{"id":2234,"date":"2019-07-16T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T07:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=2234"},"modified":"2026-07-23T15:25:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:25:10","slug":"15-of-britains-best-wild-swimming-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/15-of-britains-best-wild-swimming-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"15 of Britain\u2019s Best Wild Swimming Spots and Waterfalls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for somewhere to cool off in the midst of a heatwave? Britain is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including waterfalls, lakes, and wild swimming spots where you can take a dip surrounded by lush foliage and tweeting birds, rather than chlorine and screaming children. In this guide, we\u2019ve broken down some of Britain\u2019s best wild swimming spots, the best time of year for wild swimming, and Secret Escapes\u2019 incredible English staycation<\/a> deals so you can enjoy a peaceful nature retreat without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Wild Swimming Legal in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, there are no laws prohibiting wild swimming in the UK; there is a \u2018right to roam\u2019 law permitting swimmers to swim in most lakes and rivers. However, there are some exceptions, such as reservoirs, privately owned lakes, and rivers with navigation and fishing rights. To avoid issues, check your desired location in advance for any potential restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild Swimming vs Open Water Swimming: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

‘Open water swimming’ is an umbrella term for swimming outdoors in any natural body of water, both recreationally and competitively, while ‘wild swimming’ refers to the casual, non-competitive act of swimming in rivers, lakes, and the sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open water swimming is broadly treated as a sport, encompassing everything from structured open-water triathlon training and competitive racing to long-distance sea crossings. Wild swimming focuses on adventure, immersion in nature, and the psychological benefits of being outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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River Esk <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best Wild Swimming Spots in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tongue Pot, Eskdale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tongue Pot\u2019s emerald waters might be cold, but they\u2019re impressively clear. Set along the River Esk in the Eskdale Valley, Tongue Pot is part of a series of pools, some with hair-raising higher jumps into five-metre depths and others with shallower waters and sunnier spots. A waterfall feeds into Tongue Pot itself, and the sheer rocky edges and grassy banks make it particularly pretty. There\u2019s also a pebble beach for easier access to the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: Drive past the Woolpack Inn in Boot and park by the telephone at the bottom of Hardknott Pass. Follow the riverside path for two miles until you reach Tongue Pot\u2019s ancient packhorse bridge. Coordinates: 54.4236, -3.1907<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galleny Force, Stonethwaite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by grassy knolls, ancient trees, and large flat rocks (perfect for sunbathing), the atmospheric Galleny Force takes shape as two sets of pools, each just over a metre deep. It\u2019s a lovely place for a picnic, and it\u2019s worth bringing a mask and snorkel to get a glimpse of the underwater life. The more adventurously minded can head up the valley to the deeper waters of Black Moss pot for some excellent diving and jumping opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: Park by the red phone box in Stonethwaite and take the path towards the river. Turn right after you\u2019ve crossed the bridge and follow the rocky path for about a mile. Coordinates: 54.5073, -3.1234<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kailpot Crag, Ullswater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kailpot Crag lies on the shores of Lake Ullswater; its deep water and high cliff make it popular with those who like to jump, bomb, or dive their way into a wild swim. For a more relaxed way to enter the lake\u2019s clear water, make camp on the nearby beach and paddle your way in. The crag backs onto a forest filled with ancient rowan and oak trees and, as it faces west, the views get even more splendid over sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: From Sandiwick, take the footpath northeast towards Howtown, and you\u2019ll come across Kailpot Bay and Crag after about a mile. You can also take the ferry to Howtown Pier and follow the footpath southwest. Coordinates: 54.5763, -2.8734<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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River Irthing <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crammel Linn, River Irthing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set on the River Irthing, the 10-metre-high waterfall at Crammel Linn marks the start of the Irthing Gorge \u2013 an area home to beautiful ancient and semi-natural woodland. It\u2019s Northumberland\u2019s largest waterfall and can be accessed via a short (although unpredictable, given its unmanaged nature) walk across the moor. This is a good option for the adventurous, as intrepid spirits are rewarded with a lovely, secluded swimming spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: It\u2019s about a mile and a half downstream from the Gilsland Spa Hotel, or you could walk across the moor from the road at grid reference: 636697. Coordinates: 55.0202, -2.5637<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River Thames, Buscot, Cotswolds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buscot Weir can become quite popular in clement weather, which is understandable given its deep natural pool and charming, willow-tree-lined edges. The lawns that overlook the water make great picnic areas, and the trees\u2019 expansive roots provide makeshift launch points for young and old alike, so you can really make a splash between sandwiches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: From Lechdale, head east on the A417, then turn left for Buscot. The weir lies north of Buscot Manor. Coordinates: 51.6809, -1.6683<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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River Wey <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best Wild Swimming Spots Near London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

River Wey, Tilford, Surrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set by a quintessential village green in Tilford are a ford and a shallow section of river that\u2019s ripe for paddling. Below the ford and upstream from the bridge, there\u2019s a deeper area that affords better submersion for the more serious swimmer. Elsewhere on the River Wey, the shoreline can take shape as sandy beaches and banks, and there\u2019s plenty of peace and quiet in the waterside meadows towards Old Woking. All in all, it\u2019s an area well worth an afternoon of exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: Head to Tilford and look for the car park on the road that connects Tilford Road with Tilford Street. From Tilford, it\u2019s about an hour\u2019s walk to Fensham Great Pond \u2013 a large, man-made pond with a sandy beach area and designated swimming spots. Coordinates: 51.1830, -0.7518<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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River Thames. Image: <\/em>Flikr\/gabriellaksz<\/a>
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River Thames, Pangbourne, Berkshire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of this wild swimming spot is how easy it is to access from London, yet once you\u2019ve found it, there\u2019s no concrete in sight. Stretching along the edge of the Chiltern Hills, this section of the Thames meanders through Pangbourne\u2019s meadows and offers access points to the water via chalk beaches, grassy verges or boat ramps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: Get the train to Pangbourne and walk three miles upstream, accessing the Thames Path via Hartslock Bridleway. If you\u2019re driving, aim for Lower Basildon and gain access to the water from the opposite bank. Coordinates: 51.5080, -1.1109<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River Stour, Fordwich, Kent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fordwich might be England\u2019s smallest town, but it still manages to squeeze in a top-notch wild swimming spot. Following the Great Stour River from here, you\u2019ll meander from an open and sunny expanse to shaded woodlands, which eventually lead to a wild lake that’s only accessible by swimming or canoe. There are plenty of places to enter the Stour\u2019s clear waters as you stroll along its banks, but head to the mooring platform near The Fordwich Arms pub if you want to make life easy for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: Head to The Fordwich Arms on the river\u2019s south bank and you\u2019ll find the mooring platform nearby. Coordinates: 51.3001, 1.1513<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wain Wath Force <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best Wild Swimming Spots with Easy Parking and Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wain Wath Force, Keld<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it might not be the most isolated spot, Wain Wath Force is incredibly easy to get to, thanks to its proximity to the B6270 road. It\u2019s also situated on the 182-mile-long Coast to Coast Walk, which stretches from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood\u2019s Bay on the North Sea coast. Its location, on the infant River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is peaceful and picturesque, and there\u2019s a grassy bank just below the falls on which to enjoy a picnic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: You can park on the side of the road near the gate that provides access to the river and the waterfall. Coordinates: 54.409322, -2.180146<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River Lugg, Bodenham, Herefordshire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bodenham provides a beautiful, storybook-like location for a handful of serene wild swimming spots along the River Lugg. Slowly flowing through, the river here boasts sandy beach areas along its edges, as well as natural pools. There\u2019s something for everyone, as the water is home to both shallow and deep areas, drawing paddlers and divers alike. The surrounding countryside is peaceful and enchanting, so you can really drift away from it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: Head for St Michael\u2019s Church (HR1 3JU) and follow the path just behind it to reach the water\u2019s edge. Cross the bridge and head downstream to find the sandy beaches. Coordinates: 52.1535, -2.6892<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aira Force <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aira Beck, Matterdale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Owned by the National Trust, the area around Aira Beck is scenic enough to have inspired the writings of Wordsworth, who references it in \u2018The Somnambulist\u2019. The pools and pots of Aira Beck stretch for around half a mile before reaching the 20-metre-high Aira Force waterfall, from which the beck runs for a further kilometre to reach Ullswater Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find it: A public footpath from the village of Dockray passes the waterfall. Watch out for the Wish Tree en route, where you can follow age-old tradition by hammering a coin into the bark with a piece of local stone while making a wish. Coordinates: 54.5793, -2.9289<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thornton Force Waterfall <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Best Time of Year for Wild Swimming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best time of year for wild swimming in Britain depends wholly on the temperatures your body can handle. While spring and summer are universally the most popular seasons for swimming due to the warmer water and weather, they also bring far larger crowds looking to cool down from the heat. Early autumn (September and October) is also considered a great time for wild swimming, offering a sweet spot between warmer water, crisp air, and quieter surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Janet’s Foss waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Explore Incredible Wild Swimming Spots with Secret Escapes\u2019 UK Stays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover the best hidden gems for wild swimming in Britain with Secret Escapes\u2019 collection of England staycations<\/a>. After a long day of swimming, kick your feet up in a chic boutique hotel<\/a>, a picturesque country hotel<\/a>, or sink into relaxation with our spa hotel<\/a> deals. We offer outrageous discounts on the finest hotels, so you can enjoy luxury at a fraction of the cost. For more information and travel guides, read our blog, The Escapist<\/a>, or contact us<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t