The Best Winter Swimming Spots In Your Area
You’re ready to try winter swimming and now you’re looking for the perfect cold water swimming spot near you. Here’s where to find it.
Swimming in winter can be a wonderful experience but it does require some preparation before you swim. Temperatures both in and out of the water are colder, so it’s even more important to stay safe, stay seen and to keep warm when you leave the water. When picking a venue for your winter swim, you might want to think about these things even more than usual.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your very first Loony Dook or Boxing Day Dip, or you’re one of the many people who have tried open water swimming for the first time over summer and want to try winter swimming, we’ve put together a quick-fire guide on our favourite places to swim when the months get colder.
If you’ve never swam in winter before, a great place to start is our guide The Best Advice for Outdoor Swimmers You’ll Ever Hear. We’re dedicated to dispelling some of the myths around outdoor swimming and this is packed with helpful guidance that’s based on fact.
First Thing’s First, Get The Right Cold Water Swimming Gear
It’s traditional in some places to wear fancy dress to take your Christmas or New Years dip. But if you’re looking for a proper swim this winter, we’d advise getting the right cold water swimming gear.
Whether you want to swim ‘skins’ (in just a swimsuit) or in a wetsuit, some neoprene accessories can help you have a more enjoyable winter swimming experience.
If you choose to swim in a wetsuit, thermal winter wetsuits are available to allow you to spend longer in the water. Winter swimming for many swimmers though is all about the experience and gaining those mental and physical health benefits from cold water immersion. This is where judicious use of neoprene accessories can help you have a more enjoyable swim. Neoprene gloves and booties will keep your extremities warmer and neoprene hats will protect you from brain freeze if you decide to put your head under. Many winter swimmers though prefer a bobble hat and swimming head-up breaststroke! We would recommend looking at Zoggs range of awesome goodies. You can use Keri-anne’s affiliate link here
How to Find Cold Water Swim Spot Near You
Want to try winter swimming and you’re looking for a swimming lake near you? Or perhaps a lido, or sea swim is more your thing. Our Coach Finder is a really helpful tool to help you find not just a place to swim, but also a coach to swim with. One of our number one tips for swimming safely is to find a coach, buddy or a group and this goes double in winter when the water is cold.
You could also go WILD and download the Wild Open Water swimming App which is full of local swim spots near you. There is also a handy safety system called Safe Outdoor Swimming that you can complete before each swim to make sure you are staying safe in the open water. You can also send beacons to loved ones to know when you are going for a swim.
It’s completely free to use and is available on the iTunes store or the google play store
Here are some of our favourite spots across the UK.
Portobello, Edinburgh, Scotland
A thriving seaside town within the city of Edinburgh, Portobello is a perfect place to try winter swimming. It’s a popular swimming spot year-round, providing safety in numbers. Every Sunday men’s group the Edinburgh Blue Balls meet to swim. The promenade is host to an array of cafes, just a stone’s throw away from the water, so there’s sure to be a warm drink to be found once you’ve finished your dip. Check this handy website for up to date tides in Portobello.
Contact Debbie the local coach
Capernwray Dive Centre, Lancashire, England
Capernwray Diving Centre is frequented by divers and swimmers alike. Swim over submerged boats and other attractions put there for divers to explore in this flooded quarry near Morecambe.
Wild Lakes, Narbeth, Wales
Wild Lakes in Narbeth are a wonderful winter swimming option thanks to their wonderful facilities. Not only is there a cosy tipi cafe for after your chilly swim, but there are also a host of other activities to try should they take your fancy.
SwimCube, Northampton, England
For the serious swimmer, or if you’re looking to up your swimming game over winter ready for summer events, the SwimCube is a great option in a lovely location. Get performance tips in the indoor ‘endless pool’ or take the more traditional cold water swimming option of swimming in the reservoir nearby.
Contact Stuart the local coach
Jubilee Pool, Penzance, England
The Jubilee pool is one of the most famous outdoor swimming spots in the UK so a great choice for a winter swim. They have two pools on offer, one is seawater, perfect to get your sea swim fix in a safe space. Or for those who are yet to try swimming in cold water, their geothermally heated pool is a great way to get used to swimming outdoors.
Beckenham Place Park, London, England
There are many great outdoor swimming options in London including several lidos but as London’s first purpose-built lake, Beckenham gives something a little different. It offers a wild swimming experience but with changing spots and on-site staff, ideal for keeping warm and safe during the colder months.
Contact Audrey the local coach
Saltdean, Brighton, England
If you’re local to the Brighton area then Saltdean is a great winter choice because it has both a beach and a lido to choose from. Needless to say, should the weather turn, a lido is a much safer bet for your winter swim. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself with calm bright weather, then the sea with its popular, wide, sandy beach is a lovely option.
If none of these options suit you, remember, our coaches are nationwide. Many of them will be able to suggest some great winter swimming venues in your area, so it’s worth getting in touch, just to see what’s out there.
It goes without saying that swimming outdoors in winter comes with its own guidance. For more information on this, we recommend you read our article on ‘The Best Advice for All Outdoor Swimmers You’ll Ever Hear.’ Based on guidance by wild swimming expert and sports professor, Dr Heather Massey, it’s sound advice that’s based on real science, rather than anecdotes and opinion.