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Open Water Swimming Near Me

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Are you looking for a fun and adventurous way to stay fit? Do you and your family love swimming? Well, look no further! Open water swimming may be just what you need to bring some excitement and exercise into your routine.

Open water swimming is a popular hobby and recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to explore nature, stay in shape and take part in unique aquatic adventures! Get ready to have loads of family fun as you get wet and go wild outdoors!

So if you are searching for open water swimming near me, keep reading! This article will discuss everything you need to know so that you can find exciting open swimming spot in your area.

Open Water Swimming in Scotland

Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Portobello Beach on the outskirts of Edinburgh is another great spot for outdoor swimming. It is a popular beach with locals and tourists alike, and it is also a great place to take part in open water swimming. The beach has a shallow area which is perfect for novice swimmers, and the views of the Firth of Forth are stunning!
Shape Location Get directions

Portobello Beach
1 Promenade, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2DX

Loch Lomond

Milarrochy Bay

There are many beautiful locations in Scotland for open water swimmers and this wild swimming spot is stunning. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond has a sandy bay and is surrounded by countryside walking trails. As, it is a quiet and secluded area it is popular for open water swimming sessions. Plus, it is located near Balmaha, a well known tourist destination.
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Milarrochy Bay
Loch Lomond

Open Water Swimming in the North East

Sweethope Loughs, Newcastle

Sweethope Lough

Sweethope lakes are set among stunning Northumberland countryside. This area provides an opportunity for safe swimming, suitable for both beginner and more experienced swimmers. Water users at Sweethope can also try paddle boarding-watch your balance or you’ll get wet! Or why not try a night time or sunrise swim experience for something different?

Want to help your child’s confidence in the water?  At Sweethope junior swimmers can book open water swim lessons if required. This is a chance for kids to achieve various swimming awards delivered by a  qualified swimming teacher.

Shape Location Get directions

Sweethope Loughs
Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 2PN

Cullercoats Bay

Cullercoats Bay

Cullercoats is a sandy bay enclosed by small piers and as such is ideal for families.The beach has a Seaside Award and with seasonal lifeguards present, it’s ideal for open water swimming.

In need of some refreshments after your swim? You are spoiled for choice with nearby restaurants and cafes. Fish and chips, a pub lunch, a coffee and cake or an ice cream all on the menu.

Shape Location Get directions

Cullercoats Bay
North Shields NE30 4PZ

Open Water Swimming in the North West

Hatchmere Cheshire

Hatchmere, Cheshire

Hatchmere is a perfect wild swimming spot. It is a secluded body of water and has stunning surrounding scenery.

So, you can combine a day of cold water swimming and getting your daily steps in walking one of many forest trails at nearby Delamere Forest Park.

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Hatchmere
Delamere Forest
Frodsham WA6 6NB

Loughrigg Tarn

Loughrigg Tarn

An amazing spot for recreational swimmers looking to test out their front crawl in a picturesque location. Loughrigg Tarn is an easily accessible area in the Lake District and even has a small campsite.

Perfect for a family adventure. Just simply pitch up your tent and enjoy the views and water activities.

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Loughrigg Tarn
Ambleside LA22 9HQ

Open Water Swimming in the Midlands

Cliff Lakes Water Park

Cliff Lakes is the Midland’s largest open water venue. An ideal spot for a family to enjoy the benefits of swimming combined with a variety of fun outdoor water sports. Slip, slide and bounce in one of the many water parks that make up Aqualand! Ready for even more action? How about gliding across the water on your own paddleboard?

You can take a dip in the carefully sculpted lake and then enjoy a free swimmer’s hot drink afterwards. There are also many seasonal events happening throughout the year. A fun family day out with something for everyone.

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Cliff Lakes
Tamworth Rd, Cliff, Tamworth B78 2DL

Outdoor swimmer at sunset

Dosthill Quarry

An ideal place for open water swimming in chilly winter months. Due to it’s depth Dosthill is the warmest lake in the region between the colder months of October and March. Swim under the stars on special full moon night swims and get ready to feel relaxed.

Interestingly, the Quarry has water packed with magnesium, proven to reduce anxiety levels. You can easily book sessions online.

Shape Location Get directions

Dosthill Quarry
Wigford Rd, Dosthill, Tamworth B77 1LL

Open Water Swimming in the South East

Beckenham Park Place

Beckenham Park Place

A beautiful countryside park with ancient woodland and a lake purpose built for outdoor swimming. First time swimmers need to complete cold-water swimming classes but after that you’re good to go!

You can also hire boats to sail on the lake and a children’s playground is nearby too.

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Beckenham Park
Beckenham Hill Rd, Beckenham BR3 1SY

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

This is a unique open water swimming venue that is made out of clay pits created hundreds of years ago. The ponds are surrounded by woodland and wildlife, so provide a scenic swim experience.

It is important to note that the water is cold even in warmer months. There are changing rooms and showering facilities nearby.

Shape Location Get directions

Hampstead Heath
London

Open Water Swimming in the South West

group of people kayaking at sunset

Clawford Lakes

A picturesque holiday location in Devon surrounded by freshwater lakes, this resort offers both wild swimming and a variety of exciting water activities.

Take a dip surrounded by nature and then why not test your balance on a paddleboard or try kayaking! If you prefer your swimming a little less wild there’s a swimming pool overlooking the lake. Perfect if you’re not a confident swimmer

Shape Location Get directions

Clawford Lakes
Clawton, Holsworthy EX22 6PN

Bude Sea Pool

Bude Sea Pool

An outdoor swimming pool with sea water, Bude Sea Pool is a safe way to swim on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean. Best of all, it’s free to take a dip! No booking or entry fee required. Lifeguards are also present so it’s perfect if you are new to wild swimming.
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Bude Sea Pool
Bude

Open Water Swimming  in Wales

Llandegfedd Lake

LLandegfedd Lake

Part of a family of Welsh Water Adventure sites and set in the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside, Llangdegfedd offers open water swimming sessions. Need some refreshment or a warming cuppa? There’s also a cafe overlooking the lake where you can enjoy a range of drinks and light meals.

Always wanted to try paddle boarding or set sail on your own boat? Then, head to the large water sports centre on site with equipment hire available. There’s so much to do at Llandegfedd you’ll be planning a return trip before you leave!

Shape Location Get directions

Llandegfedd Reservoir
Pontypool

Llyn Padarn

Llyn Padarn

A glacial lake in Snowdonia popular with swimmers and water sports fans. With woodland surrounding you can easily have a full day out exploring the many walking trails after your swim. And that’s not all! Ride the rails on The Llanberis Lake Railway located nearby.
Shape Location Get directions

Llyn Padarn
Caernarfon

So pack your swimsuit and towel and get outdoors! There’s so many places to enjoy a refreshing swim outside and maybe some water sports too. Where will you choose?

Are you looking for other outdoor family adventures? Then, check out these blogs full of family fun in the fresh air. Whizz through a forest on a zip Line near you or explore a nearby cave or country park?

Or maybe you’ve always wanted to teach your children fishing? The list for outdoor family fun really is endless!

If you’re in need of inspiration for your next day out, head to any of these pages for the best content!

Outdoors | Adventure | Theme Parks | Water Parks | Events | Museums | Zoos & Wildlife

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