Last year, the Princess of Wales confessed her love of swimming in the wild, and she’s not the only famous face to enjoy a dip in the great outdoors – the Beckhams, Prue Leith and Ed Sheeran are all certified fans.
Speaking in September to Mike Tindall, husband of Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, on his podcast The good, the bad and rugbyKate Middleton, 42, has admitted that “the colder the better” when it comes to swimming in wild waters – something Prince William has branded her “crazy” for.
The Princess of Wales said in the chat, before she was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year: “Swimming in cold water, the colder the better. I love it. A bit to the point where William (says) ‘You’re crazy’ and it’s dark and raining. I go and get cold water. I love it.”
Proponents claim, based on some scientific evidence, that open water swimming can improve mood and give people a much-needed boost from day to day.
The Princess of Wales is the latest public figure to confess her love of swimming in the wild. At FEMAIL, we look at the best places in the UK to take a dip if you want to reap the benefits like Kate.
Physiologically, experts believe that improvements in mental health may be caused by the impact of cold, particularly on the face, which triggers a fight-or-flight response in the body.
This can increase dopamine levels and the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) in the brain, according to experts.
While the rewards are plentiful, it’s important to research each location and weather conditions before planning a swim—in most cases, there are no lifeguards at wild swimming spots.
The appeal of a morning swim outdoors has led other celebrities to create their own swimming pond.
David and Victoria Beckham have a A 3,000-square-metre (0.7-acre) lake at his £6m Cotswolds home – and earlier this month Ed Sheeran shared a snap of himself jumping into the “wildlife pond” he created at his sprawling £3.7m Suffolk property.
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 keen to swim in it too.
So if you don’t have the luxury of your own pond, where can you reap the benefits of cold water swimming? FEMAIL looks at the best open water swimming spots across the UK…
South East England
Runnymede Recreation Ground, Surrey
Fancy a dip in the Thames? Runnymede, known for its role in the Magna Carta, is a great place to swim in natural waters just outside London
There are many places around the south east of England to swim, but Runnymede offers something for everyone.
The Great Charter of Liberties was drawn up and signed at Runnymede in 1215, and there is even a memorial to it worth visiting.
The best place to swim is about 100 metres downstream from the monument, in a large backwater near the weeping willows, for a relaxing dip.
It’s best to wear a striking hat to ensure that the boats going up and down see you too. Along the river there is a playground and paddling pool for children to enjoy, making it a perfect place to spend a family day out.
South West England
St Agnes, Cornwall
Head to St Agnes – this Cornish paradise has long been a popular spot for wild swimming and also has lifeguards in the bay.
Cornwall is well known for its watersports, whether it’s surfing, rafting or wild swimming, and its beautiful coastline is the perfect setting to do it in style.
In recent years there has been an explosion of wild swimming around St Agnes, with almost 20 organised swimming groups enjoying regular dips in the beautiful waters.
Trevaunance Cove has lifeguards on the beach and there is also an ancient harbour and caves to explore after your dip.
North East England
Linhope Spout, Northumberland
Head to Linhope Spout – this natural pool in Northumberland, with its own waterfall, is a divine place to swim.
Wild bathers will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful place to bathe than Linhope Spout.
The fairytale pool has a 18-metre natural waterfall cascading down into it and is framed by the most beautiful vegetation.
Located in the middle of Northumberland National Park and surrounded by a wooden clearing, it is the perfect place to enjoy the scenery.
North West England
Kailpot Crag, Ullswater, Cumbria
Kailpot Crag is a peaceful open-air swimming spot in the Lake District, with gently sloping banks for easy access.
Located next to the Lake District, this place is on the quieter eastern side of the tourist region.
Kailpot Crag is a haven for everyone from beginner to expert swimmers, thanks to its gently sloping shores. Walk from Sandwick to the rocky cliffs to jump straight into the water, or head to the small lakeside beach for easier access.
Welsh
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
This milky blue lagoon in Abereiddy, Pembrokeshire, is a favourite with Welsh people for wild swimming.
Surrounded by rugged, snorkelling rocks, Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire is a green lagoon with an otherworldly feel.
With high cliffs and ruins of its industrial past nearby, it’s also fun to explore after you’ve taken to the waters.
If you want to experience it for yourself this year, be quick: the lagoon is usually closed from late September to November to protect breeding seals.
Scotland
Skye Fairy 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 fans of wild swimming.
Two of the pools are connected by an underwater arch; if you swim beneath it you’ll see that the rock wall is encrusted with chunks of quartz and legend has it that you’ll get your fairy wings if you succeed.
Surrounded by a landscape of rugged rocks and green hills, there is a mystical atmosphere. And thanks to Scotland’s lax open access laws, most of it is swimmable.
Northern Ireland
Groomsport Harbour, Bangor, Northern Ireland
Groomsport, on the coast of Northern Ireland near Bangor, has excellent water quality, making it a favourite spot among locals for a sunrise swim.
The Northern Ireland coastline is naturally beautiful, but Groomsport in particular is renowned for the excellent quality of its bathing waters, making it one of the best places for free swimming.
The rocky shoreline makes for the perfect setting for a morning swim; bring a picnic basket and enjoy lunch on the shore; kids will love the nearby playground.