Not just a fitness activity, wild swimming is quickly becoming recognised for the unique experiences and wellness benefits it can bring.
Here’s what you need to know about the mind-boosting exercise and the best places in the UK to give wild swimming a try.
What is wild swimming?
At its heart, wild swimming simply involves grabbing your costume and swimming outdoors in natural waters, such as rivers, lakes, and the sea. That means losing the lane ropes, the smell of chlorine, and the restrictions of moving in a particular direction that you have in a traditional pool. It can be a particularly intense workout too – depending on where you decide to give it a try. Currents and waves can add a little bit of body-toning endurance to your swim, plus there’s the memorable ‘wake up’ call to your nervous system that the cold – sometimes even icy – waters bring.
The most unique benefit of wild swimming though, is the immersion in nature it innately involves. Surrounding yourself with the natural world – whether in a mountain stream, a crystal clear lake or the gentle waves of the sea – has been found to help reduce stress, lift brain fog and improve your mood, in part by triggering the release of happy hormones, such as endorphins and dopamine. That’s what the wild swimming community call ‘a natural high’. The rhythmic movement and deep breathing that accompanies swimming outdoors also mimics meditative practices, calming the nervous system.
Throw in that many wild swimming locations are particularly beautiful, with birdsong overhead, the wind on your face and greenery as far as the eye can see, and it is easy to understand why your heart rate slows down while drinking in a breathtaking view. Ultimately, wild swimming turns a simple fitness activity into a natural wellness experience, and the UK – with its rugged coastline and rolling countryside, from the lochs of the Scottish Highlands to Dorset’s turquoise coves – is an especially stunning place to jump right in.
The best wild swimming experiences in the UK
Cameron House, Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond has been rated one of the best locations for wild swimming in the UK, and there’s plenty of room for everyone – it is the UK’s largest lake, after all! Despite its scale, there are still plenty of calm, shallow areas that feel safe and easy to access for beginners, and staying at Cameron House as part of the experience, makes it even better – you can literally wander down from your room and be in the water within minutes. There’s no scrambling over rocks or hiking for miles; just a smooth, easy entry with epic views. Plus, the hotel is pure luxury, so once you’ve had your swim, you can warm up in the spa, order something delicious, and relax in style. It’s the perfect balance: a little bit of adventure, without sacrificing any comfort.
South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex
South Lodge in West Sussex has basically created the perfect way to ‘dip your toe’ into the world of open water swimming, with its tailored Wild Swimming Weekend packages. Led by a true expert – Ella Foote, the editor of Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, it’s a great way to get proper coaching on safe techniques in an ultra-relaxing environment, helping build your confidence so that you can swim independently on future travels. You don’t have to worry about logistics or safety either – it’s all handled for you, from your wetsuit and float to dry robes that make sure you stay warm as soon as you get out of the water. A light lunch at plant-based restaurant Botanica and spa access (with outdoor infinity pool and thermal suites) are also included in your stay, and you can enjoy both while drinking in the gorgeous country house hotel’s panoramic views over the South Downs.
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews
One for your autumn 2025 to early 2026 bucket list, the Old Course Hotel in Scotland is not only completing a full renovation of the Kohler Waters Spa (recently named Scottish Spa of the Year 2024 by The Sunday Times), but is launching a new ‘Active Wellbeing and Indulgent Good Times’ programme that includes cold water swimming sessions. Guests on the weekend retreats (exact dates to be confirmed) will have the chance to receive personalised guidance on the best techniques, alongside opportunities to explore the beaches, lochs and tidal pools that surround the iconic hotel. Further relaxation awaits through massages at the spa and the innovative KLAFS snow and sauna cabin – a hot/cold contrast therapy that further boosts the endorphins you’ll get from your wild swimming dips. Plus, a trip to St Andrews wouldn’t be complete without a round of golf and a trip to the pod-filled al fresco terrace, The Deck, for local Scottish produce.
Another Place, Lake District
Another Place is a dreamy Lake District escape and the perfect mix of adventure and creature comforts for a wild swim experience, not least because it sits right on the edge of Ullswater – England’s second largest lake and the setting for William Wordsworth’s Daffodils poem. Each 45 minute wild swim session is led by Colin Hill, an open-water pro who somehow makes plunging into chilly water feel like the most natural thing in the world. From gentle bobbing and doggy paddle to jumping in from nearby crags, there’s fun to be had for the whole family (10 years and up), and for very confident swimmers there’s also the opportunity to pop your name into the record books with a memorable full seven mile lap of the lake. In fact, active souls will be spoilt for choice at Another Place, which offers stand-up paddle boards and kayaks as another way to explore the lake, and it serves as the perfect base for hiking, cycling, horse trekking and sailing too.
Seaham Hall, Durham
Sea swimming in the North East sounds hardcore – and honestly, it can be – but Seaham Hall makes it completely doable (and actually a little indulgent). The Georgian-style country hotel sits above a stretch of rugged Durham coastline, and both Seaham Beach and Seaham Harbour Marina offer great wild swimming locations that are calm and sheltered enough for beginners. Early mornings are magic here: the sun rises over the North Sea, the beach is quiet, and the water, while brisk, feels incredibly fresh. If you’re new to sea swimming, start with a quick dip and work your way up – and remember, there’s always the spa waiting for you afterwards, complete with thermal suites, outdoor hot tubs with sea views, and treatments that relax and recharge you. Add in locally sourced dinners and serene coastal walks, and you’ve got the perfect mix of adventure and comfort – which will make you want to come back whatever the season.
The Serpentine, London
Proof that wild swimming doesn’t have to mean driving hours into the countryside, at The Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park, you can take the plunge right in the middle of the city. The Serpentine Swimming Club has been around since the 19th century, so there’s a lovely sense of tradition – especially if you go for an early-morning dip alongside the regulars. In summer, the Lido is open to the public, with easy access, lifeguards on duty, and a café for your post-swim coffee. It’s of course not as secluded as more rural lakes, and in fact has an almost public swimming pool vibe, but that’s also part of the charm. One minute you’re surrounded by swans and water lilies, the next you’re back in Knightsbridge, ready to continue your day after a mind-boosting plunge. It’s wild swimming that’s refreshing yet sociable, without removing you completely from the pace of normal life.
Just a note: how to try wild swimming safely
While wild swimming can be a chance to relax and recharge in a peaceful environment, it isn’t without its risks. Being out in nature means there’s no signs to indicate how deep the waters are, how strong a current might be or what injury dangers are around, such as slippy or sharp rocks and algae that might not be safe for humans. That’s why swimming in designated places and/or always swimming with a friend is recommended. A little preparation goes a long way too. You might want to invest in a wetsuit, or at least a hat, gloves and boat shoes to keep you warmer and protected (bonus points if they are brightly coloured, which can make you easier to spot in the water). Have your warm towel – and a hot beverage – ready for when you are finished too, so you can enjoy the benefits of a bracing wild swim without causing yourself illness or injury.
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