Best Wild Swimming Spots in Norfolk

Immerse yourself in nature with some of the best outdoor swimming spots in Norfolk. From the beautiful Norfolk broads to serene Norfolk beaches, Norfolk offers a wide range of perfect places for wild swimming. Our guide is ideal for beginners looking to get into wild swimming or experienced swimmers looking for their next dip.

What is Wild Swimming?

Wild swimming or outdoor swimming is swimming in natural pools of water, such as lakes, rivers, seas or oceans.

Benefits of Wild Swimming

There has been a growing interest in Wild Swimming over the last few years but why? Some of the benefits of wild swimming include:

Physical Wellbeing - Wild swimming boosts cardiovascular fitness, muscle building, and bone density. Plus, cold-water swimming is great for your immune system by increasing white blood cells, helping your body fight off illnesses. It also helps with metabolism and overall physical strength, so it's a win all around.
Mental Health Benefits: Swimming in cold water can elevate your mood by raising your dopamine and serotonin levels. It also helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lower your blood pressure, slow your breathing, and help you sleep better.
Therapeutic Effects: Being near or in water reduces inflammation, which is linked to many health issues such as depression and anxiety. Cold water swimming can stimulate the vagus nerve, offering mood-enhancing effects and a sense of calm.
Social Wellbeing: Many swimmers become friends while enjoying a swim together. The shared experience and community is often appealing to some.
Blue Spaces: These are outdoor environments that feature water, such as seas, rivers, ponds, and even fountains. Research indicates that spending time in or near water can boost your mood and improve your mental, emotional, and social health.

Wild Swimming in Norfolk

Santon, Little Ouse

Located near Thetford, this spot sits on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk. You can enter the water from the footbridge at St Helen’s picnic spot in Santon.

It is up to two metres deep, running through the forests. As the entry point is near a picnic spot (great for before or after you swim), you’ll swim away from the crowds into peace and quiet. A popular recommendation for this spot is letting the river carry you downstream to Brandon (6km) and arranging for pick up from there.

Best for: Day Out

Anderson’s Meadow, Norwich, River Wensum

If you’re not looking to venture too far from the City, Anderson’s Meadow is a great option. It is a popular spot for cyclists as you can access Marriott’s Way path here too. The entry point is opposite the Eagle Canoe Pub via a ledge on a slipway.

The current can be strong here, so it is often recommended to go with a group.

Best for: Group Swimmers.

Swanton Morley Mill

This is a great spot for families to have a picnic on the grassy bank before going for a dip in the water. There is a small, man-made waterfall as well as a rope swing but it can be rocky, so make sure kids are accompanied in the water.

Best for: Families

Horstead Mill

It’s a picturesque location on the River Bure, with clear, flowing water and a mix of deeper pools and shallower areas. A popular spot with locals, it can be fairly busy on hot days.

Bawburgh Mill

Located just outside Norwich, this is a stunning and peaceful spot for wild swimming. It’s good for both beginners and stronger swimmers due to its varying water levels and slow-moving river.

Whilst near the City, it tends to be less busy than Horstead Mill.

Beccles Lido

If you don’t fancy braving a river or the sea yet, Beccles Lido is a great outdoor swimming option for those not ready to swim in wild waterways.

Best for: Beginners

Wild Swimming in the Norfolk Broads

Generally, the Broads Authority does not encourage wild swimming in the Norfolk Broads. For safety reasons, we recommend visiting their website to review important precautions before choosing to swim as it is done at your own risk. They suggest contacting an organisation like Tri-Anglia who successfully organise and delivers open-water swimming events within the Broads.

However, for those of you who are eager to swim in the broads, we have highlighted our top spots below.

Geldeston Lock, River Waveney

Possibly one of Norfolk’s most famous wild swimming spots (recommended by Lonely Planet), is an idyllic spot. The river winds round through meadows towards a deeper swimming hole which is close to the Geldeston Locks pub.

You can enter the water from a boat launching post or slide in from a sloping bank.

Caen Meadow at Wroxham

This is a great spot for families as it is more sheltered and shallow. Located just off Church Lane. Be aware that there is no parking and as it’s located on the Broads, there will be boats passing by.

Best for: Kids

Outney Common, River Waveney

Popular for the river’s cleaner water, this is another well-known swimming spot in Norfolk. There is a three km stretch of river, up to two metres deep in parts.

There is a caravan park nearby, so a perfect spot for those looking for a getaway trip to Norfolk for a long weekend. You can also hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards here.

Best for: Overnight Stays

Ringland River Green, River Wensum

A small village in Wensum Valley, this is a popular swimming spot, especially in Spring and Summer. Enter by the 1920 concrete bridge for a serene swim.

For the history buff, you can see concrete ‘tank traps’ by the banks of the river from the Second World War.

Lamas, Buxton, River Bure

A lovely and quiet swimming spot, the River Bure is another go-to destination for wild swimmers due to its clear waters and beautiful scenery.

You can enter the water in the village of Lamas and swim downstream. Stronger swimmers can also enjoy the Buxton Mill Pool but be aware that the current can be strong here.

Best for: Quiet Swim

Shotesham Ford, River Tas

Less of a swimming location, but enjoyable for those looking for a dip or a puddle. There’s a deep pool in the middle where you might get some strokes in.

Best for: Relaxed Swimmers

Best Norfolk Beaches for Wild Swimming

Brancaster Beach

Renowned as one of Norfolk’s most stunning beaches due to the golden sand and picturesque landscape, the gently sloping shoreline makes for easy access to the water. The sea here is often calm, providing a safe and enjoyable swim.

Cromer Beach

With a beautiful sandy shoreline too and relatively shallow waters near the shore, Cromer is perfect for a relaxed swim. There are also many facilities nearby, so a great spot for those looking for a day out.

Wells-next-the-Sea Beach

A popular beach in North Norfolk for families or beginners looking to swim as the water is quite shallow and often calmer than other beaches on the Norfolk coast.

Holkham

As Holkham is slightly more remote, it can be a quieter beach to visit. Surrounded by natural beauty and shallow waters to easily get in and out of the sea.

Sea Palling

With shallow waters, Sea Palling is a great place for a safe and enjoyable swim. As this can be a popular place for water sports too, such as paddle boarders and jet skis, it’s important to be mindful of this when in the water.

Safety Tips for Wild Swimming

Wild swimming is a fantastic way to connect with nature, but it’s important to stay safe. Here are some key tips:

Check the conditions - be aware of tides, river flow and recent rainfall.
Ease yourself into the water as it can be much colder than you expect. It’s important to not jump or dive in as you don’t know what’s underneath.
Equip yourself with a wetsuit and water shoes to help keep you warm and protect yourself.
Choose well-known swimming spots, such as those recommended above or by other seasoned wild swimmers.
Never swim alone - it’s best to always swim with a buddy.
Stick to the shore if you are new to wild swimming.
If you feel tired or cold, you should get out of the water as soon as possible.
Ensure you have a towel and dry clothes ready for when you get out. A dry robe is perfect to keep warm after wild swimming.
Be respectful of nature and other swimmers. Avoid disturbing wildlife and be mindful of other people, such as kayakers, paddleboarders and boats.
If swimming in a river, you should also be wary of fishing lines.
Don't swim in locks, canals or urban rivers.
Avoid algae as it could be toxic, and can also be very slippery.