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From seasoned swimmers to those dipping their toes into the water for the first time, wild swimming has gained popularity thanks to its much-documented health benefits and all-round feel-good factors.
As the water and air temperatures begin to warm up, spring and summer are a great time of the year to take the plunge.
Wild, or open water swimming is an activity that carries risks, so it is important to know your limits, check conditions before you go, and follow safety precautions. For more information on going swimming safely outdoors, the RNLI has a useful guide on open water swimming safety.
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Milford on Sea
For a salty splash, the beaches of the New Forest offer some fantastic locations for wild sea swimming – bob along and admire the view of the Isle of Wight in the distance.
The pretty beach huts of Milford on Sea offer a cheerful backdrop to a swim here. At Hordle Cliff beach, a sand bar reveals itself at low tide for shallow wallowing.
Find out more about Milford on Sea
Hayling Island
At the other end of the Hampshire coastline on its eastern border, Hayling Island’s excellent beaches have a European Blue Flag award for their cleanliness and water quality.
The west side of the island is a great place for wild swimming; there is a buoyed area for swimming in front of the Inn on the Beach which is a popular place with swimmers.
Find out more about Hayling Island
Andark Lake, Southampton
Andark Lake, is a purpose-built inland diving lake in Swanick near Southampton
Because of its man-made nature, it’s not technically a true wild swimming spot, but Andark is a fantastic place for open water swimming and a great choice for those who prefer a few more facilities supporting their dip with onsite changing rooms, showers, and a café.
The lake is the size of an Olympic swimming pool with beach-type entry. Swimmers can try the 100m loop or swim in the middle or at the edges of the lake. Swim sessions must be pre-booked.
Find out more about Andark Lake
Lymington Seawater Baths
For a saltwater swim with protected conditions in a fully lifeguarded seawater pool, the Lymington Seawater Baths are a great option.
With sections for both lap and family swimming there’s something for anyone wanting to enjoy the benefits of saltwater bathing including a lap swimming section and a family swim area bookable for two-hour sessions.
Ellingham Lake near Ringwood, New Forest
Ellingham Lake is a beautiful spot just north of Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest.
Run by Ellingham Water Ski & Wakeboard Club, open water swimmers can swim in the lake during the dedicated swim sessions.
The lifeguarded lake has 400m, 750m, and 1200m distance loops marked out by yellow swim buoys.
Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh
Eastleigh’s Lakeside Country Park is a beautiful setting within which lies a tranquil lake.
Open water swimming in the lake is offered through HOWL Multisports, with swim sessions on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings until the end of September.
Swimmers can do 350m loops and at the edges, it is shallow enough to stand the whole way around.
The country park has pretty picnic areas and the Lakeside Café for those post-dip refreshments.
Find out more about Lakeside Country Park
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