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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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