The best wild swimming spots in Wales

Wild swimming isn’t just about immersing yourself in nature either. There are so many wonderful physical and mental benefits that cold-water enthusiasts will vouch for: boosted immune system, reduced stress, improved metabolism, and an endorphin release that’ll give you a glorious natural high, to name a few.

With so many gorgeous locations to enjoy an open-air dip in Wales, we’re sharing some of our favourites for all wild swimmers. So, swimsuits and robes at the ready…let’s dive in.

A word on safety

Before we share our round-up of Wales’s best swimming spots, we feel it’s important to emphasise (or remind you of) some key safety considerations – because whatever your experience level, swimming out in nature can come with some risks. Even spots that are completely safe one day could pose a danger the next, so here are some things to remember:

Acclimatise yourself to the water by entering slowly to avoid cold water shock.

Make sure you can warm up well afterwards. Take warm dry clothes – and a thermos is always a good idea!

Swim with a friend and always let someone else know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Be aware of the tides and the currents. Always check for rip currents and know what to do if you get caught in one.

When sea swimming, wear a wetsuit and a brightly coloured hat, if possible. Take a tow float too.

Assess the conditions sensibly. If the water looks rough or dirty, for example, don’t risk it. Remember: “If in doubt, don’t go out”! 

Learn about potential hazards in that area, like rocks, fallen trees, and low water levels, especially if you’re considering jumping in.

Stay within your depths. 

Be aware that, if you can’t swim against the upstream current, you will most likely struggle to get back to your exit point.

Know how to float and what to do in case of an emergency.

You can find out more about wild swimming safety on the RNLI’s website here.

Swimming spots

Llyn Padarn, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Llyn Padarn is glacial-formed lake in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It’s one of the largest natural lakes in Wales at approximately two miles long and up to 94 feet deep, although there are plenty of shallow lagoons to enter from too. With Site of Special Scientific Interest status for its rare geology, flora, and Arctic Charr, a native fish that’s been here since the last Ice Age, as well as jaw-dropping views of Yw Wyddfa (Snowdon), it’s a special place to take a reviving dip amongst the mountains.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

Renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, let alone Wales, Barafundle Beach in Pembrokeshire is a heavenly spot for a sea swim. Its soft golden sands and shallow turquoise waters could rival any Caribbean cove; although, the fresh temperatures might remind you otherwise! Whilst it is a popular spot, the nearest car park is over half a mile away and the beach is only accessible via the coast path, so be prepared for a short walk with your swimming gear, and pack a picnic, perhaps. 

Lady Falls, Brecon Beacons

Sgwd Gwladys, also known as Lady Falls, is a well-loved wild swimming spot in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Here, an impressive 20-foot waterfall cascades into a deep pool surrounded by trees, moss, and ferns, creating the most enchanting setting for a plunge. It’s a 30-minute ramble to get here along the riverside trail from the village of Pontneddfechan, so you could make it an easy-going wild swimming walk. Plus, you could stop off at The Angel Inn on the way back for a traditional and hearty pub lunch to warm your cockles. 

The Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire

The Blue Lagoon at Abereddi is a unique gem for wild swimming in Pembrokeshire. Whilst it’s set right next to the open ocean, this secluded sea pool has formed in the site of an abandoned quarry and its waters are sheltered and peaceful. The iconic lagoon is named after its almost luminous aqua blue colour, thanks to the slate that was once quarried here back in the late 18th century. Nowadays it's a popular spot for swimming, coasteering and cliff diving – it has even been the site of a Red Bull Cliff Diving series. 

Bala Lake, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Bala Lake is another of Eryri’s breathtaking swimming spots, set in the historic market town of Bala surrounded by towering mountains and abundant valleys. At four miles long and a mile deep, this one is the largest in Wales, offering a good challenge for experienced swimmers. Various long distance swimming events are held here throughout the year too, if you fancy taking part. Just be aware that this beauty spot is also popular for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and paddleboarding, so there could be a fair few people and devices to navigate during busy periods. 

Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons

Llyn y Fan Fach is a remote glacial lake, deep within the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons. With bracing water temperatures, awe-inspiring mountainous surroundings, and kestrels, red kites, and other birds of prey soaring overhead, the lake makes a wonderful wild swimming spot. That is, as long as you’re happy to hike the fairly steep 4-mile trail to reach it. Legend has it that Llyn y Fan Fach is home to the ‘Lady in the Lake’ too, a fairy princess who appeared to a 13th-century farmer – though she doesn’t seem to mind swimmers!

Borth Beach, Ceredigion

With three miles of golden sands, shallow waters, plenty of facilities, and lifeguards on duty during the summer months, Borth Beach in Ceredigion is a Blue Flag beach that’s great for family-friendly sea swimming. Although, you should avoid the northern end of the beach due to currents. The cliffs at the southern end of the beach offer a welcome shelter when the wind’s blowing south-westerly, anyway. Something else that makes this beach unique is the ancient submerged forest that’s visible at low tide at certain times of year. Time it right and you might get to see the 5,000-year-old tree stumps poking out of the sand.

Skenfrith Castle, Monmouthshire

The county of Monmouthshire offers ample opportunities for river and pond swimming in lush green valleys and gorges – and one such spot is near the ruins of Skenfrith Castle. The River Minnow forms a deep, wide pool beneath the shade of the castle and the treetops, making it a picturesque swimming hole to cool off on a summer’s day. There’s an easy walk into the water and a rope swing for jumping off too, so it's popular for those splashing about with children. Why not pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it, enjoying a leisurely couple of hours on the river banks?

Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire

Picture-perfect views, rolling waves and a huge curved expanse of sparklingly white sand make the aptly named Whitesands Beach one of the most popular beaches in the country. Set two miles west of St David’s, the UK’s smallest city, this Blue Flag-awarded beach is particularly renowned for surfing, though it’s a great spot for a refreshing dip in the sea too. Just make sure you’re swimming between the red and yellow flags to avoid colliding with a surfboard! Lifeguards are present between April and October.  

Watkin Path Pools, Eryri (Snowdonia)

The Watkin Path is one of the six main hiking routes to the summit of Snowdon. It’s one of the most challenging routes, but if you’re up for the climb, you can reward yourself with a rejuvenating plunge in one of the most stunning wild swimming spots in Wales on the return journey. The track passes alongside a waterfall tumbling into the glittering turquoise Watkin Path Pool – it’s a spectacular sight and you can’t miss it. And if you don’t fancy the tiring ascent, you could just walk to the pool instead, which is fairly close to the bottom of the Watkin Path (before the trail starts getting steeper and trickier!).

Porthdinllaen, Llŷn Peninsula

A characterful old fishing village and sandy cove owned by the National Trust, Porthdinllaen is a lovely spot to take a tranquil saltwater dip. It’s set on the wild and beautiful Llŷn Pensinsula, a 30-mile stretch of land reaching out into the Irish Sea, with a microclimate that means the water is warmer and rife with wildlife. During your visit, you might be lucky enough to spot grey seals, puffins, bottlenose dolphins, or even minke whales. The waterfront Tŷ Coch Inn is the perfect place to recharge post-swim with a refreshing pint or some classic pub grub too. 

Blue Pool Bay, Gower

Blue Pool Bay is an off-the-beaten-track beach tucked away on the north west tip of the Gower. It can only be reached on foot from Broughton just under a mile away, but it’s well worth the effort for a dunk in its dazzling tidal pool. Legend has it that this large natural pool is bottomless, though in reality, it’s over 20 feet at its deepest point (at high tide) – certainly deep enough to jump in from the rocks, if you’re careful! Being a tidal pool, this spot is only accessible around two hours either side of low tide, so make sure you check the tide times before visiting. 

Llyn Cau, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Just over a mile along the Minffordd Path to the summit of 2,930-feet Cadair Idris in Snowdonia, you’ll discover Llyn Cau, a dramatic lake enclosed by the southern slopes of the mountain. Its crystal clear waters reflect Cadair Idris’s distinctive peaks and ridges in a mirror-like effect – and it’s a majestic location for a wild swim. If you’ve got a good level of fitness and navigation skills and fancy tying in your swim with the trek to the top, you could stop at the lake on your return journey for the ultimate refreshing end to a particularly demanding hike.

Porthor, Llŷn Peninsula

Lovingly known as ‘Whistling Sands’ because of the unique way the beach squeaks underfoot, Porthor is another of the Llŷn Peninsula’s famously beautiful coves. This rugged and remote spot can be popular with surfers and bodyboarders when the conditions are right. On a calmer day, it’s a glorious setting for a soul-soothing sea swim, with views of steep grassy cliffs contrasting the golden beach and (hopefully) blue sky. There’s a small National Trust café on the beach to grab a hot drink to sip on afterwards too. Just beware there are no lifeguards on duty here, so you’ll need to take extra care. 

Betws y Coed Fairy Glen, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Betws y Coed Fairy Glen is set in an emerald green tree-lined ravine in the heart of the National Park, where the River Conwy flows. There’s a deep section in the middle of the gorge that’s perfect for a magical wild dip, with large mossy rocks to perch on and admire the surroundings. This North Wales spot is steeped in folklore and has been the subject of many a story and poem of sprites, fairies, and mythical creatures. Some stories say the Glen is a gateway to the fairy realm – whether you choose to believe it or not, it’s certainly a spellbinding setting for a swim.

Where to stay in Wales

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s as wild and beautiful as the swimming spots, take a look at our curated collection of hideaways in Wales. From a handcrafted treehouse surrounded by ancient oak trees, to a shepherd’s hut set on a peaceful North Wales farm, to a quirky house in a former WWI station with incredible ocean views… we’ve got something unique for all adventurers, explorers and wild swimmers.