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Nine hostels for outdoor swimming

The rise in popularity of wild swimming has been unavoidable. It’s invigorating, fun and great for our wellbeing. Few people return from a dip in a river, lake, sea or lido without rhapsodising about the joys of the experience, so grab your Dryrobe and book into these well-placed hostels.

YHA Broad Haven

View over YHA Broad Haven

Pembrokeshire hostel with a sea view

The views from YHA Broad Haven almost beg you to go swimming, with a stunning outlook over a sandy beach on the Pembrokeshire Coast, in Haverfordwest. The whole coastline is pocked with similar coves and beaches, so you can effectively take your pick.

Stay at YHA Broad Haven

YHA Wye Valley

YHA Wye Valley exterior

River swimming on the Welsh border

The slow-moving River Wye is a scenic place to swim, and the Lower Lydbrook stretch, right by YHA Wye Valley, is one of the best. Gently float downstream and hop out on the grassy banks. With luck you’ll see kingfishers darting among the leaves.

Stay at YHA Wye Valley

YHA Buttermere

YHA Buttermere exterior

Lake District hostel close to Buttermere

The Lake District, needless to say, is amazing for wild swimming and home to all manner of clubs and races. Buttermere is one of a handful of lakes that doesn’t have any motorboats on it, as is nearby Crummock Water. We won’t pretend it’s going to be warm, mind you.

Stay at YHA Buttermere

YHA Cambridge

YHA Cambridge exterior

Take a punt on Cambridgeshire’s rivers

Roger Deakin, author of the seminal swimming book Waterlog, often swam in the rivers near Cambridge. Grantchester Meadows — an idyllic spot no matter what your mode of transport — can be wonderful if you avoid the punts. Try also the Newnham Riverbank Club and Jesus Green Lido.

Stay at YHA Cambridge

YHA London Central

YHA London Central

Capital swimming in the city

London? Unconventional, perhaps, but the city has a great many places to swim outdoors. The Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park is one star attraction, but also try the Royal Docks, in East London, which has the infrastructure for open-water swimming — and amazing views to boot.

Stay at YHA London Central

YHA Hartington Hall

YHA Hartington Hall exterior

Explore the Peak District’s waterways

The Peak District isn’t short of interesting places to swim. At Three Shires Head, on the River Dane, there are two waterfalls and shallow plunge pools for a unique, if potentially chilly, dip. There’s a designated location in Youlgreave too.

Stay at YHA Hartington Hall

YHA Bristol

YHA Bristol exterior

Well-placed for West Country swimming spots

The city’s most central spot is Henleaze Swimming Club, North Bristol, with a springboard, high diving and even a sauna. West Country Water Park is a nearby swimming lake, while the local Farleigh & District Swimming Club is the world’s oldest river swimming club.

Stay at YHA Bristol

YHA South Downs

YHA South Downs sign

Gateway to South Coast swimming

YHA South Downs sits on the River Ouse, and while we wouldn’t suggest swimming near the hostel, it narrows around Barcombe Mills just north of Lewes, providing an attractive spot. It’s also a relatively short distance from the iconic Art Deco Saltdean Lido.

Stay at YHA South Downs

YHA St Davids

YHA St Davids exterior

For watery adventures in Pembrokeshire

YHA St Davids is located just off Whitesands Bay, one of Britain’s Blue Flag beaches, but frankly you’ll be spoilt for choice with the beaches and inlets around the UK’s smallest city — where you’ll also find guides for wild swimming, sea kayaking and coasteering.

Stay at YHA St Davids

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Written by The Journey Team

The Journey is YHA's magazine. With each edition, our team of writers and editors bring you inspiration for your adventures.

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The Journey: spring 24Nine hostels for outdoor swimming