There’s something elemental about wild swimming — the cold rush of water, the scent of the earth, the way your skin hums after a plunge. Whether in mountain-fed pools, quiet estuaries or hidden woodland gorges, wild swimming connects us to the landscape in a way few things can. And the UK, with its rugged coastline and winding rivers, is home to some of the best places to dive in. From Scottish tidal pools that glow pink at dusk to leafy London ponds with loyal communities, these seven swim spots offer something for everyone. Bring a towel, a flask and a sense of adventure — and don’t rush the warm-up. That’s half the joy.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Set at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, the Fairy Pools seem conjured from folklore. A 20-minute walk from the Glenbrittle car park leads to a string of crystal-clear pools connected by waterfalls, chutes and smooth rock channels. Bell heather and buttercups frame the water’s edge, and the glacial clarity reveals every stone and fish below the surface.
Though it’s become a popular stop on the Skye tourist trail, timing is everything. Go early, or walk in soft rain, and you might find yourself alone, drifting in silence beneath the brooding Cuillin range. Nearby, The Bracken Hide offers cosy, design-led bothies with Estonian sauna pods and a plunge pool — a luxurious base for exploring Skye’s wilder corners, from Loch Coruisk to the sea cliffs of Loch Bracadale.
Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey, Wales
There’s a windswept romance to Llanddwyn Island, a tidal outcrop off Anglesey’s southwest coast. Named for St Dwynwen — the Welsh patron saint of lovers — the island’s chapel ruins still draw pilgrims, and its lighthouse stands watch over sweeping views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Llŷn Peninsula.
Long sands, rockpools and sheltered coves wrap both east and west shores, offering calm waters even when the wind rises. After a swim, wander back through the dunes to Newborough National Nature Reserve, where pine forest trails stretch inland. For the ultimate post-dip ritual, visit nearby Halen Môn for a wild seaweed bath in a whisky barrel, overlooking the Menai Strait.
Durgan, Cornwall
Durgan, a tiny hamlet on the Helford River in south Cornwall, feels like a storybook setting. Brackish waters — where fresh river meets salty sea — shimmer emerald under the reflection of ancient woodland. This estuary landscape inspired Daphne du Maurier’s novel Frenchman’s Creek, and the spirit of hidden coves, shifting tides and overhanging oaks still lingers.
Swimmers here glide between creek and sea, often alone but for the sound of birdsong and boat ropes creaking. The South West Coast Path passes directly through Durgan, connecting other swim-friendly spots. Stay in a National Trust cottage to immerse yourself in the slow rhythm of estuary life, or join The Salt Sisterhood for a women’s retreat with daily swims and guided solitude.
Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
If you’re introducing children to wild swimming, Bude Sea Pool in north Cornwall is the ideal entry point. Carved into the rocks between Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches, this semi-natural tidal pool is sheltered from Atlantic swells, making it a safe spot for paddling, bodyboarding or floating under the open sky.
At low tide, the pool becomes a lively hub of families and local swimmers. After a splash, grab a cone from a passing ice cream van or step into the Ocean Soul Sauna, where you can warm up while watching surfers tackle the real waves just beyond the sea wall. It’s wild water — gently tamed.
Black Moss Pot, Lake District
Hidden in the Langstrath Valley, Black Moss Pot is a rite of passage for Lake District swimmers. Reached via a two-mile footpath from the village of Stonethwaite, this deep gorge feels secret and elemental. On sunny days, the water turns glassy green and you can see the riverbed as clearly as your outstretched hand.
There’s a natural ledge for brave jumpers, but plenty of gentler ways in — including scrambling across mossy boulders. A strong current at one end acts like a wild treadmill, pulling you gently through the pool. Afterward, wrap up warm and head back to the Langstrath Country Inn for sticky toffee pudding by the fire. Few swims feel so earned.
Hampstead Heath Ponds, London
In a city of concrete and crowds, the Hampstead Heath ponds offer rare communion with nature. Three pools — men’s, women’s and mixed — sit nestled among trees and meadows, shared with moorhens, herons and dragonflies. They’ve been beloved for generations, each with its own rituals and loyal regulars.
Summer brings sunbathers and swimmers to the grassy banks, but autumn is the real sweet spot. Leaves fall, the water turns amber, and the crowds thin. Dip in, warm fingers around a flask, and climb Parliament Hill to take in the skyline — a moment of stillness before rejoining the rush of the city.
Cellardyke Tidal Pool, Fife, Scotland
At golden hour, Cellardyke’s tidal pool glows pink. Built into the sea wall in the 1930s and restored by the community in recent years, it’s a quiet triumph of heritage and heart. The stone catches the last of the evening sun, warming your skin even as the North Sea keeps its chill.
Next to the pool, the wood-fired Cellardyke sauna offers heat and harbour, with views across the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May. Spend the weekend exploring the East Neuk of Fife, where pools like St Monans and Pittenweem are linked by the Fife Coastal Path. Swim, warm, repeat — and share the flask.
Ready for the water
Wild swimming isn’t just about the plunge — it’s about the whole ritual. The walk in, the bracing dip, the warmth after. These spots, scattered across the UK, invite you to slow down, tune in, and rediscover the joy of simple, elemental things. Just remember: respect the water, leave no trace, and always bring cake. Swimmers’ code.
