Quirky Camper’s Beginners Guide to Wild Swimming and the Best Wild Swimming Spots in the UK
There’s something deliciously simple about wild swimming.
No lanes. No chlorine. No clock-watching. Just you, the water, the sky, and that very particular little gasp that happens when your toes meet a chilly British lake.
Wild swimming has become a much-loved way to reconnect with nature, slow down, and add a splash of adventure to a weekend away. And when you pair it with a campervan? Even better. You can chase sunrise dips, warm up with a brew afterwards, and change into dry clothes without doing the awkward towel dance in a car park.
Here’s our beginner-friendly guide to wild swimming in the UK, plus a handful of beautiful spots to add to your next campervan adventure.
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
Choose somewhere with easy access in and out of the water. A gentle slope, beach, steps or shallow entry point is ideal, especially when you’re starting out.
Avoid fast-flowing rivers, weirs, reservoirs with restrictions, and anywhere with warning signs. Water can look calm on the surface while hiding strong currents, sudden drops or underwater hazards.
Before you swim, check local information, recent weather, tides if you’re at the coast, and water quality. In England, you can check designated bathing waters through the Environment Agency service on GOV.UK; in Wales, Natural Resources Wales monitors designated bathing waters during the bathing season. Surfers Against Sewage also offers live sewage and pollution information for many UK swim spots.
Step Two – Stay Safe
Start with popular, well-used swimming spots rather than remote places. Swim where other people swim, read local signage, and choose lifeguarded beaches where possible.
If you’re sea swimming, check tide times, currents, weather and surf conditions before getting in. The RNLI advises swimmers to be aware of cold water shock, enter gradually, and float on your back if you unexpectedly get into difficulty.
And yes, we’re going to say it: never drink and swim. Save the pub stop for afterwards.
The RNLI offers excellent guides on Beach Safety.
Step Three – Find a Swimming buddy or join a Swim Group!
A solo dip might sound poetic, but when you’re new to wild swimming, go with someone else or join a local swim group.
Swim groups are brilliant for finding beginner-friendly locations, learning from experienced swimmers, and making new friends who think bobble hats and flasks are essential swim kit. Which, frankly, they are.
Step Four – Get your gear sorted
You don’t need to buy half an outdoor shop to begin. A swimsuit, towel and warm layers will do nicely.
That said, a few extras can make your swim safer and cosier:
- Swimwear
- Bright swim hat
- Tow float
- Water shoes
- Wetsuit, if you want extra warmth
- Quick-dry towel or changing robe
- Warm clothes
- Woolly hat
- Thermos of tea, coffee or hot chocolate
The bright hat and tow float are especially useful for visibility.
Step Five – Time to swim!
British water can be cold even when the sun is shining.
Ease in slowly, focus on your breathing, and keep your first swims short. You can gradually build up your time in the water as your body gets used to it. Don’t try to “push through” the cold, numb hands, shivering, confusion or clumsiness are all signs it’s time to get out.
Step Six – Post Swim
The after-swim glow is real. So is the post-swim chill.
Once you’re out, dry off quickly, get into warm layers, pop on a hat, and sip something hot. This is where a campervan becomes your cosy little hero: somewhere private to change, somewhere sheltered to warm up, and somewhere to make a proper post-dip brew.
Cold toes, warm hands, kettle on. Bliss.
Why Wild Swim with a Campervan?
Wild swimming and campervans are a match made in outdoorsy heaven.
A campervan gives you the freedom to explore beautiful swim spots without rushing back to a hotel or squeezing damp kit into the boot of a car. You can wake up near the coast, dip before breakfast, brew coffee with a view, and spend the rest of the day wandering, reading, cooking or chasing the next swim.
It’s adventure with a soft landing. Wild water, warm socks, proper snacks.
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
A sweeping stretch of Cornish coastline with views towards St Michael’s Mount. Best for calm sea dips, sunrise swims and salty campervan mornings.
Bude Sea Pool
A sheltered tidal pool at Summerleaze Beach, ideal for beginners who want the joy of seawater without heading straight into open surf.
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, Bannau Brycheiniog
A woodland waterfall pool with serious fairy-tale energy. Go early, tread carefully, and avoid swimming after heavy rain.
Llyn Padarn, Eryri
A beautiful mountain lake near Llanberis, with big views and easier access than many remote swim spots.
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
A dramatic sea-swim spot beneath the Seven Sisters cliffs. Check tides, avoid rough conditions, and keep well away from the cliff edge.
West Wittering, West Sussex
A classic sandy beach near Chichester, perfect for a gentle sea dip when conditions are calm.
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
A waterfall-backed swim spot near Keld, best suited to confident dippers and walkers who don’t mind a little adventure.
Janet’s Foss, near Malham
A small woodland waterfall pool with proper storybook charm. Lovely for a gentle dip or scenic walking stop.
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
An accessible lakeshore spot on Windermere, great for a beginner-friendly dip with proper Lake District views.
Crummock Water
A quieter lake with mountain scenery and peaceful swimming potential. Pair it with a walk towards Scale Force for extra magic.
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
A wild, atmospheric pool beneath Kinder Scout, best visited as part of a proper hike. Pack layers and check the forecast.
Three Shires Head, River Dane
Pretty bridges, small waterfalls and clear pools where three counties meet. Popular, photogenic and perfect for a picnic dip.
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
A riverside meadow spot on the Great Ouse. Peaceful and pretty, but best for confident swimmers as currents can be strong.
River Thames, Pangbourne, Berkshire
A scenic stretch of the Thames near Pangbourne Meadow. Go bright, stay visible and watch out for boats.
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
A dramatic waterfall stop near Loch Lomond. Beautiful for a bracing dip only when conditions are calm and safe.
Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond
A lochside beach with wide-open views and classic Scottish road-trip energy. Keep swims short, visible and close to shore.
Ready for a Dip?
Wild swimming isn’t about swimming the furthest, staying in the longest or proving you’re made of ice. It’s about feeling awake, noticing the landscape, and making ordinary days feel a tiny bit wilder.
Pack your swimsuit, your warmest socks and your favourite mug. Choose your campervan, check your swim spot, and go find a patch of water worth getting goosebumps for.
Book your campervan now for the experience of a lifetime!
