather, flow, tides, water quality and access can change. Check current local guidance and venue notices, and choose not to swim if conditions or your ability make it unsuitable.
Do I need to book?
Some managed venues require booking, charge admission or run seasonal sessions. Other locations have different access restrictions. Check the linked venue information rather than assuming access is free or available year-round.
Can I suggest a venue or update?
Yes. Contact Paul and Kate with the venue name, location, a reliable information link and the detail you think should be added or corrected.
From the water to your wall
A reminder of the places you love
We create wild swimming illustrations inspired by places, friendships and the feeling of a dip. Explore our location artwork, including Serpentine Lido, Helmsley Pool and Janet’s Foss.