Wild Swimming Spots in the North of England

Take in the views while having a dip in these natural pools hidden around the North

By Holly Eliza Temple | Updated Aug 30 2023

A serene landscape featuring a lush green field leading to a sandy beach. The sky is clear with scattered clouds, and a few small houses are visible in the background near the tree line. A couple of trees stand near the foreground with the beach and sea stretching into the distance.

We’re all enjoying the feeling of the sun on our faces at long last, but where can you get that holiday feeling here in the UK? We’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful and unique wild swimming spots across the North of England, for a solitary morning swim, or a family day out.

Gaddings Dam, Todmorden

Known as Yorkshire’s “secret beach” and unreachable by road, Gaddings Dam is an early Victorian reservoir on the moors above Todmorden. The site is now owned by Gaddings Dam Preservation Company, a non-profit local group dedicated to restoring and preserving the dam for the public. The hidden beauty spot can only be reached by a steep hike to the top of the moors, and the nearest parking spots are limited (at the Shepherd’s Rest pub) -- plan ahead and pack your walking shoes, and you might be lucky enough to experience Britain’s highest beach, 780ft above sea level.

A wide expanse of water with a low stone wall in the middle distance. Beyond the wall, a grassy hillside rises with a tall, pointed monument at the top. The sky above is clear and blue, providing a calm and serene atmosphere.

Image via Gaddings Dam Preservation Company on Facebook

Featherstone, Northumberland

An even lesser-known swimming spot is the South Tyne river near Featherstone Castle in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. Noted by Wild Swimming as a sandy beach along the south bank of the South Tyne, the area can be reached by pedestrians along the footpath. A serene setting near the castle grounds, why not follow your swim with an amble through the riverside meadows and castle, with this National Trust walking trail.

A serene forest scene at sunset is reflected in a calm, algae-covered pond. Tall trees with autumn foliage are silhouetted against the golden sky, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.

Image via National Trust on Facebook

Loup Scar, Burnsall - The Yorkshire Dales

A short walk from Burnsall village in the Yorkshire Dales, Loup Scar makes a popular hiking and picnic site, and a great place to cool off in the water. Parking is available in Burnsall, with the Dales Way footpath connecting it to Loup Scar and Grassington. Loup Scar is a dramatic setting for a summer’s day dip, with a plunge pool and stony cliffs, or a grassy riverbank for taking in the views just further downstream.

A serene river flows past a rocky embankment covered in moss and light vegetation. Leafless branches from surrounding trees frame the scene on a clear, sunny day. The river features mild rapids and cascades over rocks in its path.

Image via Happyhiker.co.uk on Facebook

Morecambe Bay, Lancashire

Just to the south of the Lake District, Morecambe Bay stretches from the southwest coast of Cumbria to Fleetwood in Lancashire, giving visitors to any of the coastal towns spectacular views over the sea, and idyllic sandy beaches. If you can brave the chilly temperatures, you’ll be able to admire views of Lakeland fells as you bathe in the water.

A serene beach scene at sunset with a vast, partly cloudy sky illuminated in warm hues of orange and pink. The sun is low on the horizon, casting a gentle reflection on the calm water. Distant mountains are faintly visible under the expansive sky with thin, wispy clouds.

Image via Explore Morecambe Bay UK on Facebook

Grasmere Water, Cumbria

We could spend days talking about the beautiful lakes and tarns the Lake District has to offer any keen swimmers, but we had to pick just one. One of the quieter lakes, Grasmere is nestled at the bottom of some fells with Grasmere village nearby. With no motor boats to look out for, shallow waters and a small central island, Grasmere is one of the friendlier, smaller lakes to swim in -- easily followed by a hike around the surrounding fells.

Take a look at this guide from The Lake District National Park Authority on safe and responsible wild swimming.

A serene lake with clear, calm water reflects the surrounding hills and blue sky. Large rocks are scattered in the shallow water near the shore. The landscape features autumnal-colored trees and a mountainous backdrop under a bright, cloudless sky.

Image via The Lake District, Cumbria on Facebook