Last year, the Princess of Wales confessed her love for swimming in the wild, and she’s not the only famous face to enjoy an al fresco dip, with the Beckhams, Prue Leith and Ed Sheeran all certified fans.
Speaking in September to Mike Tindall, husband of Princess Anne‘s daughter Zara, on his podcast The Good, The Bad And The Rugby, Kate Middleton, 42, admitted ‘the colder the better’ when it comes to wild swims, something that Prince William has branded her ‘crazy’ for.
The Princess of Wales said in the chat, ahead of her cancer diagnosis earlier this year: ‘Cold swimming – the colder, the better. I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William’s [saying] ”You’re crazy” and it’s dark and it’s raining. I will go and seek out cold water. I love it.’
Advocates claim, based on some scientific evidence, that wild swims can improve moods and deliver a much-needed boost to people on a day-to-day basis.
The Princess of Wales is the latest public figure to come out and confess her love for swimming in the wild. Here at FEMAIL we look at the best spots across the UK to get dunking in if you want to reap the benefits like Kate
Physiologically, experts believe the improvements to mental health may be caused by the shock of cold, particularly on the face, prompting a fight or flight response in the body.
This can boost levels of dopamine and the release of endorphins — feel-good hormones — in the brain, according to experts.
While the rewards are rich, it’s important to look into each location and weather conditions before planning to swim – there are more often than not no lifeguards in wild swim spots.
The appeal of a morning swim in the great outdoors has seen other celebrities creating their very own swimming pond.
David and Victoria Beckham have a 3,000 square metre (0.7 acre) lake at their £6 million Cotswolds home – and earlier this month Ed Sheeran shared a snap of him leaping into the ‘wildlife pond’ he created on his rambling £3.7million estate in Suffolk.
Despite initially stating in planning documents that the kidney-shaped pool would ‘support nature conservation’ and provide ‘a natural habitat for insects, amphibians and birds’, the pop superstar is clearly partial to a swim in it too.
So, if you don’t have the luxury of your own wild pond, where can you reap the benefits of cold water swimming? FEMAIL looks at the best wild swim spots across the UK…
South East England
Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Surrey
A dip in the Thames? Runnymede, known for its role in the Magna Carta, is a great wild swim spot just out of London
There are plenty of places around South east England to swim but Runnymede offers something for everyone.
The Great Charter of Freedoms was drafted and signed at Runnymede in 1215, and there’s even a memorial to check out.
The best spot to swim is about 100m downstream of the memorial at a large mender near the weeping willows for a relaxing plunge.
It’s best to wear a bright hat to make sure you’re seen by boats going up and down too. Along the river is a playground and paddling pool for kids to enjoy as well, making it perfect for a family day out.
South West England
St Agnes, Cornwall
Make for St Agnes: This Cornish haven has long been a wild swimming hotspot, and has lifeguards in the bay too
Cornwall is well known for its water sports, whether it’s surfing, white-water rafting or wild swimming and its gorgeous coastline is the perfect setting to do it in style.
There’s been a wild swimming explosion around St Agnes in recent years, with nearly 20 organised swim groups enjoying regular dips in the beautiful waters.
Trevaunance Cove has lifeguards on the beach and there’s also an old harbour and caves to explore after your dip.
North East England
Linhope Spout, Northumberland
Let’s go to Linhope Spout: This Northumberland natural plunge pool – with its own waterfall – is a divine spot to swim in
Wild swimmers will struggle to find a more beautiful place to bathe than Linhope Spout.
The fairytale plunge pool has a natural 18-metre waterfall crashing down into it and is framed with the most gorgeous greenery.
Located in the middle of Northumberland National Park and surrounded by a wooden glade, it’s the perfect space to soak up the scenery.
North West England
Kailpot Crag, Ullswater, Cumbria
Kailpot Crag is a tranquil al fresco swim spot in the Lake District, with gentle sloping banks for easy access
Located next to the Lake District, this spot is on the quieter east side of the tourist region.
Kailpot Crag is heaven-sent for everyone from novice wild swimmers to experts thanks to its gently sloping banks. Walk from Sandwick to the rocky cliffs to jump straight in or head to the small lakeside beach for an easier approach.
Wales
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
This milky blue lagoon at Abereiddy, Pembrokeshire, is a Welsh wild swim favourite
Surrounded by rugged rocks you can dive off from, Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire is a green lagoon with an otherworldly feel.
With high cliff tops and ruins from its industrial past nearby, it’s also fun to explore after you’ve taken the waters.
If you want to check it out yourself this year then be quick, the lagoon is often closed from the end of September to November to protect breeding seals.
Scotland
Skye Faerie Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Skye’s famous Fairy Pools are crystal clear waters surrounded by emerald green hills
Located in the Highlands, Skye’s famous Fairy Pools have long been a hit with wild swimming fans.
Two of the pools are connected by an underwater arch; if you swim underneath you’ll see the rock face is encrusted with pieces of quartz and legend has it you’ll get your fairy wings if you’re successful.
Surrounded by a landscape of craggy rocks and green hills, there’s a mystical atmosphere. And thanks to Scotland’s lenient open-access laws you can swim in most of it.
Northern Ireland
Groomsport Harbour, Bangor, Northern Ireland
Groomsport on the Northern Irish shore near Bangor has excellent water quality, making it a local favourite for a dawn swim
Northern Ireland’s coast is naturally beautiful, but Groomsport in particular is known for its excellent bathing water quality making it one of the top spots for wild swimming.
The rocky coastline makes it the perfect backdrop for a morning swim; take a picnic basket and enjoy lunch on the shore; kids will love the playground nearby.