London to get first wild swimming site as 13 new proposed spots introduced across UK

Aerial view of New Brighton, a seaside resort and suburb of Wallasey, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside - (Alamy/PA)

Thirteen new designated swimming sites have been proposed by the Government, including a historic first for the River Thames in London and the filming location for TV drama Broadchurch.

Other additions include popular beaches, a meadow and river site that inspired The Wind In The Willows, and a picturesque spot in Yorkshire where the River Swale flows over limestone steps.