Get Yourself Out There – Wonderful Outdoor Swimming Spots

You can’t beat swimming outside. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll feel at one with nature. Slipping in to the icy cold waters of a lake, river or outdoor pool is exhilarating, energising, meditative and makes you feel one hundred per cent alive. And that’s without even mentioning the mental health benefits and boost it gives to your immune system. As the summer days heat up, we’re encouraging you to get yourself out there and explore the great outdoors with our nine favourite spots for outdoor swimming. So, whether you’re on a UK Staycation or just on a day trip with your muddy match, pack your wetsuit, your costume or your skins and get out there with MuddyMatches.co.uk!

Please abide by health and safety rules for wild swimming at all times to protect yourself and others. Find out more here at WildSwimming.co.uk.

1. Panniers Pool, Peak District

With everything from rippling shallows to deeper plunge pools, this beautiful spot is located at the Y-junction of two converging rivers where the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire meet. So, as well as a refreshing splash in the fresh air, you can also swim with a limb in each country. Pretty cool, eh?

2. South Hykeham, Lincolnshire

This former gravel pit offers a lot more than open water swimming. With two circuits of 800 m and 200 m, as well as get out points every 200 m around the main circuit, you’ll find peace and calm when you swim in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside. If you want a little more adrenaline, then stay on to enjoy the other water activities on offer: canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and even jet-skiing and power boating.

3. Cuckmere Meadows, East Sussex

We’ve fallen in love with its name, but Cuckmere Meadows is also the place for romance as you’re surrounded by gentle grass banks and soft chalky beds. This wide, shallow, moderately warm oxbow lakes stems from Cuckmere stream. For more of a workout, venture further along to Cuckmere Haven and you can even sea swim too.

4. Moreton Ford, Dorset

Combine history with exercise at Moreton Ford, River Frome, bang next door to the church where Lawrence of Arabia is buried. Dip into the shallow pools of this gravel ford, then head into the willow-lined banks to try one of the tree swings. Utter bliss.

5. Galleny Force, Stonethwaite, Borrowdale

Combining peaceful swimming spots with beautiful water falls, Galleny Force offers several pools to discover on different levels. Hidden away, you’ll need a meander half a mile through the woods from Stonethwaite camp site to find this spot. Head further up to brave the Black Moss pot – a real leap of faith!

6. Glen Rosa Water, Isle of Arran

Can you get more magical than Glen Rosa Water on the Isle of Arran? You’ll be spoilt for choice; river, sea and loch all offer amazing, remote places to get in the water. Glen Rosa prides itself on its emerald green pools and refreshingly cool waters. Climb up from the waterfalls to access the glen, near Goat Fell. You’ll have spectacular views and a much-needed dip after the heat of your climb.

7. River Lugg, Herefordshire

Flowing through the Welsh Marches from Wales to England, head to Bodenham on the River Lugg for long sandy beaches and beautiful river pools. This spot feels absolutely timeless – the perfect place to while away a long, lazy, summer afternoon in the sunshine.

8. River Thames, Pangbourne, Berkshire

Never thought about swimming in the River Thames? Think again! In the peaceful surroundings of Coombe Park, right on the edge of the Chilterns, you’ll find an unspoilt, quiet stretch of river with clear waters and wide banks. If you really want to push yourself, swim the six miles (or walk them, that’s the option we’d take) own to Reading for a romantic walk.

9. Porthtowan Tidal Pool, St Agnes

A real hidden gem, the secluded Porthtown Tidal Pool fills up at high tide, providing a safe haven for peaceful dips in its clear saltwaters. Warm up with the scramble over the rocks from the main St Agnes beach, then dry off by walking along the sands to Chapel Porth.

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