Rivers, lakes, and secret beaches offer some surprisingly wild places to swim even in the busy South East. Here are nine inviting spots where you can take the plunge, complete with directions and local facilities.
1. River Thames at Pangbourne, Berkshire
Just upstream from Reading, Pangbourne offers one of the loveliest stretches of the Thames for wild swimming. The water is clean, slow-flowing, and surrounded by meadows and willows. In summer, you may spot paddleboarders and rowers gently gliding by.
How to find it:
Park at Pangbourne Meadow car park (RG8 7DA), a short walk from the riverbank. Public footpaths give access to good entry points along the river.
Facilities:
Toilets and a café are available in Pangbourne village. Shops, pubs, and picnic spots nearby make it a good family option.
2. Frensham Great Pond, Surrey
A popular inland beach surrounded by heathland, Frensham Great Pond offers sandy shores and shallow water perfect for swimming and paddling. It’s one of the few officially designated bathing waters in the region.
How to find it:
Frensham Great Pond car park (GU10 2QB) is right next to the swimming area. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a space.
Facilities:
Toilets, a small café (seasonal), and picnic areas on-site. Swimming is restricted to marked areas. Lifeguards may be present in peak season.
3. River Arun at Amberley, West Sussex
Flowing through the South Downs, the Arun offers gentle swimming beneath chalk hills. Amberley has a peaceful stretch of river, with reed beds and views of Amberley Castle and the Downs beyond.
How to find it:
Park at Amberley Station (BN18 9LR). A footpath leads across fields to the river within 10 minutes’ walk.
Facilities:
No toilets at the riverbank. Pubs, cafés, and toilets are available in Amberley village. Be aware of the tidal nature of the river downstream.
4. Cuckmere Meanders, East Sussex
Set within the Seven Sisters Country Park, these winding oxbow lakes off the River Cuckmere offer calm, sheltered water away from the current of the main river. It’s perfect for a scenic, low-effort swim.
How to find it:
Use the Seven Sisters Country Park car park (BN25 4AD). Follow the footpaths past the visitor centre to the meanders.
Facilities:
Toilets and a café at the visitor centre. Shops and restaurants in nearby Seaford and Alfriston. The paths can get busy on weekends.
5. Pells Pool, Lewes, East Sussex
The UK’s oldest freshwater lido still in operation, Pells Pool is spring-fed, unheated, and surrounded by greenery. It’s an excellent outdoor swimmimg alternative when river conditions aren’t ideal.
How to find it:
Located in Lewes town centre (BN7 2BA), a short walk from the main car parks and train station.
Facilities:
Toilets, changing rooms, café, and sunbathing lawn. Open daily in summer, with season tickets and single-entry available.
6. Shillingford Bridge, River Thames, Oxfordshire
A quiet and scenic part of the upper Thames. There are wide grassy banks for easy access and plenty of calm water to swim and float in, with lovely views of the bridge and countryside.
How to find it:
Park near Shillingford Bridge Hotel (OX10 7ER). Public footpaths give access to river entry points nearby.
Facilities:
No facilities directly at the river, but nearby Wallingford has toilets, cafés, shops, and pubs. The hotel also offers food and drinks.
7. The Serpentine, Hyde Park, London
For those wanting a city swim, The Serpentine Lido offers a designated open water swimming area right in the heart of London. It’s historic, iconic, and remarkably refreshing.
How to find it:
Located within Hyde Park (W2 2UH), easily reached by public transport. Entry via the Lido Café.
Facilities:
Toilets, showers, lockers, and café on-site. Lifeguards on duty during opening hours. Membership or day tickets required.
8. River Wey at Guildford, Surrey
The River Wey offers multiple swimming spots near Guildford, with calm stretches of water and scenic countryside views. A winding stretch of the River Wey near Shalford offers shallow waters and sandy banks, ideal for those new to wild swimming – you can reach this area by walking from The Manor Inn’s car park.
How to find it:
Park at the Manor Inn car park (GU4 8ES), then walk along the towpath to find quiet swimming spots upstream.
Facilities:
Toilets, cafés, and pubs available in Guildford town centre. Towpath walking makes it ideal for combining a stroll with a swim.
9. Dedham Vale, River Stour, Essex/Suffolk border
A peaceful stretch of the River Stour runs through Constable Country, with meadows, willows, and shallow gravelly sections perfect for a relaxed swim or paddle.
How to find it:
Park at Mill Lane car park in Dedham (CO7 6DH). Footpaths run along the river, with multiple access points for swimmers.
Facilities:
Toilets, cafés, pubs, and boat hire available in Dedham village. The river can get busy in high summer but remains relaxed.
