Wild swimming can be truly an extraordinary experience.

And lucky for us, the UK is home to many incredible places to enjoy this adventurous activity.

So, if you’re interested in diving into a new spot, see below for some of the most breathtaking locations you’ll be able to find dotted around the United Kingdom!

Read on to discover the best places for wild swimming in the UK…

What is wild swimming?

Wild swimming can be defined as going for a dip in a natural body of water with no man-made structures in place. This can be anything from rivers and lakes to lagoons and the ocean, depending on where you are.

Wild swimming is a popular outdoor activity amongst thrill seekers, simply because there’s an element of the unknown associated with wild swimming. There likely will be no safety precautions in place for wild swimmers, so think of it as similar to going off-route from a mapped-out walking trail.

Safety tips for wild swimming

Like any outdoor activity, wild swimming isn’t entirely risk-free! So, we’ve put together several safety tips to follow if wild swimming is something you’re interested in exploring:

Take someone with you on your adventure, or tell someone where you’re going.
Check the weather forecast, coastal currents and water temperature of your wild swimming location.
Wear appropriate swimwear for the location. UK waters can be particularly cold, so a full bodysuit may be the best option.
Wear swim shoes if you’re going swimming in a rocky area.
Bring safety equipment with you. For example, a tow float or an extra bright swimming cap (so you’re visible to boats and passersby).
Get into the water slowly. The temperature can be quite a shock, so your body will need time to get used to it!
Bring warm clothing to get changed into after you’re finished with wild swimming.
Be aware of your surroundings and figure out how you’re going to get out of the water before you get in.
Do your research on the wild swimming spot. What potential dangers may there be? Plan accordingly.
Parasites and other creepy crawlies are likely to be present in any wild swimming spot you find yourself in. Educate yourself on how to avoid any dangers associated with them.

Best places for wild swimming in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to hundreds of wild swimming spots, so we’ve handpicked several of the most raved about by like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. See below to discover where they are!

Lower Ddwli Falls, Waterfall Woods

To start, we have Lower Ddwli Falls, Waterfall Woods, located in the Brecon Beacons.

If you choose to go wild swimming in this idyllic location, you’ll have the choice of more than 20 different natural pools to explore.

From huge waterfall plunge pools (Lower Ddwli Falls) to wonderful smaller pools that connect to the famous Fechan and Mellte rivers, there’s no shortage of wild swimming spots in the Waterfall Woods.

If you’re planning on wild swimming throughout this area, be sure to bring swimming footwear with you – as there are plenty of rocks hidden within these pools. Plus, near the waterfalls, you’ll benefit from having access to footwear that’ll give you a good grip on slippery surfaces.

Lower Ddwli Falls, Waterfall Woods
To start, we have Lower Ddwli Falls, Waterfall Woods, located in the Brecon Beacons.
If you choose to go wild swimming in this idyllic location, you’ll have the choice of more than 20 different natural pools to explore.
From huge waterfall plunge pools (Lower Ddwli Falls) to wonderful smaller pools that connect to the famous Fechan and Mellte rivers, there’s no shortage of wild swimming spots in the Waterfall Woods.
If you’re planning on wild swimming throughout this area, be sure to bring swimming footwear with you – as there are plenty of rocks hidden within these pools. Plus, near the waterfalls, you’ll benefit from having access to footwear that’ll give you a good grip on slippery surfaces.

Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Renowned for being eerily similar to wild swimming spots found in Iceland, we couldn’t not include the famous Blue Lagoon!

Located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Blue Lagoon is an immensely popular wild swimming spot. The lagoon is surrounded by the most beautiful natural scenery, bordered by sandy beaches, ocean views and magnificent cliff landscapes.

The Blue Lagoon itself used to be a quarry, with a glistening greenish appearance. It’s extremely deep (approximately 25m!), so it’ll likely feel as though you’ve entered a bottomless pool!

Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Renowned for being eerily similar to wild swimming spots found in Iceland, we couldn’t not include the famous Blue Lagoon!
Located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Blue Lagoon is an immensely popular wild swimming spot. The lagoon is surrounded by the most beautiful natural scenery, bordered by sandy beaches, ocean views and magnificent cliff landscapes.
The Blue Lagoon itself used to be a quarry, with a glistening greenish appearance. It’s extremely deep (approximately 25m!), so it’ll likely feel as though you’ve entered a bottomless pool!

Loch Morlich, Scotland

Next, we have Loch Morlich, located in the Scottish Highlands.

This loch is extremely popular for seasoned wild swimmers, renowned for its sensational views of mountain and forest landscapes that wrap around the natural body of water.

If you’re new to wild swimming, this is a particularly good spot to start with. Loch Morlich has shallow shores, which you can stick to whilst soaking up the most breathtaking views.

Plus, once you’ve finished your wild swimming experience and are wrapped up in warm clothing once again, there’s a cafe located only a short walk away where you can enjoy a hearty meal and a warm drink. Perfect!

Loch Morlich, Scotland
Next, we have Loch Morlich, located in the Scottish Highlands.
This loch is extremely popular for seasoned wild swimmers, renowned for its sensational views of mountain and forest landscapes that wrap around the natural body of water.
If you’re new to wild swimming, this is a particularly good spot to start with. Loch Morlich has shallow shores, which you can stick to whilst soaking up the most breathtaking views.
Plus, once you’ve finished your wild swimming experience and are wrapped up in warm clothing once again, there’s a cafe located only a short walk away where you can enjoy a hearty meal and a warm drink. Perfect!

Windermere, Lake District

Most outdoor enthusiasts will likely be well acquainted with the Lake District, but did you know you can go wild swimming in Windermere?

For those who don’t know, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, so there are plenty of wild swimming spots to explore. If you’re new to wild swimming, we’d recommend exploring Miller Ground to begin with, located north of Bowness on Windermere.

Miller Ground offers the most breathtaking views of the mesmerising lake in its full glory, and you’ll also have access to shallower sections and jetties built to the side of the river.

Windermere, Lake District
Most outdoor enthusiasts will likely be well acquainted with the Lake District, but did you know you can go wild swimming in Windermere?
For those who don’t know, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, so there are plenty of wild swimming spots to explore. If you’re new to wild swimming, we’d recommend exploring Miller Ground to begin with, located north of Bowness on Windermere.
Miller Ground offers the most breathtaking views of the mesmerising lake in its full glory, and you’ll also have access to shallower sections and jetties built to the side of the river.

The Devils Kitchen, Snowdonia

The Devil’s Kitchen, located in Snowdonia, Wales, is an absolute must if you’re wanting to go wild swimming in an area that’s rich in natural beauty.

The lake itself is nestled between the mountains of Y Garn and Glyder Fawr, which provides visitors with panoramic views of the wrapped-around mountains. It’s also close to Cwm Idwal, which is a popular hiking route.

This is a freshwater lake, so expect temperatures to be a little on the chilly side. Wear appropriate swimwear and footwear as it can be rocky in some places, and proceed with caution like any other wild swimming experience. There’s a short path you’ll need to complete before reaching The Devil’s Kitchen ( Llyn Idwal), which should take you approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.

If you’re planning on going wild swimming towards the end of this year, you may be in for a treat. The panoramic views that wrap around The Devil’s Kitchen are particularly spectacular around this time of year, as the mountains will be decorated with snow.

The Devils Kitchen, Snowdonia
The Devil’s Kitchen, located in Snowdonia, Wales, is an absolute must if you’re wanting to go wild swimming in an area that’s rich in natural beauty.
The lake itself is nestled between the mountains of Y Garn and Glyder Fawr, which provides visitors with panoramic views of the wrapped-around mountains. It’s also close to Cwm Idwal, which is a popular hiking route.
This is a freshwater lake, so expect temperatures to be a little on the chilly side. Wear appropriate swimwear and footwear as it can be rocky in some places, and proceed with caution like any other wild swimming experience. There’s a short path you’ll need to complete before reaching The Devil’s Kitchen ( Llyn Idwal), which should take you approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.
If you’re planning on going wild swimming towards the end of this year, you may be in for a treat. The panoramic views that wrap around The Devil’s Kitchen are particularly spectacular around this time of year, as the mountains will be decorated with snow.

Gortin Glen Lakes, Co. Fermanagh

If you’re based in Northern Ireland, you’ll likely be aware of just how many spectacular wild swimming spots there are to enjoy across the country. However, if we were to pick one – it would be the Gortin Glen Lakes, located in County Fermanagh.

If you enjoy strolling through stunning landscapes, you’ll love the route up to the lakes. It’s a relatively short (0.6 miles approx) and steady trail, leading you onto the lakes. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Sperrins mountain landscape throughout, which is described as spectacular by previous visitors. This isn’t particularly surprising, seeing as the lakes are located in an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

You’ll likely share the lake with other wild swimmers throughout your visit, as it’s a popular spot for this activity, as well as other water sporting activities. Of course, proceed with caution as you would with any other wild swimming spot – and prepare yourself for cold, fresh water temperatures!

Gortin Glen Lakes, Co. Fermanagh
If you’re based in Northern Ireland, you’ll likely be aware of just how many spectacular wild swimming spots there are to enjoy across the country. However, if we were to pick one – it would be the Gortin Glen Lakes, located in County Fermanagh.
If you enjoy strolling through stunning landscapes, you’ll love the route up to the lakes. It’s a relatively short (0.6 miles approx) and steady trail, leading you onto the lakes. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Sperrins mountain landscape throughout, which is described as spectacular by previous visitors. This isn’t particularly surprising, seeing as the lakes are located in an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
You’ll likely share the lake with other wild swimmers throughout your visit, as it’s a popular spot for this activity, as well as other water sporting activities. Of course, proceed with caution as you would with any other wild swimming spot – and prepare yourself for cold, fresh water temperatures!

Loch Ness, Scotland

Last, but certainly not least, we have Loch Ness, which is ranked as one of the best (and most popular) wild swimming spots in the whole of the United Kingdom.

Loch Ness is famous for being the largest volume body of water in the UK, as well as its resident aquatic Loch Ness monster, who resides in the lake!

Jokes aside, there are actual eels in Loch Ness, so you’ll need to do your research into how to swim in the loch safely. Eels are found in deep water, so you’ll likely not come across one, but it’s best to be aware.

Apart from that, this truly is a unique spot to experience wild swimming for the first time. You’ll be surrounded by views of the Scottish Highlands that quite literally stretch for miles.

Loch Ness, Scotland
Last, but certainly not least, we have Loch Ness, which is ranked as one of the best (and most popular) wild swimming spots in the whole of the United Kingdom.
Loch Ness is famous for being the largest volume body of water in the UK, as well as its resident aquatic Loch Ness monster, who resides in the lake!
Jokes aside, there are actual eels in Loch Ness, so you’ll need to do your research into how to swim in the loch safely. Eels are found in deep water, so you’ll likely not come across one, but it’s best to be aware.
Apart from that, this truly is a unique spot to experience wild swimming for the first time. You’ll be surrounded by views of the Scottish Highlands that quite literally stretch for miles.

Although Loch Ness is an incredible place for wild swimming, you’ll need to be prepared for a dip in this loch. The water is going to be very cold, so it’s essential you plan accordingly and bring along a swim-bodysuit. This is especially important if you’re planning a wild dip in the colder months!

Outdoor enthusiasts who have explored wild swimming in Loch Ness have described the experience as surreal, but have also advised not to be fooled by the water temperatures.

It’ll likely start off relatively warmer when you first enter the water, but it’ll get colder the deeper you go. This is because the depth (maximum depth of Loch Ness is 227m!) of the loch itself.

Although Loch Ness is an incredible place for wild swimming, you’ll need to be prepared for a dip in this loch. The water is going to be very cold, so it’s essential you plan accordingly and bring along a swim-bodysuit. This is especially important if you’re planning a wild dip in the colder months!
Outdoor enthusiasts who have explored wild swimming in Loch Ness have described the experience as surreal, but have also advised not to be fooled by the water temperatures.
It’ll likely start off relatively warmer when you first enter the water, but it’ll get colder the deeper you go. This is because the depth (maximum depth of Loch Ness is 227m!) of the loch itself.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about some of the best places to go wild swimming in the UK.

If you’re planning to head out on an outdoor adventure soon, be sure to check out the rest of our website to browse the best selection of outdoor gear, brought to you by the most trusted outdoor brands in the world.