Here are the UK’s top hidden wild swimming spots, ranked by temperature, seclusion, and overall experience…
With yet another heatwave expected to hit the UK on May 30th, it’s the perfect time to dust off those swimsuits and immerse yourself in nature through wild swimming. The practice has become increasingly popular, with 7.5 million Brits venturing into rivers, lakes, and seas.
Penny Weston, wellbeing expert and founder of MADE, a 360-degree wellness centre, commented on the benefits of wild swimming.
“Wild swimming is one of the most invigorating and healing things you can do for both your body and mind. The cold water can help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and even support your immune system. The biggest benefit is the mental clarity it brings. There’s something incredibly grounding about immersing yourself in nature and feeling fully present in the moment. It helps quiet a busy mind in a way that very few other things can.”
“Even just a few minutes in the water can lift your mood and help relieve stress, the combination of movement, fresh air, and that natural ‘cold shock’ response is brilliant for releasing endorphins, and you step out feeling reset, recharged, and a little more alive.”
With this in mind, shower enclosures retailer Showers To You has identified the best hidden spots for wild swimming across the UK, perfect places to escape the crowds and dive into nature this summer.
Llyn Cau, Cadair Idris
Hidden high in the rugged peaks of Snowdonia National Park, Llyn Cau is a breathtaking glacial lake nestled in the crater of Cadair Idris, surrounded by 400m mountain walls. Although its high elevation causes the lake to be on the colder side, coming in at an average of 14.8°C – one of the coldest hotspots on the list – the two-hour trail will surely warm you up.
With a final score of 8.57, Llyn Cau ranks as the best hidden spot for wild swimming in the UK, especially due to its secluded location.
Cuckmere Meanders
The Cuckmere River, located in the south of England, flows for 21 miles before opening into the English Channel near Hastings. This wild swimming hotspot has a final score of 8.52/10 with temperatures around 16°C. Its proximity to Hastings results in a seclusion score of only 2.89 out of ten; however, the oxbow lakes cut off from the main river make for a beautiful, often warm, swimming location.
The benefit of being so close to a major city is that the meanders are only a 6.3km walk from the nearest car park, and only 2.8km from the nearest public transport!
Long Pool, Watersmeet
Watersmeet, located in Devon, is a National Trust woodland walk with beautiful natural landscapes and various pools and waterfalls. Long Pool is one such pool, spanning 50m and surrounded by ferns and oaks that truly make the location feel magical.
Its seclusion score of 5.52 reflects the sense of peace, with the nearest major city being over 60km away. With an average temperature of 15.7°C and a final score of 8.45, Long Pool is a perfect retreat for those seeking a wild swim.
Coastal – Tanners Lane, Lymington
For those who prefer sea swimming, Tanners Lane provides a rare coastal retreat with a wild, untamed atmosphere. Unlike the other entries on this list, Tanner’s Lane is a remote sand and pebble beach located on the southern coast of England, near Southampton. With the average water temperature hovering around 16.3°C, it’s an inviting spot for a refreshing dip.
Ranking fourth with an overall score of 8.44/10, Tanners Lane’s only downside is its proximity to Southampton, just 31.5km away, making it slightly less secluded than some of the other top locations on the list.
Watkins’ path Waterfall or Gorge
This hidden gem lies along the lesser-known Watkins Path, one of the most scenic routes up Snowdon. Watkins Path Waterfalls marks Snowdon’s second appearance on this list, coming in fifth with an overall score of 8.42. As you follow the trail, you’ll pass through a wooded section that reveals breathtaking waterfalls and natural pools, an ideal spot to pause, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
Though the water is on the cooler side, averaging 14.8°C, its secluded setting makes it perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm summer’s day. With a seclusion score of 6.31/10, this location offers the kind of peaceful escape that wild swimming enthusiasts seek.
