If you’ve ever felt the itch to jump into the great unknown, the UK offers some of the most breathtaking wild swimming spots that will make you wonder why you ever bothered with a chlorine-scented pool.
The outdoor sages at GO Outdoors have crunched the numbers, testing water quality, sea temperature, and even how often the sun bothers to show its face, to bring you the top spots to take a plunge in the UK.
So, without further ado, let’s get our toes wet in the best places to wild swim in the UK.
| Rank | Location | Country | Max sea temperature | Water quality /3 | Average annual sunshine hours | Average annual number of rainy days | Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m | Total Google searches (Jun 2023-May 2024) | Wild swimming score out of 10 |
| 1 | Portland Harbour | England | 19.4°C | 3 | 1,665 | 167 | 7.52 | 1,130 | 9.94 |
| 2 | Clacton Beach | England | 22.5°C | 2 | 1,611 | 155 | 6.87 | 1,690 | 9.76 |
| 3 | Bracelet Bay | Wales | 20.0°C | 3 | 1,583 | 200 | 6.65 | 490 | 9.48 |
| 3 | Clevedon Beach | England | 21.6°C | 2 | 1,631 | 184 | 6.51 | 220 | 9.48 |
| 5 | Ringstead Bay | England | 19.6°C | 3 | 1,640 | 177 | 7.04 | 0 | 9.39 |
| 6 | Bembridge Beach | England | 21.1°C | 2 | 1,699 | 152 | 6.51 | 0 | 9.14 |
| 7 | Lake Windermere | England | 20.0°C | 3 | 1,580 | 218 | 5.55 | 10,770 | 9.08 |
| 8 | Charmouth Beach | England | 20.1°C | 3 | 1,545 | 176 | 7.22 | 170 | 8.95 |
| 9 | Holywell Bay | England | 18.7°C | 3 | 1,502 | 199 | 7.55 | 1,440 | 8.92 |
| 10 | Penarth Beach | Wales | 21.0°C | 2 | 1,583 | 192 | 6.07 | 670 | 8.68 |
Portland Harbour: The Crown Jewel of Wild Swimming
Imagine this: you’re standing at the edge of Portland Harbour in Dorset, where the only thing more impressive than the view is your Instagram feed afterward.
Topping the charts with a score of 9.94 out of 10, Portland Harbour isn’t just a place; it’s the kind of spot where wild swimming dreams come true.
Crystal-clear waters? Check. Stunning marina vistas? Double check. With a sky that graces you with 1,665 hours of sunshine a year, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to soak up some rays while you cool off in some of the best water this side of the Channel.
Clacton Beach: Essex’s Sunny Sanctuary
Next up, Clacton Beach in Essex is the place where you can indulge in a leisurely dip without worrying about the bracing chill.
With a solid score of 9.76, this sandy stretch is more than just a pretty face. It’s home to some of the highest sea temperatures in the UK, peaking at a positively balmy 22.5°C in July.
Throw in 1,611 hours of sunshine a year, and you’ve got a perfect excuse to pack up the car and head east for some serious sea-soaked relaxation.
Oh, and did I mention it’s right next to Clacton Pier? Europe’s largest pleasure pier isn’t just for show; it’s the cherry on top of your seaside adventure.
Bracelet Bay: Swansea’s Secret Swim Spot
Coming in hot at number three is Bracelet Bay in Swansea, a place where the wild beauty of Wales is on full display.
Scoring a respectable 9.48, Bracelet Bay is the kind of spot that makes you wish you’d packed an extra towel—or three.
The water here is rated excellent, but it’s not all smooth swimming. The bay is dotted with rocks, so unless you’re part fish, you might want to keep an eye out as you paddle.
But don’t worry, during those busy summer months, there’s always a lifeguard on duty to make sure your swim stays more “refreshing dip” and less “close encounter with nature.”
Beyond the Swim: The UK’s Water Sports Wonderland
While wild swimming might be the main event, the UK’s waters offer more than just a good swim. GO Outdoors also highlighted some other top spots for water sports:
- Borth Beach in Wales takes the crown for kayaking, offering calm waters perfect for a serene paddle or a full-on kayaking adventure.
- If you’re after a bit of everything, Nae Limits in Scotland is your go-to destination. With a name like that, you know you’re in for a wild ride.
- And for those of you who prefer to ride the waves rather than swim through them, surfing continues to be the UK’s most popular water sport, with beaches across the country serving up some of the best surf conditions you can find.
So there you have it—a guide to the best places to wild swim in the UK that’s as refreshing as the waters themselves.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely swim, a spot to show off your paddleboarding skills, or just a place to bask in the British sun, these locations have got you covered. Dive in!