Quirky Camper’s Beginners Guide to Wild Swimming and the Best Wild Swimming Spots in the UK 

Wild swimming is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. This exhilarating activity involves taking a dip in natural settings like lakes, oceans, or rivers. You can easily dive into this enjoyable and mindful hobby and what better time to do it then on with your very own campervan holiday! Wild swimming offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health—just take the plunge! We’ve put together a handy beginner’s guide to wild swimming, highlighting some of the best spots in the UK accessible by campervan. Let us handle the research, and the campervan so you can focus on the fun!

How to Start Wild Swimming 

Before you jump right into wild swimming, check out these steps to setting yourself up for a safe and fun first dip! 

Step One – Pick your perfect swimming spot 

Choosing the right location for your swim is crucial. Look for a spot with a gradual slope into the water for easy and safe entry and exit, and always consider the water’s depth and flow. There’s plenty of online information about where to swim, so do your research ahead of time. The Surfers Against Sewage website is a great tool for checking the local pollution levels in bodies of water – helping you swim in clean water and keeping you healthy.

Step Two – Stay Safe

Before taking a dip, ensure you’ve checked local laws and regulations to make sure you’re choosing a permitted spot. Starting in popular wild swimming locations can be a safe approach. For sea swimming, check tides, currents, sea conditions, and tide times, and heed any local danger signs. The RNLI offers excellent guides on Beach Safety. 

Step Three – Find a Swimming buddy or join a Swim Group! 

Swimming alone can be a calming and tranquil experience, but when you’re first starting out joining a swimming group can be a great way of learning from the experience of others, getting first hand advice, finding new local spots and of course, meeting new wild swimming friends. 

Step Four – Get your gear sorted 

There’s no need to buy loads of fancy gear to start wild swimming, all you need is your swimmers and a towel to dry off after. But, if you do want to get started with all the gear, we recommend the following:

• A swim hat 
• Swim suit 
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes 
• Towel Robe 
• Dry Robe 
• Thermos 
• Woolly Hat 

Step Five – Time to swim!

Time for the main event! You’ve got your gear and you’re ready to swim. Depending on the time of year you will need to be aware of the water temperature. In the UK it’s very likely to be cold all year round, but the temperature will drop substantially in the winter months. Keep your swims short to begin with and gradually build up your tolerance to the cold. 

Step Six – Post Swim 

There’s nothing that beats the invigoration of a chilly dip in the wild! Once you’re out of the water your body will be filled with endorphins and you’ll be feeling fresh and alive! But it’s very important to take care of yourself. This is where a campervan comes in handy! Dry off asap and get on some warm, dry clothes. With your handy campervan nearby you’ll easily be able to change in privacy and warm up, then whip up a nice hot drink to warm you from the inside out. The perfect end to a wild swim! 

Wild Swimming Top Tips 

• Never swim alone
• Take it slow and acclimatise to the temperature 
• Wear the right gear 
• Check local info before swimming 
• Check tides times if swimming in the sea and be aware of rip currents
• Avoid getting too cold 
• Never drink and swim 
• Wear a brightly coloured swim hat 
• Take a tow float
• Stay within your depth if you’re not a confident swimmer

Why Wild Swim with a Campervan? 

Wild swimming is an ideal activity for your campervan trip. Whether you’re out for a weekend, a week, or a month-long road trip, wild swimming allows you to reconnect with nature, and a campervan is the perfect companion. It can take you to secluded swimming spots while offering all the comforts you need. You can dry off and change in privacy, cook a hot meal after your swim, and warm up with a steaming cup of coffee or tea after your invigorating dip!

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Cornwall 

The rugged, wild beauty of Cornwall draws plenty of crowds year round, famous for its spectacular beaches there’s plenty of spots for getting into sea swimming. However, don’t be fooled into sticking to the coast alone. Inland Cornwall boasts waterfalls, natural pools and lakes that are perfect for a wild swim. Hire a campervan from the South West or drive down from Bristol for the ideal way to explore this amazing part of the UK in style and comfort. 

Mount’s Bay 

Mount’s Bay is a beautiful stretch of water that runs from Mousehole in Penwith all the way to the Lizard Peninsula. It’s great for a morning dip and also for those looking for a longer point to point swim. 

Bude Sea Pool 

A great starter spot to get into sea swimming and wild swimming – this open air, salt water, natural pool is tucked into the cliffs by the beach, accessible from the town centre by a set of steps. It’s easy to get to and will help you acclimatise to swimming for longer in cold water. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Wales 

Beautiful Wales has wild swimming spots by the boatload, from secluded man made pools in old mines, to heavenly waterfall fed lagoons, panoramic beaches with golden sands and long winding rivers – swimmers will be spoilt for choice in this natural swimmers paradise. Hire a campervan from Wales and you too can discover the wild open lands from the comfort and security of a home on wheels – all the modern conveniences you get from a hotel with all the freedom of the open road. 

Sgwd Gwladys, Lady Falls – Brecon Beacons

A pool of perfectly clear water that lies at the foot of a wide waterfall. This is arguably one of the most serene, stunning locations for wild swimming in the whole of Wales. It’s around a 30 min walk from Pontneddfechan village but well worth the stroll! 

Snowdonia Infinity Pool, Snowdonia National Park

Experience perfect clear blue waters in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The Infinity Pool is a secret secluded location perfect for hikers – located in the hills above Llanberis Pass it is accessible only by walking. The nearest car park is Nant Peris and it’s around a 30 minute walk from here to the pool. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Sussex

The lush green rolling hills and downs of Sussex draw nature lovers in the summer and winter months. Expect fluffy sheep grazing on vast landscapes of green, white chalk cliffs, spectacular sea views and some picturesque swimming spots. Hire a campervan from Sussex to make the most of this ancient landscape exploring the secret swimming spots, cafes, beaches and hikes Sussex has to offer.

Birling Gap, East Sussex 

The gentle river at the Seven Sisters National park winds its way down to the sea. Just a short drive up the coast is the famous Birling Gap – while it can be busy during the day, early morning and at sunset the beach empties out and you can enjoy a cool dip in the flat ocean watching the colours change across the white cliffs. 

The Witterings, West Sussex 

The Witterings is a famous beach swimming location in Sussex, just south of Chichester. Known for its golden sandy beaches, it’s another great location for a sea swim. If the waves are looking a little big for your comfort zone you can also take a dip in Chichester Harbour for a calmer swimming experience. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Yorkshire 

Yorkshire spans a huge area across the North of the UK including the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. A rugged beautiful landscape field with wild moors, healthland, mountains, rivers and lakes and a gorgeous coastline. There’s so much to see and the only way to see it all is by campervan. Hire a Yorkshire based campervan and discover the hidden secrets, swimming spots and off the beaten track spots that most people miss!

Kisdon Force, River Swale

Set between two stunning waterfalls this deep gorge and plunge pool is surrounded by idyllic forest and rocky entry points. It’s a short walk to reach from the village of Keld. It’s well worth taking a picnic and some blankets and making a day of it if the sun is shining on you! 

Janet’s Foss, Skipton 

Janet’s Foss is another spectacular waterfall that drops down into a clear pool of water. This spot is a good 2 hour walk from Malham village, but at the end of it you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a mystical gushing waterfall, against a backdrop of quiet woodlands. The closest car park is the national park centre car park in Malham. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots in The Lake District 

The world-famous Lake District is an obvious choice for Wild Swimmers. Cumbria is home to over 16 major lakes and reservoirs, each with their own unique, yet stunning views and landscapes. Hiring a campervan to explore the Lake District is an experience unlike any other – with excellent roads and plenty of campsites and park ups, you’ll love travelling by campervan around this breathtaking and majestic country.

Miller Ground – Windermere

Miller Ground is located on the eastern edge of Windermere and is an excellent place to start Wild Swimming as a beginner. There’s a free car park and it’s just a short walk down to a lovely waterfall. There are jetties and benches to relax on for the day and a gradual sloping entry into Windermere lake itself letting you enjoy.

Crummock Water 

Crummock Water is a serene spot in the lakes, ideal for fresh morning or relaxed sunset dips. You can enter the lake from the western edge, it takes a short walk but we recommend extending it and taking in the awe inspiring Scale Force Waterfall as part of a longer walk to explore more of the local area. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots in The Peak District 

The Peak District’s open moors, limestone valleys, picturesque stone formations and expansive lakes and reservoirs are a mecca for outdoor lovers and campervan travellers alike. Split into the white peak and the dark peak it’s a diverse landscape filled with beautiful wild swimming locations. Explore this unique destination by hiring a Peak District based campervan to really discover the hidden gems and unlock the secrets of this beautiful national park. 

Mermaid’s Pool, Kinder Scout 

In the shadow of the Peaks highest mountain, Kinder Scout lies the scenic Mermaids pool. Popular as a stop off swim before or after you’ve climbed the mountain peak it’s perfect for a cooling dip after a long hike. If you do see the mystical mermaid while you’re there according to local legend you will receive immortality and live forever – definitely worth a visit! 

Three Shires Head, River Dane 

A picturesque location for a swim, the plunging waterfalls spills over into a deep pool and the river as a whole offers some of the cleanest, purest waters to swim in in the whole of the Lake District. The closest parking spot is the Cat and Fiddle Pub, great for some food and a well deserved drink after a walk to and from the river. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots close to London

There are plenty of campervans for hire in and around Greater London. Perfect for a last minute escape across the south exploring the local wild swimming options. With a campervan alongside, there are numerous coastal locations less than an hour from London for you to discover. 

Pavenham, Bedfordshire 

Follow the beautiful woodland paths to this secluded riverside beach. Perfect for swimming, it’s a deep, cool river but has a strong current so stay close to the banks. If you’re brave enough there’s even a tyre swing to play around on hanging over the river! Parking is available close by on Mill Lane just a short walk along the river. 

River Thames, Pangbourne, Berkshire

Just an hour’s drive west of London, you’ll find a section of the Thames that you’ll actually want to swim in! The River Thames at Pangbourne is the perfect spot for a scenic dip. You can dive into clean waters and enjoy the surrounding countryside scenery. Park up in the close by village of Pangbourne and walk to the flower filled Pangbourne Meadow to start your wild swim. 

Best Wild Swimming Spots Scotland 

Scotland is the mecca of campervanning trips, there’s the NC500, the Cairngorms, the Highlands and the many stunning Scottish islands to explore. There are some amazing locations for wild swimming, not least the many lochs that Scotland is famous for. Hire a campervan in Scotland today for the chance to explore this untouched wilderness in absolute freedom. 

Falls of Falloch 

Located just off the A82 north of Loch Lomond – this spot is just a short stroll away from the car park. The Falls of Falloch are a popular waterfall and picnicking spot, perfect for a frigid swim. The River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap down to the pool below creating a spectacular display. 

Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond

On the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, just a short drive from Glasgow you’ll find the loch side beach bay of Milarrochy. Swim, dip or play watersports along the lochs edge with the wide open sky above and the forests and dramatic scenery of the mountains around you. 

Ready to dive into wild swimming? Book your campervan now for the experience of a lifetime!