Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-swimming-and-sauna-the-swan-at-streatley"><a href="https://widget.eola.co/1113/activities/intro-to-wild-swimming-the-swan" 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://widget.eola.co/1113/activities/intro-to-wild-swimming-the-swan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intro to Wild Swimming 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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasing-estate-aldermaston"><a href="https://www.wasing.co.uk/wellbeing/wild-swim-and-sauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 select Saturdays there&#8217;s <a href="https://wasing.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/45643" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Swimming</a> sessions. However, book in advance &#8211; they tend to sell out. If you get the bug, there’s a <a href="https://www.wasing.co.uk/wellbeing/wild-swim-and-sauna/wild-swim-membership/" 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-bray-lake-maidenhead"><a href="https://www.braylake.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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-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="1500" height="947" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/dinton.jpg" alt="Dinton Pastures Country Park" class="wp-image-80182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/dinton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/dinton-800x505.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/dinton-1000x631.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/dinton-400x253.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/dinton-768x485.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></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-hi5-lake-reading"><a href="https://hi5ski.co.uk/open-water-swimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hi5 Lake</a>, Reading</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Hi5-Readling-Lake.jpg" alt="hi5 wild swimming lake near reading" class="wp-image-85626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Hi5-Readling-Lake.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Hi5-Readling-Lake-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Hi5-Readling-Lake-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Hi5-Readling-Lake-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Hi5-Readling-Lake-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Got what it takes? Test your cold water mettle at this premier wild swimming lake near Reading with the activity available year around on their 750m &amp; 500m loop. Fun fact: the venue hosted the first ever UK triathlon in 1983 and still today the action continues with a number of events and competitions throughout the year. Swim sessions are £7.50 a go or you can buy in bulk. Coaching also available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horseshoe-lake-activity-centre-sandhurst"><a href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/open-water-swimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book your session</a> and then you can arrive anytime between 7.45am and 9.45am on Sundays. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 evenings. 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 £7.50. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great courses</a>. If you really love it, sign up for the New Year’s Eve annual swim. I&#8217;m shivering just thinking about it!</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jo-jones-an-open-water-swimming-instructor-shares-her-top-10-safety-tips"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/swimwith_jo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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</ul>


Take the plunge! Berkshire’s best wild swimming lakes

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