Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-swimming-and-sauna-the-swan-at-streatley"><a href="https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/whatson/wild-swim-sauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Swimming and Sauna</a>, The Swan at Streatley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/swan-coppa-wild-swim-copy.jpg" alt="Where to go wild swimming in Berkshire The Swan at Streatley" class="wp-image-67540" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/swan-coppa-wild-swim-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/swan-coppa-wild-swim-copy-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/swan-coppa-wild-swim-copy-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/swan-coppa-wild-swim-copy-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A gorgeous dipping spot in one stonking setting. Not actually a lake, you’ll swim in the Thames in front of The Swan at Streatley, but their <a href="https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/whatson/wild-swim-sauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Swim and Sauna sessions</a> are a great intro to open water swimming. Instructor Jo will be on hand to guide you through the experience, teaching you everything from how to identify a safe swim spot, entry and exit, kit recommendations, swim etiquette, and how to warm up afterwards (essential). A hot drink and a natter afterwards, then it&#8217;s off you go to defrost in the sauna and steam room. Sessions are on every Sunday until Sep, tickets from £30. Surely a Sunday lunch at the <a href="https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/at-the-swan/">Coppa Club</a> with a bottle of bubbly is a must afterwards?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bray-lake-maidenhead"><a href="https://www.braylake.com/">Bray Lake</a>, Maidenhead</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/10/Bray-Lake-view-trees-reflected-in-water-e1600349574524.jpg" alt="Bray Lake Berkshire view trees reflected in water" class="wp-image-24014" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.braylake.com/">Bray Lake</a> has it all going on – beautiful location and the largest independent water sports club in the country. It currently welcomes some 200 swimmers a week into its waters. From first timers to experienced triathletes, everyone is welcome, and swimming here is friendly and safe. If you want a challenge, there are a variety of distances to try. Before you cannonball in, you must register and all sessions must be booked in advance. If you’re a first timer, there’s an introduction to open water swimming course too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasing-estate-aldermaston"><a href="https://www.wasing.co.uk/wellbeing/offerings/210-wild-swim-and-sauna">Wasing Estate</a>, Aldermaston</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1.jpg" alt="Wasing lake swimming people sat on jetty Aldermaston Berkshire Where to go wild swimming in Berkshire" class="wp-image-52481" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/2-3-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Wanna know where to go wild swimming in Berkshire? If you like your wild swim with a dose of exclusivity, this is the place for you. After a dip in Wasing’s lovely lake set in secluded woodland, there’s an authentic Scandinavian wood-fired sauna and handmade copper showers to warm you up, plus herbal teas heated on the firepit. On Saturdays there&#8217;s a <a href="https://wasing.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/51771?catID=50591&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swim, Sauna and Lakeside Lunch</a> session. However, book in advance &#8211; they tend to sell out. If you get the wild swimming bug, there’s a <a href="https://wasing.digitickets.co.uk/category/50703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monthly membership</a> option too. Yup, peace, tranquility and facilities come at price. Worth it for this truly special location though.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinton-pastures-country-park-hurst"><a href="https://www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/welcome-dinton-activity-centre/dinton-activities-everyone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinton Pastures Country Park</a>, Hurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="417" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/dinton-country-lake.png" alt="Dinton Pastures Country Park" class="wp-image-67558" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/dinton-country-lake.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/dinton-country-lake-800x334.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/dinton-country-lake-400x167.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/dinton-country-lake-768x320.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A country park belter with over 350-acres to explore, at Dinton Pastures you&#8217;ll find a stunning lake to dip your toe in. There&#8217;s a range of water sports to get involved with here, including a dedicated area for open water swimming. The shallow shelving beach make for easy entry and acclimatisation, and there&#8217;s a buoyed 250m course to enjoy. You must be 14+, any under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, and high vis swim hats and tow floats are required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horseshoe-lake-activity-centre-sandhurst"><a href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/open-water-swimming/">Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre</a>, Sandhurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666.jpg" alt="Horseshoe-Lake 1000X666 Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre, Sandhurst" class="wp-image-36503" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Horseshoe Lake has some great advice for newbies including wrapping your clothes up with a hot water bottle (well, warm, not too hot) for when you get out, taking a ‘dips not distance’ approach and wearing a wetsuit if you want to. <a href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/open-water-swimming/">Book your session</a> and then you can arrive anytime between 7am and 10am at the weekends or between 5.30pm and 8pm on Wednesdays. There are three distances to choose from and everyone entering the water must wear a brightly coloured swim hat. Psst, you can buy one on site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taplow-lakeside-taplow"><a href="https://taplowlakeside.co.uk/">Taplow Lakeside</a>, Taplow</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/taplow-lakeside_0006.jpg" alt="Where to go wild swimming in Berkshire Taplow Lakeside, Taplow" class="wp-image-67563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/taplow-lakeside_0006.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/taplow-lakeside_0006-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/taplow-lakeside_0006-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/taplow-lakeside_0006-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Open water swims take place on Wed, Sat and Sun mornings in the winter, plus Thurs in summer. At this family owned business on the Berks border, you will need a National Open Water Coaching Association (Nowca) membership to swim  and then single swims are £6.50. No children under 8 allowed and under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult. If you’re a newbie, Taplow will find you a swim buddy for your first few sessions and they run loads of <a href="https://taplowlakeside.co.uk/open-water-swimming/">great courses</a>. If you really love it, sign up for the New Year’s Eve annual swim. I feel cold just thinking about it!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jo-jones-an-open-water-nbsp-swimming-instructor-shares-her-top-10-safety-tips"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/swimwith_jo/">Jo Jones</a>, an open water&nbsp;swimming instructor, shares her top 10 safety tips:</h3>



<ol>
<li>Do not underestimate the water or the weather.</li>



<li>Always use a tow float and wear a bright swim cap to ensure you can be seen (these can be hired or bought).</li>



<li>&nbsp;Don&#8217;t swim on your own. Ideally join experienced swimmers for your first dip.</li>



<li>If you are in a river, swim into the current first so you head downstream back to where you can get out.</li>



<li>Work out where you’ll get out of the water before you start. A sloped area is best so you can walk out rather than climb.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Sadly, sewage is an ongoing problem. If the water looks or smells bad, don’t swim and always cover fresh cuts to reduce the risk of infection.&nbsp;</li>



<li>If you want to wear a wetsuit try a swimming wetsuit for comfort and shoulder flexibility (you can hire or buy these).</li>



<li>Get into the water slowly so your body can acclimatise to the temperature.</li>



<li>Get out while you are still enjoying it and before you get too cold or tired.</li>



<li>Once you’re out, put on layers and and always take one more hoodie than you think you’ll need (even if it’s sunny)!</li>
</ol>


Take the plunge! Berkshire’s best swimming lakes

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