Swimming beneath an endless expanse of sky brings freedom and fun -- and when the weather is hot, it’s the perfect way to escape the city and cool down. Whether you're a dawn dipper, lane legend, wild swimmer, sun worshipper, Wim-Hof disciple, menopausal mermaid, wet-suited warrior, head-up breaststroker, fun-seeking family, or anyone else who just can’t resist getting their toes into water in the great outdoors, these are the top spots for you. Here are our favourite places for natural dips and wild swims near the capital. Dive in!
Bray Lake, Berkshire
A whopping 50-acre stretch of water in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. Five swim loops are on offer:150m, 250m, 400m, 750m and 1km. Swimmers wear numbered wristbands and are checked in and out of the water. Entry is down a gentle slope covered with non-slip mats. There’s a friendly atmosphere around the lake and on the wooden viewing platforms. Bray attracts swimmers from all walks of life, of all shapes and sizes, and from young to not so young. The lake is open Saturday and Sunday mornings during even the coldest months of the year. Check the website for opening times. Splendid teas, coffees and brunch are served in the on-site clubhouse. The water is dyed to prevent algae blooms and reeds. The yellow lifeguards’ hut is reminiscent of a Californian surf shack. A high-rise tower block in Camden Town bears the same name as the lake. We assume it’s named after the Berkshire village and not the other way round.
Directions: Paddington to Taplow (40 mins) +c2.5-mile cycle (15 mins). The most direct walk is along a busy road for over two miles, so not recommended, although it would be possible to take a longer route using the Thames Path for most of the way. Driving: Free on-site parking.
GPS:51.5000, -0.6887
Price: small fee
Address: Bray Lake Open Water Swimming, Bray Lake Watersports, Monkey Island Lane, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2EB
Website: braylakeswimming.com
The Quays, Mytchett
This former gravel pit is fed by four underground springs, which keep the lake fresh and clean. The depth of the water ranges from 2.5m to 3m at the deepest. Rushes and trees surround the lake, along with patches of purple bird’s-foot trefoil, white fern-leaf dropwort and yellow ragwort. We were greeted with unbridled enthusiasm by Steve, the owner of this 50-acre lake. Open-water swimming takes place throughout the year and, when we visited in August, five lifeguards were on duty. Regular swimmers are issued with electronic wristbands to tap in and out of the water, with a message automatically given as you tap out. Drop-in swimmers are given numbered wristbands that are checked in and out. Wetsuits are not compulsory. Take your choice of a beginners’ loop and150m, 250m, 500m and 1km courses. Entry is via a gentle ramp. Early morning and evening swimming sessions: check the website for details. Wetsuit hire is available. You can also try your hand at wakeboarding, waterskiing and paddle-boarding.
Directions: Waterloo to Farnborough (35 mins) + 1-mile walk (20 mins). From station, head East on Union Street; at roundabout, take third exit (R) onto Farnborough Road; after100m, at Clockhouse Roundabout, take first exit onto Rectory Road and then straightover roundabout; after 300m turn L at roundabout and then in 400m turn R onto Coleford Bridge Road, making sure you’re on R side of road; go through two roundabouts; after second roundabout, take steps down on R and turn R onto road; after 50m, you will find The Quays. Driving: Free on-site parking
GPS: 51.2946, -07370
Price: small fee
Address: The Quays, Coleford Bridge Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 6DS. quayswim.co.uk
West Reservoir, Hackney
Beyond the inauspicious approach, a Victorian former pumphouse stands proudly on its embankment overlooking the large sparkling oasis that is West Reservoir. Changing quickly, we made our way down the jetty and tested our toes in the inky water, dyed to prevent algae growth. Once we took the plunge, the clean, fresh, smooth feel of the water delighted our senses. As we stroked our way away towards the reedy banks, we looked back at the scene we had been a part of just minutes before. While we took in the waters, urban life was kept at bay. The length of the course depends on the number of swimmers and the temperature of the water. All year round there is a straight up and down 25m course; in autumn, summer and spring there are also longer loops. Tow floats are provided for skin swimmers; everyone must wear a red swimming hat. There are accessible toilets and changing rooms for swimmers with disabilities, and ramp access into the water.
Directions: Manor House Station + 0.5-mile walk (10 mins). From station, head SE on Green Lanes for half a mile to arrive at West Reservoir on Left. Tube: Finsbury Park Station +0.8-mile walk (15 mins). Driving: 35 spaces (free parking). Three accessible parking spaces.
GPS: 51.5667, -0.0919
Price: small fee
Address: West Reservoir Water Sports Centre, Green Lanes, London, N4 2HA. better.org.uk
Ham Lake, Richmond
Ham Lake is a 10-acre pool in a 25-acre nature reserve. We cycled along the long path that leads to the lake, past an adventure playground and bell tents, and approached the headquarters of Thames Young Mariners. The manager was super enthusiastic and knowledgeable, showing us around the lake and explaining how it is fed from the Thames through carefully controlled lock gates. The swimmers, a mixture of wetsuits and silver-haired women in skin, were greeted by name and joined gulls, ducks and cormorants in the silky smooth water.The lake is ringed by trees and buoys mark out a 250m triangle and 500m loop. Booking is via the website and times vary due to the semi-tidal nature of the lake. Other water activities include sailing, paddle-boarding and raft-building, while orienteering, woodland skills and archery are among the land-based activities, aimed mainly at young people and schools, with specially designed courses for students with disabilities and special educational needs.
Directions: Richmond Station + 2.5-mile walk (50 mins). From station, head to Richmond Bridge and then follow Thames Path south (upstream), turning off the river by Ham House Ferry Terminal. Train: Teddington Station + 1.5-mile walk (30 mins). Regular sailings between Westminster and Richmond Landing Stage (1 hour 30 mins) + 2-mile walk (40 mins). Driving: free on-site parking.
GPS: 51.4388, -0.3226
Price: small fee
Address: Thames Young Mariners, Riverside Drive, Richmond, TW10 7RX. surreyoutdoorlearning.uk
The Haven, Feltham
A hidden gem in Chattern Hill Orchard, Feltham. As soon as you put your feet in the lake and launch yourself through the bright, clear water, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven. Whether you’re training for your next triathlon or just need to reset your mind and body, this is a fabulous lake in a beautiful location. You have a choice of a 200m or 400m swim loop. There is a trail surrounding the lake for those who like to run before or after their swim. Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments are available at every session. Nearby Bedfont Lakes park run takes place every Saturday morning
Directions: Waterloo to Ashford (Surrey) (35 mins) + 2-mile walk (40 mins). Pedestrian entrance is through the gate at the junction of Shield Road and Challenge Road. Follow the paths NW for 350m. Cycling: 18-mile cycle from Ashford Station (10 mins)Parking:free car park on-site (request a gate code online once booked onto your session).Vehicle entrance is 380m along Challenge Road on L.GPS:51.4370, -0.4434
Price: small fee
Address: Community Orchard Southside, The Haven, Chattern Hill, Challenge Road, Feltham, TW15 1AX. loveopenwater.co.uk/the-haven-2
Chertsey Meads, River Thames, Chertsey
Ridiculously beautiful meadow with river beach where you can swim across the Thames. On the opposite bank lies the equally beautiful, but less frequented, Dumsey Meadow, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can get to Dumsey Meadow by swimming across the Thames or walking via Chertsey Bridge. There are plenty of entry and exit points on the Dumsey side by the sloping bank into the water, which is clean and fresh. An information board informed us that feathered visitors to the meadow include herons, kingfishers and great crested grebes – right on cue, a heron landed gracefully on the water nearby. Grab yourself some food and drink in the Kingfisher public house, Chertsey Bridge Road. Directions: Waterloo to Chertsey (45 mins) +c2-mile cycle (10 mins). Close to National Cycle Route 4. Driving: Chertsey Meads Car Park, Chertsey, KT16 8PA. From the carpark, walk NE through the metal gates. After 50m, turn L and walk for 150m until you reach the river, The Runnymede to Hampton Court boat service stops at Chertsey Lock (1 hour 45 mins) (frenchbrothers.co.uk). From there, it’s a 1-mile walk (20 mins)GPS: 51.3882, -0.4793
Runnymede pleasure grounds, Surrey
The Great Charter of Freedoms was drafted and signed here at Runnymede in 1215. A statue and a plaque commemorate the event. We’d like to assume that, once signed, King John and the Archbishop went for a swim in the Thames to lick their wounds and mourn their injured authority. Maybe they sat by the riverside and watched the world float by. The best place to swim is about 100m downstream of the memorial at a large weeping meander near the weeping willows. It’s perfect for meditative swimming, but please be mindful of the boats and wear a bright hat or tow float to be seen. The obvious entry and exit point is from the sandy river beaches to the north of the paddling pool. Kids will have hours of fun in the playground or just running around the huge grassy open space. The Pleasure Grounds get busy in summer and at weekends. Runnymede Café, near the entrance, has a selection of food, snacks and drinksDirections: Train Waterloo to Egham (40 mins) + 1-mile walk (20 mins). From station, head North on Station Road; turn Right onto Church Road; after church on Right, turn left onto Hummer Road and walk until reach bypass; find crossing on Left to reach park; take tarmac path to Right side of park; turn Left on Windsor Road and walk 200m to find Pleasure Grounds on Right. Cycle: from Central London to Runnymede along Thames Path (3.5 hours). Driving: On-site parking – first 30 minutes free.
GPS: 51.4406, -0.5503
Address: Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Windsor Road, Egham, TW20 0AE.
River Beane, Hartham Weir, Hertfordshire
A wide and slow-moving meander in the River Beane with easy entry into the water from the sandy beach for a short but satisfying swim. Young people were jumping off the side of the bridge but the exit from the water looked difficult at that point. Follow the riverside path east for 450m to find Hartham Weir. Thirty metres upstream from the weir, a blue rope hangs from a tree, swinging amidst the echoes of countless children's games. A couple of them perch bird-like upon a branch before jumping in. Deeper sections of the river make for a refreshing dip. Follow the pathways into the Hertfordshire countryside. The towpath will lead you eventually into Central London. On the western side of the common, you’ll find an indoor swimming pool, children’s play areas and skatepark.
Directions: Liverpool Street to Hertford East (45 mins) + 0.7-mile walk (15 mins).From station, turn Right down Mill Road and walk 150m; after bridge turn Left across footbridge; turn Right down steps then cross next bridge; turn R and walk along path for 200m; turn R over bridge; turn L keeping river on L; walk 200m; turn L over bridge then L and find beach on L. Driving: Park near St Leonard’s Church and follow path signposted ‘Bengeo Old House’; turn L through metal gate; follow path straight ahead for 270m to small beach beside the riverGPS: 51.8063 , -0.0687
Westmill Lake, Ware, Hertfordshire
Set in a wide, green valley, the lake combines an aquapark for children and a 330m loop for open-water swimmers run by H2O Rampage. This manmade lake, fed by the River Rib, is used for fishing all year round, but from mid-May to September one half of the lake is cordoned off and dedicated to swimming and water fun. There are open-air changing rooms, showers and wetsuits for hire. Fun and safety are paramount, with lifeguards watching carefully. Swim coaching and occasional SUP yoga (on a paddle-board) are available, and a snack bar offers hot and cold drinks. On the surrounding hills, the Three Lakes Campsite and Bar has incredible views of the sunset over the Hertfordshire countryside. Other nearby facilities include kids’ workshops, model-car racing, foot golf and, of course, fishing. Westmill parkrun starts at Three Lakes Campsite and passes by the western side of the lake.
Directions: Liverpool Street to Ware (45 mins) +c4.5 miles (25 mins).The most direct walk is along busy roads, without a pavement, so not recommended -- take the indirect route. Driving: From Westmill Road/A602, take turning signposted Westmill Farm and follow signs for H2O Rampage.
GPS: 51.8250, -0.0630
Price: small fee
Address: H2O Rampage, Westmill Road, Ware, SG12 0ES. H2Orampage.co.uk
Beckenham Place Park Lake, Kent
A small lake in the middle of huge parklands, once part of a mansion and estate established by John Cator in the1780s. Converted into a municipal golf course in 1934,the 237-acre site became a public park in 2016 and the lake was developed specifically for swimming in 2019.When we arrived, a third of the lake was roped off for use by an organised group of children who were laughing and shrieking while trying to balance on a floating island. On the swimming side of the lake, we watched a woman in a turquoise costume glide effortlessly around the 200m course. During a leisurely swim around the shallow pond, we eyed the many wildflowers and reeds, followed by our mandatory pink tow float. Directions: London Blackfriars to Beckenham Hill (30 mins) + 0.5-mile walk (10mins). From station, walk up path to Beckenham Hill Road and turn R; enter Beckenham Place Park by Southend Lodge and take path immediately on L for 175m; turn L onto meandering path and walk to lake. Bus: The 54 bus stops outside park by Southend Lodge. Parking: Beckenham Place Car Park, Capital Ring, Beckenham, BR3 1UL(fees apply).
GPS: 51.4205, -0.0143
Price: small fee
Address: Beckenham Place Park Lake , Capital Ring, Beckenham, BR3 1UL. lewisham.gov.uk/lake
Wild swims extracted from Outdoor Swimming London by John Weller and Lola Culsan (Wild Things Publishing, £12.99)
