Open water swimming near me
Swim Wild. Feel Free.
Step into the blue for a swim like no other. Open Water Swimming sessions are the perfect way to boost your mood, take on a challenge and feel truly free as you move.
With five venues that are safe and welcoming to all abilities – you can take the plunge, reach new limits and build confidence and resilience that lasts beyond the water.
Whether you fancy an escape from your day to day, a dip in nature or to train for a triathlon – the open water is ready and waiting for you.
Open Water Swimming Venues
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Best for: Learning new techniques
Swim year round at Lee Valley White Water Centre, in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire - just outside of London and Essex.
This unique location has clean, clear, chlorinated water giving you the joys of open water swimming combined with the water quality of a pool. This spot is perfect for trying out open water swimming and learning new techniques safely, so you can go from pool to pond with confidence.
Find top tier facilities on site too, accessible changing rooms, hot showers and a cosy cafe. After your swim, warm up upstairs at Brew Street Kitchen and Bar or soak up the sun on The Terrace in summer.
Whether you're training for your next triathlon, into cold water dips, or just want to try something new, this could be the place for you.
West Reservoir Centre
Best for: Pool to pond swimmers
West Reservoir is a manmade lake in the heart of Stoke Newington in North London. This picturesque beauty spot is also London’s top open water swimming location, making it ideal for swimmers who want to give this activity a go. It's the perfect environment for leisurely dips and session swims.
This is a safe and welcoming space with course options ranging from a 100m to 400m. Course availability depends on weather and water temperature. The water is clean and naturally filtered – tested regularly for peace of mind.
Every session is fully supervised by our qualified safety team, ensuring you enjoy the best and safest open water experience.
Sessions are for confident swimmers, but newcomers to open water are welcome to start. For a new way to move and reconnect with nature in the heart of London – book your next swim at the reservoir.
Debdale Outdoor Centre
Best for: escape to nature
Take a dip on the wild side at Debdale Outdoor Centre. This location on the outskirts of Manchester is the perfect escape to nature, where you can enjoy all the benefits of open water swimming, along with water sport activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and a number of RYA sailing and windsurfing courses.
At the lake, you will be truly at one with nature – it's the perfect place for a training session or a dip with friends and getting a real feel of the great outdoors.
Wetsuits and buoyancy aids can be hired, so you can show up and try something new without the commitment. There are accessible toilets and changing areas, but it is advised that you bring a hot drink and everything you need to keep warm and safe for your visit.
Open water swimming sessions begin on Monday 8th June.
Herts Young Mariners Base
Best for: training in winter
At Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt, you can enjoy the freedom, fresh air and sense of wellbeing that comes from swimming outside. Whether you’re building fitness, training for a challenge, or looking to enjoy a revitalising dip with friends.
This location is an ideal setting for open water swim training, with sessions running throughout the year. In spring and summer, you’ll have access to a 500m course, while winter sessions take place on a shorter 200m loop. Throughout the colder months, the course is fully floodlit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
At the Base, you’ll find a whole range of exciting outdoor activities on the lake and surrounding areas, from kayaking and stand up paddleboarding to archery and climbing. There’s accessible changing facilities, parking and a spot to fill up your reusable coffee cup to warm up after your swim.
This is the perfect place to make the most of your time outdoors.
Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre
Best for: views of the countryside
Set in the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City and surrounded by a beautiful countryside park, competent swimmers can take up Open Water Swimming at Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre.
With seasonal courses that range in length – you can swim in the lake at your own pace and try a new way to move in a safe and supportive environment throughout the year.
Along with changing areas and warm showers, you'll also find a café serving hot and cold beverages plus snacks, as well as plenty more water activities to try. All sessions are supervised by lifeguards, so you can feel confident and safe in the water.
Stanborough Lake is your space to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Book your next swim for the perfect endorphin boost.
Benefits
Physical Health
Open Water Swimming is a low impact, high reward full-body workout. It’s the ultimate way to build physical strength, stamina and resilience.
Regardless of how fast or how far you swim, the proven health benefits of being in cold water are definitely worth dipping for. These include:
- Boosted metabolism
- Boosted immune system
- Improved circulation
- Temporary pain and inflammation relief
- Ideal for managing menopause symptoms
Make a splash, feel exhilarated and build strength and confidence that lasts.
Mental wellbeing
If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature, find space and time for your mind and improve your quality of sleep – dive into open water swimming. Swimming in blue, open spaces has great benefits to your mental wellbeing, which include:
- Lowering cortisol levels to reduce stress
- Triggering endorphins for a mood boost
- Circadian rhythm regulation for better sleep
- Increased resilience from overcoming new challenges
- Active mindfulness as you navigate your swimming experience
Show up, test the waters and see how invincible you truly are.
Community spirit
Find your community down by the lake – open water swimming is a great way to socialise, meet new people and build connections that last. This unique activity is safest when experienced with others, so bring a friend or join in with the growing number of welcoming and friendly swimming groups for all abilities that use these open water spots.
If you’re not sure and would rather spend some time swimming by yourself – you'll be safe and supervised by our lifeguard teams the entire time. Just make sure you take note of the safety rules before heading in for your first dip.
Open water swimming with others is a wonderful, shared adventure. Show up, have a laugh and take on the challenge together.
Go from pool to pond
Feeling inspired to get swimming in the great outdoors, but not sure where to start?
Open water swimming is an exciting and challenging activity. No two swims are the same and this is all part of the fun.
Although swimming skills are a must, learning how to navigate new environments, the elements and colder temperatures in your open water swimming spot will come with practise.
If you want to take your swimming to new levels, book an Introduction or Beginners Open Water Swimming session at your local facility to build your confidence, and go from pool to pond with our support.
Rules
Open water swimming is great fun when you feel safe. To make sure you are feeling safe and confident in the water, it’s important to follow these rules:
- Tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers
- Bright swim hats must be worn
- If in distress, lay on your back and put your arm in the air
- Backstroke is not permitted
- Swim anti-clockwise
- Cuts and wounds must be covered
- Please shower after swimming, once you have acclimated
Book open water swimming online
Are you ready to step into the glittering lake and feel the benefits of open water swimming?
Booking in advance for all Open Water Swimming sessions is advised – so find your nearest spot and book it with Better online or via the Better UK app today.
Open Water Swimming sessions may not run every day at your chosen spot, so check the location’s webpage for swimming session times before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
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