Amazing Swim Spots in London and South East England

1. Olney Swimming Steps, Buckinghamshire

The River Great Ouse is one of the longest rivers in the UK and there are several places to dip along its length; one of the more popular places is known as Olney Steps. The purpose-built crescent is a lovely place to swim and picnic. It’s very busy on hot days and holidays with lots of people jumping in off the sides and plenty of paddleboarders and kayakers too.

It is a fantastic swim and you can play around there is a rope swing there too. The current can be fairly strong after it’s rained – you can swim quite hard and not move on occasion. When you’re stood on the steps facing the river, the flow is from right to left, so swim to the right against the current, then float back to the steps. Aqua shoes are advised.

Getting there

Olney is on the A509 to the north of Milton Keynes. Once in the town, you can park at Olney Recreation Ground car park (free) off East Street. The nearest train station is at Wolverton, but a more direct route is from Milton Keynes Central, from where you can catch the Red Rose 21 bus which gets to the Market Square in Olney in around 45 minutes. There are lots of cycle routes around the river too. Cycle north from Milton Keynes and loop around a section of the Grand Union Canal on your way

Location: 52.1550, -0.6928

2. Eastbourne, East Sussex

Eastbourne’s award-winning seafront boasts over five kilometres of shingle beaches. There is an array of beaches here which are ideal for swimming and other water sports, from windsurfing to surfing and sailing. 

Eastbourne’s main resort beach runs from the pier to the Martello Tower (the Wish Tower) and is the busiest section – this part of the beach is lifeguarded in the summer season (swim between the red and yellow flags) and is backed by the promenade which is lined with grand Victorian hotels. South of the Wish Tower is a more secluded section of beach, the best place for a quiet swim, with shrub-covered slopes and the cliffs of Beachy Head providing the backdrop. North east of the pier, meanwhile, is a long flat section of coast that is less scenic but has its own charms, particularly on a hot summer day.

The water is a stunning blue-green and very refreshing. There is quite a brisk current flowing parallel to the shore, so be careful if swimming beyond the end of the groynes. Make sure to check tide times, sewage alerts and weather conditions. At low tide you will have to walk out quite a way before it is deep enough to swim.

Getting there

Eastbourne is at the eastern end of the South Downs. The town has a train station which is a short walk from the beach; it also has good bus links with surrounding towns and villages.

Location: main beach 50.7636, 0.2888; southern section 50.7565, 0.2781; northern section 50.7703, 0.2972

3. Canary Wharf London

It’s hard to believe you can swim in crystal clear water in the hub of a busy London district surrounded by sky-high offices and floating gardens, but swimming at Eden Dock just has to be experienced. 

The dock was formerly called Middle Dock but, in 2024, a new waterside platform was constructed, and it was renamed Eden Dock, created in partnership with the Eden Project charity. There is now an area with interconnected pontoons and aquatic islands to connect people with nature, as well as a truly unique bathing area surrounded by tall buildings. At the time of writing, exciting plans for an Olympic-sized open-water lido – Sea Lanes Canary Wharf – have also been announced, hopefully opening in 2026. This lido will float in the dock, alongside saunas, a clubhouse and a restaurant.

The swim is lifeguarded, and the water is regularly tested for safety. Tow f loats and bright headwear are manda tory; wetsuits are not compulsory. Swimming at Canary Wharf is managed by Love Open Water (loveopenwater.co.uk); you need a NOWCA membership to swim, then download the ACTIO app to book a session.

Getting there

Canary Wharf is in East London. There are multiple public transport options available to get to Canary Wharf, including the Tube (Elizabeth and Jubilee lines), Docklands Light Railway, buses and river buses. There are also several public car parks.

Location: 51.5045, -0.0232

4. Felpham Beach, West Sussex

Distinguished by its distinctive brightly coloured blue and yellow beach huts, Felpham Beach is situated on the outskirts of the popular seaside resort of Bognor Regis in the charming village of Felpham. The sand and shingle beach is divided by wooden groynes. One of the most picturesque beaches along the West Sussex coastline, it is conveniently well connected to Bognor Regis Beach by a wide and accessible promenade. 

The gorgeous turquoise sea makes it a lovely swimming spot, with lots of nearby facilities including a small sports complex located directly behind the beach huts. During low tide, a wide expanse of sand and a few chalky rockpools are exposed – great for exploring. At high tide it is great for swimming. At low tide you have to walk out a long way to reach the water, so it is best for swimming three hours either side of high tide. Have a look at the sailing club’s webcam so you can see conditions before setting out for a swim: www.felphamsailingclub.co.uk/weather

Getting there

Felpham and Bognor Regis are south-east of Chichester – take the A259 from the east or west, or the A29 from the north. Bognor Regis has a railway station which is a 30-minute walk from this part of the beach. The town also has good bus links – Stagecoach bus 63 stops a short walk from the beach.

Location: 50.7865, -0.6523

5. Thames Lido, Berkshire

For an indulgent and unique outdoor swim all year round, the Thames Lido is an oasis of relaxation next to the River Thames on King’s Meadow in Reading. This gorgeous grade II- listed Edwardian venue has a heated outdoor pool as its centrepiece, as well as a hot tub, saunas and treatment rooms. Originally opened in 1902 as a women-only swimming baths, it closed to the public in 1974. It reopened in 2017 after intensive restoration. Now it’s a glamorous and quirky urban retreat where diners can enjoy delicious food overlooking the pool, while dippers glide serenely past.

A visit here is more than just a swim – it’s like a full-on beach club experience. With the pool in the middle and people eating and enjoying cocktails just a few feet away, it seems a little surreal at first, but you soon get used to it and it’s a very fun place to chill at. It feels like a little oasis of calm. The pool is heated to a pleasant temperature, around 24 °C, and dipping in the Edwardian surroundings is very scenic. Book online at www.thameslido.com

Getting there

The lido is near the centre of Reading. It is a short walk from Reading train station and local buses stop nearby.

Location: 51.4602, -0.9653

6. Yaverland, Isle of Wight

For a long stretch of flat sand backed by stunning, dramatic cliffs, Yaverland Beach is the place to go. Ideal for swimming, there is lots of sand at low tide. The beach goes from the Yaverland Sailing and Boat Club all the way to the foot of the chalk cliffs of Culver Down. The Culver Cliffs are a picturesque backdrop to the beach; you can find fossils around here relatively easily. 

You can swim at any tide; be aware of the groynes at high tide. When it’s windy you’ll often see kite surfers at this beach. At low tide you will have miles of sand. When the conditions are rough, the sand can shift exposing rocks and boulders on the beach and in the shallows. This usually happens when a storm passes through so it is not that common in the summer.

Getting there

Yaverland is just north of Sandown, on the south-east coast of the Isle of Wight. Southern Vectis bus 8 serves Yaverland.

Location: 50.6614, -1.1352

7. Andark Lake, Hampshire

Andark Lake is a wonderfully peaceful lake located in Lower Swanwick, a few miles south east of Southampton. Near the River Hamble and scenic Solent coast, this is a purpose-built lake where, along with swimming, you can do other water sports and have camping adventures. The water is tested regularly, and the lake is filled up by its own bore hole. A wood-fired sauna is there to warm you up afterwards, or you can opt to relax on the deckchairs. 

A stunning lake with natural surroundings, ducks and beautiful green clear water, this is such a tranquil venue. All swims must be pre-booked: www.andarklake.co.uk

Getting there

Lower Swanwick is just off the M27 near Southampton. The X4 bus, which runs between Southamp ton and Portsmouth, stops near the lake on Bridge Road (A27). The nearest railway station is in Bursledon, a 20-minute walk from the lake.

Location: 50.8801, -1.2910

8. Botany Bay, Kent

Broadstairs is a picturesque seaside resort on the Kent coast, whose spectacular coastline boasts two award-winning Blue Flag sandy beaches. Broadstairs has in total seven different beaches. 

One of Kent’s most picturesque bays, Botany is a truly stunning beach which makes you think you could be in Greece or on a tropical island. With golden sands, rockpools and idyllic turquoise waters, Botany Bay is one of Kent’s best Blue Flag beaches and one of the county’s best swimming spots. Closest to Margate and the most northerly of the Broadstairs bays, it is enclosed by stacked photogenic white chalk cliffs. 

Once a smuggler’s haven, Botany Bay is now an ideal spot for fossil hunting and rockpooling when the tide is out. There is still plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in but, due to its shape, at high tide the ends of the beach are cut off. You can walk around to Kingsgate Bay and Joss Bay but check tide times to avoid being cut off by the tide. The beach gently shelves into the sea and is ideal for swimming as a kind of natural harbour is formed. There are lifeguards in high season.

Getting there

Broadstairs is on the north-east tip of Kent, between Margate and Ramsgate. The town has a train station and good bus links with surrounding towns and villages. Parking is available for Botany bay on Palm Bay Avenue in Cliftonville, where there are over 200 free parking spaces. This is a short, clifftop walk from Botany Bay. Access to the beach is via a ramp or steps.

Location: Botany Bay 51.3890, 1.4350

9. Kennington, Oxfordshire

Kennington Meadows, opposite Rose Isle, is a great spot for a River Thames swim. Rose Isle is a tree-covered island in the river, just downstream of Kennington Railway Bridge on the reach above Sandford Lock. There is a handsome house on the island, formerly the Swan Hotel, which used to be a well-known stopping point on the river. You can swim all the way round the island but do not climb on to the island as it is privately owned. 

There are several entry spots to get in. The river is wide here so there is plenty of space, but keep an eye out for boat traffic, especially in nice weather. A great place to enjoy the river, it is perfect on a hot day to enjoy a swim near ducks and birds. It is best to wear aqua shoes and use a tow float. It’s a good idea to be aware of possible water quality issues on the Thames – you can check online for any recent discharges into the river at www.sewagemap.co.uk

Getting there

Kennington Meadows are in Kennington, just off the A34 to the south of Oxford. The nearest train station is in Oxford. Oxford Bus Company bus 35 runs between Oxford city centre and Abingdon, stopping in Kennington. There is a small car park next to Kennington Village Hall and some on-street parking nearby – please park considerately

Location: 51.7182, -1.2399

10. Buckland Lake, Surrey

Buckland Park Lake is an exceptionally clear, deep lake surrounded by dramatic sand cliffs and woodland. The striking open water swimming destination has a 50-acre lake (plus a smaller water sports lagoon to the north of the main lake) and 50 acres of woodland, where swimmers can enjoy pristine water, abundant wildlife, and a unique landscape shaped by both nature and history. 

This is one of the few year-round open water dipping sites in the area and swimming is run by The Surrey Hills Adventure Company (The SHAC). In the winter months there is a firepit to warm you up after your swim. There is also a traditional wood-fired sauna plus cold plunge to enjoy right next to the lagoon, run by Savu Sauna (www.saunawithsavu.co.uk). 

Getting there

Buckland Park Lake lies next to the village of Buckland, between Reigate and Dorking, just off the A25; there is parking available on site. The nearest train station is at Betchworth, a 30-minute walk away. The Compass 32 bus, which generally runs hourly between Guildford and Redhill, stops near the lake entrance.

Location: 51.2427, -0.2450

The essentials

• Swimming costume (bright if possible - neon colours such as orange, green, pink and yellow are more visible in the water)
• Towel
• Bobble hat/swimming cap
• Wet shoes
• Spare bobble hat for afterwards
• Tow float
• Changing mat/bath mat
• Bag to put wet kit in
• Flask of tea and mug
• Warm clothing for after (including fluffy socks)
• Changing robe
• Snacks

If it is cold

• Neoprene gloves and socks for swimming
• Gloves for afterwards
• Hot water bottle
• Hand/feet warmers
• More warm clothing

Extras

• Waterproof phone case
• Thermometer
• Underwater camera
• Goggles
• Period swimwear (for that time of the month)