The Best UK Wild Swimming Destinations

Enjoying a dip in a pool or the sea is usually 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 head in for a refreshing few lengths and an instant mood boost, and stay over for a night (or few) in first-rate accommodation, ranging from remote cabins and country house estates to pubs with boutique rooms and dog-friendly cottages!

On the Isle of Harris coast in the Outer Hebrides, you'll find top-end self-catering in a unique three-storey building with floor-to-ceiling windows. Sleeping two adults, the stylishly decorated roundhouse has an equally one-of-a-kind sister property: The Rock House. From both, experienced swimmers can head into the Atlantic – on calm days.

Part of The Butler Collection, this is a bolthole for two on the West Sussex coast in Lancing. It's a great place to base yourself for exploring the South Downs and the seaside. In fact, you're so close to the water, you can wander down in just a few minutes and go straight in for a bracing swim.

This award-winning, eco-friendly spot sleeps up to 12 and is just steps from Cwmtydu Beach, meaning you can wild swim to your heart's content. Then back to your glamping cabin crafted from shipping containers (there are three in total) to dry off on colder days, or relax at the cove and let the sun do it for you on warmer ones.

With spacious treehouses, shepherd's huts 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.

Near Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District National Park are these family-sized en-suite glamping pods. Sitting in Broadmeadow Farm's 460 acres, they have larch exteriors and pine inside, and each unit is super comfy and warm, sleeping up to four. You're well-placed for the country houses of Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, and close to Bradford Dale, where you can wild swim.

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.

Looking for a gastropub with excellent food and smart guestrooms on Essex's Mersea Island? The White Hart Inn is the spot for you. As well as enjoying first-rate meals, the dramatic landscape boasts myriad creeks and salt marshes, and you can wild swim at Monkey Beach – best at high tide, and if you're experienced. They have a sister pub in Dedham Vale, too: The Sun Inn.

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.

Head to Pembrokeshire for this peaceful campsite and glamping retreat. Surrounded by woodland and wild meadows, close to fabulous beaches, and with twinkling dark skies, choose from Safari Lodges, Pioneer Camps, geodesic Nature Domes or traditional pitches. Beyond your accommodation, take the path to a hidden waterfall, a favourite spot for a wild swim.

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, such as foraging and mosaic-making.

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.

Alongside cosy accommodation at The Yan, a bistro with rooms in the heart of the Lake District, you can take things to a different level with their glamping offering: a pair of bespoke pods, each sleeping two. Ideal for couples wanting a romantic getaway or somewhere in the centre of the Great Outdoors, you're just a short stroll from Grasmere, and can enjoy a wild swim at spots such as the nearby lake and Rydal Water.

Enjoy 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.

There are many opportunities for riding, cycling and wild swimming at these eco-friendly, off-grid Highlands hideaways. 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.