Open water swimming has become increasingly popular over the recent years with many people taking cold water dips all year round. I have to say, I love outdoor swimming during the Summer months, when the temperatures are mild, and I might even be lucky enough to catch a sunset. Whilst looking up wild swimming in Staffordshire, I haven’t come across many more that I didn’t already know about. My new favourite outdoor swimming location in Staffordshire is Whitmore Lakes – more on this later.
So.. without further ado – here are our top places for wild swimming in Staffordshire.
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One thing to mention is to please be considerate to locals and wildlife at wild swimming locations. Please be respectful with parking, noise and take your litter home with you.
Please do not swim alone – wild swimming is always better with a friend, or even better than this – opt for an organised open water swimming event.
We love nothing more than a day close to water, and have found some great UK campsites that have direct access to water to allow for paddleboarding, open water swimming or kayaking.
If you are looking for places to launch a SUP in Staffordshire then here are our top locations for paddleboarding in Staffordshire – and if you fancy camping nearby then you may also love our list of great campsites in Staffordshire
If you are looking into outdoor swimming or ‘wild swimming’ in Staffordshire, then I have tried to include locations that are safe and acceptable to swim. If you are looking to swim in lakes and rivers do check the water quality and safety beforehand. One thing to add – it is worth checking out open water safety tips over on the Royal Life Saving Society and RNLI
Here are a favourite places for open water swimming in Staffordshire;
Whitmore Lakes, Newcastle, Staffordshire
This is my new favourite location for outdoor swimming in Staffordshire. Nestled in the Staffordshire’s Whitmore Estate, Whitmore Lakes is a hidden gem and a perfect location for wild swimming.
Whitmore Lakes has also collaborated with Kuotos Swim to offer various swimming coaching and courses including 1-2-1 Swimming Lessons and introduction to wild swimming courses.
Swimming is bookable in 3 hour sessions and costs £7 per session. parking and toilets onsite. – and I can highly recommend popping in to the Cake Shack afterwards for refreshments (the cakes are incredible!)
Chase open water swimming, Burntwood
At Chasewater Country Park and based within Chasewater Sports Centre, you will find Chase open water swimming, offering open water swimming for Beginners, intermediate swimmers and advanced.
Tow Floats are compulsory – using the Nowca app to book a time slot, swimming is £7 a session and you can also opt for wetsuit hire.
For more information heat to Chase open water swimming online
Pillaton Hall Farm, Pillaton, Nr Penkridge, Staffordshire
Listed in my Top campsites for paddleboarding and wild swimming – Pillaton Hall Farm is based in Staffordshire and offers a touring caravan and camping pitches with excellent facilities, children’s play areas, open water activities, fishing pools, and café bar & takeaway.
Open-water swimming sessions are open to all, you must be registered and member of the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA).
£8.00 per member swim session.
For more information including session swim times
Three Shires Head,
Three Shires head is the point where the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire all meet. Here you will find a wonderful wild swimming spot, with a deep pool and waterfalls. It is a lovely spot and you can even do the Three Shires head walk listed on Peak District Kids website whilst you are here!
Parking is limited, and there are no toilet facilities here.
Blakemere Pond
You definitely won’t find me swimming at Blakemere Pond. blakemere Pond – not far from the Roaches, is also known as the Mermaid Pool, due to the legend of a woman accused of being a witch who was drowned here. Locals say that the water is haunted by the ghost of a mermaid, that no animal will drink from the waters of the pool – nor will any bird fly over! This one isn’t for me!
Outdoor Swimming locations near to Staffordshire
Nantwich Outdoor Swimming Pool
The outdoor brine pool at Nantwich Leisure Centre will be opening up for the season on Saturday, April 20th, 2024. The outdoor pool temperature is around 75°f and through solar gain is usually much warmer.
Online booking for the swimming is essential.
Please do check the website for the swimming timetable to avoid disappointment
Youlgreave, Derbyshire
Youlgreave wild swimming spot can be found on the River Bradford and just a short drive from Bakewell. This family friendly section of river adapted for swimming/dipping. No inflatable allowed, and please keep dogs out of the river. One last thing to mention, please leave no trace – take your litter home with you.
I visited here with my beautiful friend and business partner Jenny who writes over at Peak District Kids and Travelynnfamily. Let me tell you – the water here was freeeezing and quite shallow when we visited, I love the cold dip and a chat though.
Hathersage Pool
Hathersage open air swimming pool in Hathersage, the Peak District is a lovely pool offering outdoor swimming near to Staffordshire (about 1 hour 20).
An adult swim is around £7.50 a session, and the pool is heated and around 30m in length.
Toilets and changing rooms on site.
Pickmere Lake, Knutsford
Pickere is a beautiful lake and a popular swim spot – just a short drive from Altrincham. There is a really small car park near the lake. Be respectful to local residents when parking.
I love an evening here, it is probably about an hour drive from Newcastle in Staffordshire on a weekday evening. but the swim is always gorgeous and the sunsets are dreamy. It is hands down on of my favourite wild swimming spots and worth the drive from Staffordshire on that M6!
Outdoor swimming gear
If you are thinking about trying your hand at outdoor swimming then it is worth thinking about the kit that you might need. I often put on a wetsuit when I am outdoors especially for the first few swims
- Wetsuit We love our Animal clothing wetsuits
- Tow float – this is the tow float I use
- Swimming boots/shoes
- Googles
- Swimming hat
- Changing robe if no facilities to change
- Flask and warm drink for after the swim
- Bobble hat for after the swim
Remember to swim with a buddy, use a tow float, warm up afterwards and if in doubt – check the open water safety tips before you dip!
This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.
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