The upside of living in the rainiest place in England is that there is (usually) a great selection of wonderful swimming spots to explore. From rivers to lakes, quarries to natural dubs and pots - you’ll never be far away from a sumptuous, soul-reviving freshwater wonderland in which to wallow. As with any of our recommendations, we want to remind you to take all of your litter home with you; ‘take only photographs, leave only footprints’. Here are our top picks!

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Thirlmere Infinity Pool

Thirlmere Infinity Pool is arguably one of the best natural infinity pools in the Lake District and for certain one of the best wild swimming spots in the Lake District. For full details including how to get to the Thirlmere Infinity Pool, GPX file & Google Maps location click here.

Wasdale Emerald Pool (Fairy Pool)

The Wasdale Emerald Pool (also known as Wasdale Fairy Pool - due to its likeness to those on the Isle of Skye) is a gorgeous turquoise pool beneath two mini waterfalls & a natural rock pyramid. For full details including how to get to the Wasdale Emerald Pool, GPX file & Google Maps location click here.

wasdale-emerald-pool-laurie-crayston — Photo credit - @LaurieCrayston

Coniston Copper Mines Waterfall

The Coniston Coppermines waterfall is one of the most magical waterfalls and pools in the whole of the Lake District. For full details including how to get to the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall, GPX file & Google Maps location click here.

Galleny Force

Galleny Force is a beautiful little secluded waterfall and pool hidden away deep in the Borrowdale valley. It’s a popular one with swimmers & photographers alike and definitely worth a visit! For full details including how to get to the Galleny Force, GPX file & Google Maps location click here.

Buckstone’s Jum

Just up the beck from Rydal village, this beautifully nestled gem features a pebble beach, stone slab slides, and perfect views of the central fells, all just a 20-minute walk upstream! The triangular pool is 3m deep at its deepest, but the gentle gradient of the beach gives plenty of paddle room for little ones.

Tongue Pot, Eskdale

This spot has featured on so many ‘secret spots’ type articles in the past few years that it is no longer a secret spot! Nonetheless, the crystal clear waters, hidden location, glistening waterfall, and awe-inspiring surroundings make it an unmissable place to visit. The jewel in the crown of this beautiful Western valley.

Devoke Water

Though some might call Devoke water bleak, or even spooky, the calm and stillness of this tarn provide a remedy for the chaos of modern life. The view looks out at the perfect angle for a great sunset most of the year-round, and if you park up on Birker Moor, it’s just a short walk away… so you can warm up again quickly without having a long journey back!

Kailpot Crag, Ullswater

A mile or so South West of the Howtown Ferry on Ullswater, sits this majestic crag, rising up out of the clear, deep waters. With shingle beaches and woodlands all around, this is the perfect spot for a full day out. Take a picnic, a towel, a good book, and enjoy some exhilarating jumps and relaxing swims.

Black Moss Pot

The absolute top of the list for wild swimmers who love pots and dubs, this delightful pool up the Borrowdale valley is sheltered by steep-sided cliffs. Take your goggles, because the water is known for being impeccably clear. Although the journey up to this slice of paradise is a little longer than some of the others on this list, it is well worth the walk!

Crummock Water

Although Crummock has a reputation for being more than a little chilly, this quieter location means you are more likely to have the place to yourself. A stroll through the idyllic woods from the little car park near Lanthwaite Green Farm to the shoreline will get you in the mood for feeling like you are the only people for miles around...

Loughrigg Tarn

Against the backdrop of the Langdale Pikes, this tranquil, accessible tarn thoroughly deserves a place on this list! Although the water here isn’t perhaps as clear as some of our other picks, the tarn manages to get relatively warm in the summer months, making for longer swims and more time to switch off and de-stress!

The Best Wild Swimming Spots in The Lakes