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Wild swimming has become a popular fitness and wellness trend, receiving an 84% increase* in searches over the last year. With several benefits, from fitness to mental rejuvenation and reconnecting with nature, it’s no surprise that people love wild swimming.
If you’re seeking to plunge into one of the UK’s best cooling spots, then read on. South Western Railway has conducted a thorough analysis and curated a list of the best wild swimming spots to visit in the UK and South West, including popular spots like Lepe Country Park which sits on the edge of the New Forest, Swanage Beach on the infamous Jurassic Coast and more.
We analysed some of the best wild swimming spots in the UK and scored each out of 100. The scores were determined by assessing the sentiment expressed in reviews for each spot. Each location was scored for its swim quality and scenery quality.
The top wild swimming spots in the UK
Here are the top 5 wild swimming spots in the UK.
1. Kailpot Crag, Lake District National Park
Rated the best spot for wild swimming in the UK, Kailpot Crag is one of the most popular and picturesque lakes in the Lake District. Its west-facing position makes it the ideal setting for sunset swims, and the nearby beach is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the evening. This refreshing oasis also boasts breathtaking nature, including an exhilarating diving opportunity from the high, rocky cliff into the crystal-clear depths of the water. Visitors can swim at this beautiful spot for free.
2. Nolton Haven Beach, Haverfordwest in Wales
Situated south of Newgale Beach within the picturesque St Brides Bay, Nolton Haven has a serene and untouched shoreline composed of sand and pebbles, with rocky cliffs and rock pools on either side. Renowned for its tranquillity, the beach attracts visitors seeking leisurely swims and exhilarating watersports. Recognised for its rich marine biodiversity, the coastal area holds the prestigious designation of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation. Nolton Haven is an award-winning beach with convenient amenities like nearby toilets and parking facilities. It’s also dog-friendly and has a dedicated lifeguard service, ensuring safety for visitors from June through to September.
3. Vobster Quay, Somerset
Vobster Quay promises visitors the best swimming experience in the South West. Spanning 36 acres, the water is regularly checked and maintained to ensure the highest water quality. With an array of open-water activities on offer, including various courses to accommodate swimmers of every level, there is something everyone can enjoy here. Afterwards, visitors can unwind in the outdoor seating area overlooking the lake while enjoying a hot beverage.
4. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye in Scotland
The Fairy Pools are located on the northern slopes of the stunning Black Cuillin range on the Isle of Skye. They gracefully wind down the hillside, eventually merging into the River Brittle. Renowned worldwide, the Fairy Pools boast crystal-clear blue waters, providing an inviting opportunity for adventurous wild swimmers. The journey to the pools takes approximately 20 minutes via a purpose-built gravel pathway, offering remarkable views of the Black Cuillin peaks.
5. Devil’s Point Tidal Pool, Plymouth
Completing our list of the top five wild swimming spots in the UK is the Devil’s Point Tidal Pool in Plymouth. This area holds a special appeal for families, and the shallow tidal pool reaches depths of approximately 1-1.5 metres, replenished by fresh seawater with each incoming tide. During summer, the water tends to be notably warmer than the sea, drawing swimmers and paddlers. Access to the pool is free, and it is easily reachable via a gradual inward slope.
The top wild swimming spots in the South West
Here are the top 5 wild swimming spots in the South West.
1. Vobster Quay, Somerset
Vobster Quay features again in our research as the best wild swimming destination in the South West. This comes as no surprise, given the lake's extensive range of facilities catering to swimmers of all skill levels.
2. Swanage Beach, Dorset
This sandy beach is one of the town’s main attractions. Swanage Beach has a well-earned reputation for its clear, calm and swim-friendly waters, boasting numerous awards like the European Blue Flag Award and the Seaside Award. The beach also hosts the Jurassic Swim Challenge, offering participants the option of a 2km or 4km race around the bay. For those less inclined towards racing, visitors can partake in personal challenges or join guided swims in small groups. Lifeguards oversee the bay from late May through to September.
How to get there: The nearest SWR train station is Wareham. From there, you can take a bus to Swanage Beach.
3. Devil’s Point Tidal Pool, Plymouth
This treasured area in Portsmouth scored so well that it features once more as a top wild swimming spot in the South West. The beloved bathing spot has been drawing swimmers for decades, having been built a century ago during the reign of King George.
4. Treyarnon Bay, Padstow
This Cornish beach is a favourite among families. Nestled within a sandy cove, Treyarnon Bay is bordered by dramatic cliffs and features beautiful turquoise waters – the ideal place for a refreshing swim. If you go later in the day, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset as the backdrop for your leisurely evening swim.
5. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
Nestled in the rocks of Summerleaze Beach is Bude’s beautiful, part-natural, partially man-made pool. Established in 1930, this natural sea pool has provided a haven for visitors for over 80 years, accessible to all free of charge. Its water is replenished daily by the incoming tide, bringing along sand and stones and maintaining its allure. As one of the largest sea pools in the UK and a premier attraction in North Cornwall, Bude Sea Pool is a must-visit destination for seaside enthusiasts.
On the South Western Railway network we also have Lepe Country Park which sits on the edge of the New Forest, nine miles south of Southampton. There's something for everyone here across its long stretch of shingle beach. Visitors can enjoy a cooling swim in the Solent and go rock pooling at low tide. The nearest train stations are Southampton and Brockenhurst.
Also in the region, Man O' War is worth a look in. It's around a 25-minute bus journey from Wool station. Part of the infamous Jurassic Coast, this picturesque shingle beach holds a stunning cove surrounded by breathtaking cliffs.
Feeling motivated to go for a cooling dip outdoors? Explore lidos in the South West. And if you’re keen on adding more outdoor activities to your agenda, discover the best outdoor activities to boost your mood.
Save on travel expenses by booking your train tickets in advance, and use GroupSave offers for up to 34% off tickets when travelling with family and friends.
Methodology and sources
*Source: Google Trends
In order to do this, a seed list of wild swimming spots was located by searching online for the top results. A top seed list of 57 swimming locations was established, outlining the best locations using metrics like sentiment analysis on user review data.
For swimming sentiment, we looked for the word 'swim' or 'swimming' in the reviews and used machine learning techniques to score the sentiment around the word. The closer the score is to 100, the more positive the sentiment. The same was done for scenery keywords, such as ‘beautiful’ and ‘picturesque’, to create the scenery sentiment.
Average water temperature was collected through a wide range of online water measuring resources (list available). Other useful information such as pricing, parking, nearest train station and distance was used during desk research, utilising websites and maps. If there was no pricing data, it is free to swim or a wild swimming spot where no official, organised swimming takes place.
