Best Wild Swimming Spots in the Cotswolds

There’s nothing quite as freeing as taking a refreshing dip in the great outdoors. Wild swimming has some fantastic benefits, but as it is England, wild swimming is very often cold-water swimming which can be an initial shock! Once you’ve pushed through the discomfort, immersing yourself in cold water has some additional benefits to wild swimming in warmer weather. You’ll have to believe us when we say that the more you do it the more you enjoy it! The cold water helps to improve your circulation, you burn more calories, and the thrill of spending invigorating time in nature boosts your mental health.

While the Cotswolds are best known for idyllic rolling countryside, the rivers Windrush and Thames and the Cotswold Water Park provide plenty of opportunities. As always with wild swimming, there are a couple of things you’ll need to bear in mind. Always take care and do not swim alone, keeping a close eye on everybody with you. If you haven’t been wild swimming before you can attend an introductory session at Lake 32 on the Cotswold Water Park.

Minster Lovell and the River Windrush

Minster Lovell is what you picture when you think ‘Cotswold village’. Thatched cottages line the quiet street, there is a quaint Cotswold stone pub, and endless countryside surrounds you. The River Windrush flows by, passing the ruined remains of the old Minster Lovell Hall and dovecote. This is a serene setting perfect for picnics with the river providing a great place for swimming. Just beyond the ruins there is easy access to the riverbank. If you follow the water out of Minster Lovell, passing a bridge, you will find a larger reeded pool.

Bring a towel along with you and head to the Old Swan after your swim for a hearty meal!

Stonesfield and the River Evenlode

The pretty village of Stonesfield, not far from Blenheim Palace, has a lot of hidden history. The first dinosaur fossil was found here, with many following after when slate-mining started. The site of an ancient Roman villa is just outside the village, and a beautiful historic church sits at its centre. When you visit, go for a paddle in the River Evenlode. Curving through Stonesfield Common you can easily reach the river’s edge along a footpath leading south of the village. It can get quite busy on summer days as it is the perfect place to lay your picnic blanket down and spend a few hours dipping in and out of the water.

There is a little bay beside a footbridge and the water doesn’t get too deep making it a good choice for families.

Cotswold Country Park and Beach

Have a day at the beach in the middle of the Cotswolds! Bring your bucket, spade and inflatable doughnut and head to the Country Park and Beach to feel the sand between your toes as you run to plunge into the lagoon. Safe swimming spots are clearly marked, and for extra peace of mind these are under lifeguard observation. In between swimming and sunbathing, why not book a watersports session or time on the inflatable aquaventure waterpark?

Along with food options on site you can also choose to hire a BBQ!

Lake 32 at the Cotswold Water Park

Lake 32 is the best place to start if you’ve never been wild swimming. One of the many lakes in the Cotswold Water Park, you can attend an open water swimming induction. A talk and Q&A with a member of their experienced team will get you up to speed. This means you can head out for a swim in this beautiful location knowing you’ll get the most out of your session. If you’re a seasoned pro, you can book Lake32 for a pay as you go swim and take your time to unwind in these secluded waters.

If you get find the love for spending time in the open water, Lake32 offer a range of other activities to try.

Lechlade and the River Thames

Lechlade is a popular spot for all manner of watersports. Where the ha’penny bridge crosses the river you will see canal boats, paddle boarders and canoes sailing gently by. The Thames Path follows the flow of the river and you will find some quieter areas to take a dip. Just outside the town, Cheese Wharf was where cheeses were loaded onto barges to be transported to London. Today you can spend some time riverside with a picnic, relaxing in and out of the river.

A handy National trust car park is beside Cheese Wharf.

Wild Swimming on your Doorstep

At Bolthole Retreats we have a couple of houses where you can start each day with a rejuvenating cold water swim. Kington Grange has a fabulous natural swimming lake within the grounds where you can enjoy your countryside surroundings before warming up in the hot tub afterwards. Outside fabulous Dyrham, Middle Barn is set on a working farm and gives you the opportunity to swim in the freshwater pond. If you’re staying with the family, Cotswold Water Park is a fabulous option. Both open water swimming and other watersports are available for an adventurous holiday.