The Best UK Wild Swimming Destinations

Swimming is a feature of summer wherever you are, but there's nothing quite like wild swimming – taking the plunge in the UK's most picturesque lakes, rivers and even waterfalls, or on its most isolated stretches of coast. Take your pick: we've put together a selection of the best UK wild swimming destinations where you can enjoy a refreshing dip and an instant mood boost, and stay over for a night (or a few) in first-rate accommodation, ranging from remote cabins and country house estates to pubs with boutique rooms and dog-friendly cottages!

With spacious treehouses, cleverly shepherds lodges, and a vintage Airstream, this South Devon getaway offers wild swimming aplenty, including a quartet of coves – Sugary, Compass, Forest and Mill Bay (Kingswear) – plus Strete Gate Beach, Galmpton Creek and Stoke Gabriel. Back at Dittisham, warm up in a hot tub.

The outlooks are unrivalled at this five-bedroom deluxe holiday home in the Lake District's Little Langdale Valley. Boasting spectacular views from the terrace (where you'll also find a hot tub), there are several tarns and rivers very close by to enjoy an afternoon of natural swimming.

This characterful 20-room B&B is located in gorgeous Grasmere, a charming Lake District village. Options include 'Stargazer' rooms at the top of the house and a riverside shepherd's hut. Out and about, wild swim in the nearby River Rothay, or hike to Easdale or Alcock Tarn and take a leisurely dip.

An award-winning cabin retreat with private hot tubs in the Shropshire countryside, this boutique hideaway is perfect for waterside walks, dipping in the natural plunge pool or wild swimming. Choose from smaller 'pod' units that house between two and four or a larger lodge that comfortably sleeps six in three bedrooms.

Part of Highland Perthshire Holiday Homes, this four-bedroom property in Perthshire has lovely water and mountain views from the sizeable elevated deck that's accessed through large glazed doors from the lounge and snug. Just a short walk through the garden and you'll reach Loch Tay for wild swimming galore.

Another of our best UK wild swimming destinations is this quintessential English getaway on the banks of Lake Windermere, with wonderful vistas of the water from the verdant six acres of grounds, restaurant and best guest rooms. Nearby, there are plenty of top places to take a dip – ask the friendly staff for their faves.

This award-winning B&B in Essex boasts five beautifully kitted out and uber-comfortable guest rooms and its own natural swimming pond with plenty of decking for lounging. They also offer fab breakfasts, various sharing platters for lunch and dinner, and an 'honour bar'.

Here you have a range of stylish properties – barn, house, cottage and cabin – in West Sussex on a 17-acre estate with a pool, tennis courts and more. Activity-wise, you can walk in the South Downs, cycle across Ditchling Beacon, visit the nearby vineyards, or enjoy a spot of wild swimming at Honeybridge.

Graig Wen Cottages

This peaceful waterside spot on the edge of the Norfolk Broads National Park offers yurts, huts, treehouses and bell tents as well as plenty of activities, including swimming, kayaking and sailing in nearby rivers and waterways. You also have the delights of Norwich, one of England's nicest cities, on the doorstep.

Enviably located on the shores of Windermere, this country house hotel is home to 36 individually designed bedrooms – 29 in the main house, six lakeside hot tub suites, and the exclusive Boathouse. When it comes to wild swimming, they offer free a introduction each week. Check out sister property Lindeth Fell, too.

You can enjoy plenty of water-based activities at this dog-friendly estate on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, from boating, paddle boarding and kayaking to tennis  – and of course, wild swimming! Choose from boutique rooms at The Clubhouse, self-catering woodland lodges and cottages.

This collection of cottages is located in acres of rolling Cotswolds countryside, meadows and woodland, and there's an on-site spring-fed lake that's perfect for wild swimming. Opt for Walnut or Chestnut and you'll have your very own hot tub in a private garden. They also offer workshops, like foraging and mosaic-making.

Get ready for a top holiday at these Shropshire holiday cottages with plenty of facilities. Choose from five lovingly converted Georgian barns sleeping between two and 12 – ideal for couples, families and get-togethers. For wild swimming and water sports, check out nearby Alderford Lake.

Perfectly positioned next to Gylly Beach with its calm waters that are ideal for wild swimming, this hotel in Cornwall is also home to a restaurant, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, and self-catering apartments – plus, it's dog-friendly. Don't forget to check out the wild swim retreats on offer each year.

An adults-only, dog-friendly, eco-conscious cabin set in a private meadow that's next to a stream, of course! Out and about, explore the Welsh town of Cardigan and visit the Bay to see dolphins and seals. Hand-built and off-grid, the Den is large and light, with picture windows to admire the lovely views from.

You can't get much closer to the water here in Devon – stay in a cocoon, pod or a fabulous floating lodge and enjoy the activities on offer, including wild swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you prefer to chill, there's an on-site lakeside spa with an infinity pool and sauna.

Enjoy cold and wild swimming from the jetty of this 47-room Lake District hotel that's dog- and family-friendly. Boasting fabulous views, there's also an adult spa, an outdoor hot tub and contemporary British food at the Rampsbeck Restaurant. For something different, check out their treehouse and lakeshore shepherd huts.

Stay in a stylish eco-retreat overlooking Loch Broom in the Scottish Highlands and get inside tips on where to head for the very best river, loch and sea wild swimming spots. Choose from two-person Red Squirrel or Pine Marten, sleeping up to four – both are modern and light-laden.

Looking for tasty food and a contemporary yet homely place to lay your head for the night? Then check out this 10-room Norfolk gastropub in the southern reaches of the Broads – also in a top location for boating, walking and biking, plus wild swimming at Three Rivers Pitch & Paddle.

There are many opportunities for riding, cycling and wild swimming at these eco-friendly, off-grid Highlands hideways. Providing the perfect getaway, each comfortable cabin sleeps four. Also take a look at Cairngorm Lodges, their sister site. Either way, get ready to lose yourself in nature and wildlife.

Say hello to an extremely comfy eco-friendly cabin with huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Situated on a Scottish estate just five minutes from the Moray Coast, there are plenty of wild swimming spots to enjoy. The bedroom has a king-size bed, while outside, there's a private garden to admire the glorious starry night skies from.

This St Ives pub has eight rooms and serves seasonal, innovative food – just the ticket after wild swimming, or walking this rugged section of the South West Coast Path. The same people run the Old Coastguard near Penzance and the Felin Fach Griffin on the edge of the Brecon Beacons – both top spots, too.