Wild Swimming Holidays in the UK
There’s something wonderfully refreshing about a swim in open water. Cool water, fresh air and the countryside stretching out around you – followed by the simple pleasure of warming up and returning to somewhere comfortable.
Our wild swimming holidays bring together places to stay where rivers and lakes are part of the experience. You might find a natural swimming spot on the estate itself, wake up beside a lake, or stay somewhere within easy reach of a river swimming spot.
From cosy cabins and peaceful lodges to characterful cottages, treehouses and larger holiday homes, there’s a wonderfully varied choice of places to stay. Some are made for quiet weekends for two, while others offer space for families and groups to enjoy time outdoors together.
Our collection currently includes wild swimming stays in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, the Forest of Dean, the Lake District and the Peak District, with more destinations and properties being added as the collection grows.
If wild swimming is part of how you like to spend your time away, these are places where you can make the most of being outdoors – and have somewhere lovely to come back to afterwards.
Featured Wild Swimming Stays
The Dovecot & The Bower at The Roost Retreats
The Barn at The Roost Retreats, Forest of Dean
Wagtail Retreats a Lakeside Escape
White House Hideaway, Forest of Dean
Domes by the Sea, Scotland
Beach Pads, Cornwall
Lilypod – Floating Glamping Retreats on a Private Lake in Devon
Round Island Cottages, Dorset
Alexander House Glamping
Alexander House Auchterarder
The Roost Retreats
Wild Swimming Accommodation
Wild swimming can be as much about what comes afterwards as the swim itself. After a refreshing dip in a river or lake, there’s something rather lovely about heading back to a warm and comfortable place to stay – perhaps easing into a hot tub, wrapping up with a mug of something warm or curling up in front of a crackling log burner.
The accommodation in our collection is wonderfully varied. You’ll find cosy cabins and lodges, country cottages and treehouses, as well as larger holiday homes with space for families and groups. Some are set beside their own natural swimming spot, while others offer easy access to rivers and lakes in the surrounding countryside.
For some stays, the water is quite literally on the doorstep. For others, a wild swim might be part of a day spent exploring the local area before returning to your accommodation for a little well-earned relaxation.
So whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend for two, a family break with plenty of time outdoors or a larger countryside stay with friends, these wild swimming holidays make it easy to combine time in the water with all the comforts of a beautiful place to stay.
Wild Swimming Holidays Across the UK
From the rivers and lakes of the Midlands to the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District and Lake District, our wild swimming stays are found in some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside.
Worcestershire
Worcestershire makes a lovely base for a wild swimming break, with the River Avon winding through the county and a choice of countryside stays nearby. Look out for cosy cabins, lodges and cottages where you can combine time outdoors with a comfortable place to return to at the end of the day.
Herefordshire
With the River Wye flowing through the county, Herefordshire offers plenty of opportunities to combine a countryside stay with time spent exploring the water. From characterful cottages to cabins and other rural accommodation, it’s a peaceful setting for a few days of swimming, walking and slowing down.
The Forest of Dean
Ancient woodland, open countryside and the River Wye make the Forest of Dean a wonderful setting for an outdoors-focused break. Stay among the trees or in the surrounding countryside, with wild swimming opportunities adding another reason to get outside and explore.
The Lake District
The Lake District is synonymous with open water, making it a natural choice for a wild swimming holiday. Alongside its famous lakes, the region is crossed by rivers including the Derwent and Esk, with a range of accommodation providing a comfortable base for exploring the water and surrounding landscape.
The Peak District
The Peak District offers a very different backdrop for wild swimming, with rivers, reservoirs and open countryside creating plenty of scope for outdoor adventures. The River Derwent runs through the region, while cottages, cabins and other stays provide a welcoming base for exploring the area.
Wild Swimming Breaks for Every Kind of Getaway
Wild swimming has a way of changing the pace of a break. There’s the anticipation of the swim, the exhilaration of stepping into cool water and then that wonderfully contented feeling afterwards. For some, it’s an invigorating start to the day; for others, it’s part of a slower afternoon spent outdoors.
For keen wild swimmers, these stays offer the chance to make swimming a real part of your time away, with beautiful surroundings to explore between dips. You don’t need to be an experienced open-water swimmer to enjoy the experience either – you might simply fancy trying something different from the usual weekend away.
They can also be a lovely choice for couples looking to spend more time outdoors together, families who enjoy being active in nature, or groups of friends looking for a countryside break with a difference. And when you’ve had enough of the water for the day, there’s always the comfort of your accommodation to look forward to.
From an early-morning dip followed by a lazy breakfast to a day of walking and exploring before an evening swim, wild swimming holidays leave plenty of room to make the experience your own.
For more remote stays where lakes, rivers and open landscape are the main attraction, explore our wilderness retreats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wild swimming?
Wild swimming is swimming outdoors in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and other natural swimming spots rather than in a traditional swimming pool. It can be anything from a refreshing dip during a countryside break to a regular part of an outdoor adventure.
Where can I go wild swimming in the UK?
The UK has a wonderful range of rivers and lakes to explore. The Lake District is the best known, with its famous lakes and rivers such as the Derwent and Esk, while the Peak District offers rivers and reservoirs among open moorland. Further south, the River Wye flows through Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean, and the River Avon winds through Worcestershire. Always check local guidance before swimming, as not every stretch of water is suitable.
Are wild swimming holidays suitable for beginners?
You don’t need to be an experienced wild swimmer to enjoy a stay connected with open water, but natural swimming can be very different from swimming in a pool. If you’re new to wild swimming, take time to understand the conditions and choose a location that suits your experience and confidence in open water.
Can I swim in any river or lake?
No. Not every river, lake or stretch of open water is suitable for swimming. Conditions can change, and there may also be local restrictions or hazards. Always check current local information and use recognised or recommended swimming spots rather than assuming that open water is safe simply because others swim there.
Is wild swimming available all year round?
Wild swimming can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons. Water temperatures, weather and local conditions can all affect whether a particular swimming spot is suitable. In colder months, you may want to consider a wetsuit or other suitable cold-water swimming kit, while warmer weather may call for little more than your usual swimwear and a towel. Check the individual property details and current local information before planning a swim.
What should I look for when choosing a wild swimming holiday?
Think about the kind of experience you want from your stay as well as the swimming itself. Check the individual property listing for information about the swimming location, access and any arrangements that apply, alongside the accommodation and other facilities. If you’re planning to swim in a river or lake, make sure you also check current local guidance and conditions.
