It’s feral. The water’s guaranteed to be chilly, but, luckily, the changing rooms are heated – winner. But when the sun finally makes an appearance, more bold members of the public have also been known to take the plunge. Book 50-minute slots for £10 via the Better UK app and be sure to turn up ready to swim as changing facilities are not in use. Getting there: by car in 49 minutes from central London. Dive in: wild swimming can boost your circulation and relieve stress. Pangbourne Meadows is an effortlessly romantic swimming spot for strong swimmers, with scenic bridges, velvety waters and vast grassy verges. “When we submerge ourselves in cold water, the body adjusts by releasing the stress hormone cortisol, and the longer you’re submerged, the more your body becomes accustomed to dealing with other stress,” she says. Alamy; River Wey, Surrey If you’re after a wild swim that's still close to London, Surrey’s River Wey is a good shout. Sessions last for an hour, with lane swimming only and no backstroke allowed. Fancy a less wild swim? A fully heated 50m pool is the highlight of Charlton Lido, which is in tip-top condition thanks to a £2m refurbishment in 2013. “And there’s an element of risk in the swims we do. At Wraysbury station there are no obvious signposts to the lake, but if you follow the threatening notices, in English and Polish, warning people against poaching fish, you will inevitably find your way. The incoming tide washed us out to the island without complaint but so far the river is refusing to carry us on its shoulders back to the pub as planned. Divers Cove is a beautiful 7.3-acre reservoir in the village of Godstone, known for its turquoise water. Pangbourne Meadows is an effortlessly romantic swimming spot for strong swimmers, with scenic bridges, velvety waters and vast grassy verges. Opened in 1832 as part of the Docklands, it was once a hub of industry. The recently spruced-up body of water, which opened to swimmers three years ago, is no secret but it is legal and safe. Lower yourself into the Cam’s upper reaches and float through a dreamscape of vast meadows, low-hanging willow trees and smooth, arched bridges. It's not heated, and there are no lanes or any of that, but there's a tremendous sense of freedom swimming in the open water here. While hot spots such as Hampstead Heath Ponds and The Serpentine Lido are well known, there are plenty of other lesser-known spots in and around London. Getting there: by car in 1 hour 12 minutes from central London. Despite perhaps not being as well known as some others on this list, Hampton is well worth a trip. A word of warning, however: it is an isolated spot and the phone signal is patchy, so be safe and don’t go alone. But they’re really about appreciating the weird little natural parts of London that are there to be enjoyed if only we could realise that there’s a lot of beauty around.”, London's best outdoor swimming pools and lidos, 6 ways to cruise the River Thames and canals in London. Nine incredible wild swimming spots near London Get out of the city and into some of the amazing pools, lakes and ponds near London By Time Out London … According to Caitlin Davies, author of Downstream, an excellent book on the subject, at least 10,000 people plunge for pleasure into the Thames every year — and they’re coming out thirsty for more. Please check for potential hazards before you swim. Join the wild swimming community. Formerly known as the Uxbridge Lido, this is a rather beautiful spot, in all its 1930s, Grade II-listed glory. Today, however, it’s believed to be the cleanest urban river in the world. Check in at 7pm on weekday evenings to enjoy a swim from 7.15pm until 8.15pm. here. They next head out on September 3. The clue is in the name. One for the real hardy types. I feel like I’m an animal.”. The definitive source of information on wild swimming, outdoor swimming, river and lake swimming, and exploring the secret beaches of Britain. Half a kilometre into the Thames, panic begins to set in. The pools are no longer free, either, with a charge of £4 for a one-hour session. Thanks for subscribing! Some say the experience is invigorating. Halcyon days, indeed. Just make sure you keep an eye out for traffic if you’re looking out from Whitchurch bridge. The swimming ponds are the highlight of Hampstead Heath. I love that ability of swimming to give you a weekend within an hour.”. West Reservoir Centre in Hackney is a hidden gem, The Royal Docks open water swimming in east London, Best open water and wild swimming spots in and around London, {{#singleComment}}{{value}} Comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} Comments{{/singleComment}}, {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}}, Show{{#moreThan3}} {{value_total}}{{/moreThan3}} comments, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. The swim’s wake is ecstatic. As always, beware of river traffic – there’s plenty of it here. Others say it’s just very, very cold. Others say it’s just very, very cold. Divers Cove reopens from May 20 2020, and advance booking is essential. OWS coaching for beginners is also available. Booking slots are available seven days in advance, and must be secured in advance. Day trips from London – here’s what you can and cannot do. Some say the experience is invigorating. When you’re done backstroking, saunter along the Thames path and enjoy visions of the vista that inspired Kenneth Grahame (the guy who wrote ‘Wind in the Willows’). When the sun shines and the temperature rises, you can bet half the city is going to head to London’s lidos for a cool down. Those who fancy dipping into Britain’s industrial past might be better off heading a little further east to the. London's best outdoor swimming pools and lidos Those of us not wishing to emulate Shah Shinwari, the 17-year-old YouTuber who caused a splash last month when he jumped from Tower Bridge , … “In the past 10-15 years there’s been a resurgence of people going back to rivers and lakes and ponds,” says Davies. Wild Swimming expert Jack Hudson has compiled 10 of his favourite outdoor places to swim in London. Whether you’re after an adventurous wild swimming trip or just a quiet place to cool off after a long week of working from home, we’ve gathered a list of the most amazing swimming spots near London, where you can make a getaway without going too far away. You can just turn up to the picturesque Redricks lake and small beach in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. Find out more in the leisure and culture section of Waverley council’s website. No matter how tempting it might be on a hot summer’s day, do not drink and dive. Bookings can only be made via the ACTiO app. Wild swimming: it’s swimming, but wilder! Lower yourself into the Cam’s upper reaches and float through a dreamscape of vast meadows, low-hanging willow trees and smooth, arched bridges. This 60m unheated pool on Hampstead Heath has the distinction of being the only outdoor pool in the UK with a stainless steel liner, which gives the water an unusual and – in the right light – a faintly glamorous metallic shimmer. Rosie Fitzmaurice shows you the best places to hit the open water, The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends, Register with your social account or click here to log in. If you want to find truly secret swims it seems you have to follow the example of London’s lost rivers and go underground. Friendly carp the size of small dogs emerge from the depths to beckon you in.

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