Features

Wonderful Wild Swimming Stays

Many of us discovered the wondrousness of wild swimming during lockdown. So much so, that the Outdoor Swimming Society’s membership rocketed by 36% in 2020.

Perhaps that isn’t surprising, since we Brits have a reputation for being water-babies. Aside from the Victorians enthusing over their invigorating sea-dips, there have even been reports of 16th century knights trying to paddle in full armour!

And as public pools closed during the pandemic, and our holidays cancelled, we began to find ourselves again, in the fresh, sparkling rivers, lakes, and seas that surround us.

It helps that there’s a myriad of health benefits to taking a dip in natural water, from soothing physical aches and pains to reducing mental stress. Plus, when you’re swimming in cold water, you’ve got no choice but to remain completely in the moment… which is fantastic for mindfulness.

If you’ve been dying to give wild swimming a try, or indulge your passion for an unbreakable habit, you could sign up to one of the many clubs to be found all over the country.

But we think it would be far lovelier to choose from one of the beautiful retreats we’re about to show you… all of which either boast their own idyllic wild swimming spots, or are achingly close to one.

Get ready to dive in!

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: West Lexham Treehouses and Glamping | Norfolk

West Lexham Treehouses and Glamping

Nr. Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Discover the natural magic of West Lexham, an enchanting holistic eco-retreat venue rich in nature, offering fairytale treehouses, bell tents, wild swimming, and a range of wellness workshops.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-6 per unit
From
£100 / night

A Little Bit of Rough

Nr Uppingham, Rutland
Luxury, eco-friendly camping experience set in 20 acres of private woodland in a secret location in Rutland.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6 per lodge
From
£705 (midweek low season)

Kudhva

Tintagel, Cornwall
For a true escape to pure wilderness, come to Kudhva - an incredible wild camping experience in stunning Tintagel, Cornwall.
Bedrooms: Studio
Sleeps: 2 per unit
From
£45.60 / night (tree tent), £122 (kudhva)

Fisherton Farm's Vintage Vardos

Atherington, Devon
A beautifully wistful collection of off-grid, bow-top wagons nestled in the North Devon countryside.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8 adults (+ 6 children)
From
£230 / night

Otro Mundo

Elche De La Sierra, Castilla La Mancha
Soak up the serenity of spectacular Southern Spain at Otro Mundo - an incredible retreat in the mountains of Sierra del Sugura, offering two retro-inspired, wonderfully exclusive Eco Domes.
Bedrooms: Studio
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit
From
£53 / night

Covertcabin

Perigord Vert Natural Park, Limousin
Simply relax, surrounded by nature in one of three eco-friendly, off-grid cabins secluded in the unspoilt northern region of the Dordogne.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2
Sleeps: 2 or 2-4
From
£75 / night (Little Rock)

Tinkers Treehouse

Ticehurst, East Sussex
Retreat to Tinkers Treehouse, a luxuriously romantic treetop hideaway, privately nestled in the rustling East Sussex leaves.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£175 /night

Billabong Falls

Olinda, Victoria
Resort-style paradise in Australia's lush Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by ancient tree ferns and sparkling waterfalls.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£595 (2 nights)

Näsets Marcusgård

Furudal, Dalarna
A quirky and historic farm in the calming Swedish countryside, with colourful, ever-changing seasons, and a relaxed pace of life.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£100 / night

Kilmartin Castle

Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute
An authentic, exquisitely restored Scottish castle that dates all the way back to the 16th century, set within acres of unspoilt Argyll wilderness.
Bedrooms: 4-5
Sleeps: B&B or 10 exclusive
From
£225 / night (B&B)

The Roost Glamping

Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire
Two sumptuous adults only, dog-friendly cedar cabins with a hot tub and luxuries galore, bespoke crafted and nestled in the magical Forest of Dean.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps:
From
£172 / night

Coddiwomple Cabin

Ticehurst, East Sussex
A whimsical woodland cabin for two, complete with hot tub and privately nestled in an East Sussex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£170 / night

Piglets Boutique B&B

Saffron Walden, Essex
A welcoming and award-winning sanctuary in the heart of Essex countryside, complete with home-cooked meals, sun-drenched patios, and an eco-swimming pond.
Bedrooms: 5 guest rooms
Sleeps: 2 per room
From
£170 / night

Hidey-hole Cabin

Ticehurst, East Sussex
A sumptuous, uniquely designed retreat with a huge picture window that transforms into a cinema screen by night, and a well-being shelter, privately secluded amongst glorious East Sussex woodland.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£139 / night

Graig Wen

Arthog, Gwynedd
A wild and wondrous glamping site, with eclectic, dog-friendly accommodation beautifully set within 45 private acres of Snowdonia National Park.
Bedrooms: Varies (8 units)
Sleeps: 1-5 guests
From
£60 / night (yurt)

Moat Island Glamping

Haveringland, Norfolk
Whimsical, luxurious glamping accommodation with generous facilities and a natural swimming pond, enchantingly secluded within the moat of a rural Norfolk estate.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 5 per unit
From
£65 / night (bell tent)

Tiny Home Borders

Bonchester Bridge, Scottish Borders
A cosy, off-grid hillside retreat with magnificent views of the Border Hills, complete with a wood-fired hot tub, neighbouring red deer, and your very own lochan.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£175 / night

HARTA Retreat

Barnstaple, Devon
A sustainable sanctuary nestled amongst woodland and meadow on the scenic edge of Exmoor National Park, with the sweeping North Devon coast practically on the doorstep.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2 per tipi
From
£150 / night

Dol Swynol Glamping

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
Detox from digital life in a bespoke, lovingly hand-built cabin with a dreamy outdoor bath, set within an enchanting Welsh meadow close to Aberystwyth.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£110 / night

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