Best spas for Wild Swimming

Wild swimming (or dipping) is no longer a niche pursuit; according to the Outdoor Swimming Society, an astonishing 7.5 million people in the UK are taking the plunge in rivers, lakes, lidos and seas. The draw? A potent mix of calm, exhilaration and stress relief found in the cold water, plus claims of physical benefits from reduced inflammation and boosted immunity to possible protection against degenerative diseases like dementia.

Spas are embracing the movement, too, creating safe and scenic wild swimming experiences to scratch the cold-water itch. For spa lovers, the appeal is irresistible: dive into nature’s chill, then retreat to saunas, hydrotherapy pools and luxury treatments to warm up in style.

Scarlet Spy shares the best spas for wild swimming.

Swinton Country Club & Spa, Yorkshire
For… serene swims in the woodland lake

Set within 20,000 acres of the Yorkshire Dales, Swinton Park’s woodland lake is a wild swimmer’s dream (just don’t be put off by the rather curious name: Coffin Lake). Slip in from the purpose-built platform and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lily pads, wildlife and tranquil woodland. Swimming slots run year-round between sunrise and sunset, with tow floats available on request (bring your own towel). Guests swim free, while day visitors can purchase a Parkland and Gardens Pass from the Swinton Country Club reception. We recommend you warm up afterwards in the Five Bubble Luxury Spa. Natch.

St Michaels Resort, Cornwall
For… their three-night Wild Swimming Retreat

At St Michaels Resort, wild swimming means diving straight into the ocean. But if you’re looking for a little more structure, sign up to the resorts three-night Wild Swimming Retreat, combining luxury with adventure on Cornwall’s stunning south coast. Coaching comes courtesy of Swim Lab’s Salim Ahmed, a cold-water guru who leads group sessions, individual video analysis and guided sea swims from Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches. Yoga, stretch classes for recovery and your choice of paddleboarding or a hydrothermal spa session are also on the retreat menu.

The Spa at South Lodge, West Sussex
For… their Cold-Water Swimming Lake

The Spa at South Lodge has two options for wild swimming aficionados: the 18-metre nature-inspired wild swimming pond - kept at a refreshing 14°C - is ideal for an invigorating dip that’s (almost) as nature intended. For a true test of mettle, take the plunge in the new Cold Water Swimming Lake, where supervised sessions run twice daily with lifeguard support, neoprene kit, bobble hats, dry robes and even hot chocolate to thaw out afterwards. Warm up in the spa’s bubbly hydrotherapy pool while drinking in South Downs views.

Yorkshire Spa Retreat, Yorkshire
For… their Wild Swim Pond

On the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Spa Retreat has built its spa around a natural Wild Swim Pond. Spa-goers can immerse themselves in nature all-year-round; in the summer months watch swifts swooping across the water - winter dips in the rain offer their own rejuvenating magic. After an invigorating swim, warm up in the hydrotherapy pool or raise your body temperature in the Himalayan salt sauna, before retreating to the spa dome or lounge for some nourishing food, drinks and treatments.

The Spa at Dunluce Lodge, Northern Ireland
For… wild Atlantic swims

Northern Ireland’s newest five-star hotel takes wild swimming to the dramatic Causeway Coast. From Dunluce Lodge, it’s just a five-minute stroll to the two-mile, Blue Flag Whiterocks Beach. Here, guests can join guided sea dips (Dry Robes included), alongside reiki, yoga and sunset beach walks. The recent launch of the Dunluce’s first wellness retreat, Coastal Calm, combines beginner-friendly Atlantic Sea swims with a hot box sauna for the ultimate contract therapy reset.

The Spa at Armathwaite Hall, Lake District
For… Lake District dips 

Set on the shores of Lake Bassenthwaite (the only true lake in the Lake District, so we’re told), Armathwaite Hall offers guests the chance to swap the fancy new hydropool for one of the UK’s most breathtaking wild swimming spots. Guided sessions with a qualified instructor take place in the open waters just a short stroll from the hotel, with sweeping views of Skiddaw and the surrounding 400-acre estate. A half-day dip here combines the thrill of cold-water immersion with the beauty of the Lake District. Sign us up.