Whether it’s plunging into the crystal-clear waters of a remote Scottish loch or discovering a secret tidal pool tucked along the Cornish coast, the United Kingdom is home to a breath-taking variety of wild swimming spots. But which ones are truly worth seeking out, and which hidden gems are still flying under the radar?
To find out, Betway Casino has analysed over 40 of the UK’s most popular wild swimming destinations, ranking them based on metrics including monthly worldwide Google search volume, Google ratings and reviews, and the number of Instagram and TikTok posts under their respective hashtags.
The Lake District named wild swimming capital, with four spots in the top 10
Ullswater
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, this spot has a near-perfect Google rating of 4.9 stars. Featuring in 224,171 social media posts and seeing 40,500 annual searches, Ullswater remains a favourite destination for open-water swimming and summer staycations alike.
Derwentwater
Just a two-mile walk from Keswick town centre, the tranquil waters of this lake lead to a landscape of towering fells and ancient woodlands. While it sees fewer annual searches, its nearly 200,000 social media hashtags show Derwentwater has become one of the UK’s most photogenic swimming spots.
Lake Windemere
With more than 171,000 combined social media posts, England’s largest lake continues to draw swimmers year after year, attracting 33,100 annual Google searches. Boasting a 4.8 star rating, its vast open waters, easy access points and a dramatic mountain backdrop mean it’s a must-visit for experienced wild swimmers and first-timers alike.
Coniston Water
Set in the south of the national park, stretching beneath the Old Man of Coniston, the long, narrow lake is known for its clear waters and calmer swimming conditions, with 42,000 appearances across TikTok and Instagram. With a modest annual search volume of 3,600, Coniston Water is a great spot for those looking for a more peaceful alternative to the busier central lakes.
Other top wild swimming spots
Little Shore in Amble, Northumberland, tops the list of the UK’s hidden gem wild swimming spots, scoring a perfect 10 across social media presence and Google ratings.
Black Moss Pot once again in the Lake District ranks third among the most underrated wild swimming spots, remaining fairly undiscovered with just under 3,000 social media posts.
What’s more, our North West neighbour Merseyside also makes an appearance in the top 10, with New Brighton Beach coming in eighth. A relatively high concentration of TikTok posts and some of the most stunning scenery in the area prove New Brighton to be truly worthy of a trip across the Mersey Estuary – and you can bet we’ll be visiting whilst the weather is behaving.
The most popular wild swimming spots in the UK
- Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Scotland
- Ullswater, Lake District
- Derwentwater, Lake District
- Lake Windermere, Lake District
- River Dart, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
- Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
- Coniston Water, Lake District
- New Brighton Beach, East Merseyside
- Cuckmere Haven, Sussex
- Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia, Wales