There's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the chilly waters of Britain for a refreshing and exhilarating experience. Engaging in wild swimming not only boosts your physical well-being but also enhances your mental health. In Hertfordshire, a county located just north of London, numerous locations await you to reap the advantages of wild swimming this summer. Discover your next beloved spot by exploring our list of the finest swim locations in Hertfordshire.
While wild swimming offers many benefits, it's important to acknowledge the associated risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable swim, familiarise yourself with the potential hazards and follow the provided safety guidelines for swimming in open water.
H2Open Water Swimming at Westmill Farm
- Location: Ware
- Price: £6.50
- Swim course length: 50m & 340m
- Supervised?: Yes
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat & wetsuit (in water temperatures below 12°C)
Experience a delightful time at Westmill Farm, where you can engage in thrilling activities such as the inflatable aqua park and a variety of water sports, including open water swimming. To access the swimming area, it is necessary to purchase an RFID wristband, available for a one-time fee of £7.50, while swim sessions cost £6.50.
While no induction is required for swimming here, you have the option to participate in group or one-on-one coaching sessions, aimed at enhancing your swimming technique and boosting your confidence. For those already comfortable in the water, supervised opportunities await, whether it's sprinting 50 meters or completing the 340-meter loop, all under the watchful guidance of qualified RLSS staff.
Redricks Lakes
- Location: Sawbridgeworth
- Price: £6-8.50
- Swim course length: 750m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat & a wetsuit or a tow float/bag
Situated on the eastern border of Hertfordshire and Essex lies Redricks Lakes, a fantastic swim destination suitable for both novice and experienced wild swimmers. This location offers convenient amenities including toilets, showers, a cafe, and a sandy beach that gently slopes into the lake. For novices, an induction is required prior to swimming the 750m circuit, and additional coaching sessions are available for those seeking further guidance.
One of the notable features of this swim spot is a charming island nestled in the middle of the lake, providing a perfect resting place for swimmers. If this appeals to you, you can enjoy a taster swim at the price of £8.50. And if you find yourself falling in love with the place, just like we have, becoming a member allows you to swim for a mere £6 per session.
Stanborough Park
- Location: Welwyn Garden City
- Price: £7.50
- Swim course length: 400m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat & a wetsuit or a tow float/bag
Stanborough Park, situated on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City, encompasses two lakes spanning a total area of 126 acres. The southern lake is home to the Stanborough Park Watersports Centre, which offers a 400m swim circuit for open water swimming. The centre provides changing rooms and showers for visitors to freshen up after their swim. For a comforting beverage, one can head over to the park cafe.
Hertz Young Mariners Base
- Location: Cheshunt
- Price: £8
- Supervised?: Yes
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat
At the Hertz Young Mariners Base, adults can enjoy swim sessions throughout the year, with each swim priced at £8. If you have plans to swim during the winter, we highly recommend starting in the summer to acclimate yourself to wild swimming and the cold temperatures before braving the even chillier winter waters. For those intending to swim in water below 15°C during the winter (or any open water), it is strongly advised to undertake the venue's cold water swimming induction.
In addition to the cold water induction course, the Hertz Young Mariners Base offers various swimming courses. These include a general wild swimming induction and a course designed to enhance your swimming technique. Now all that's left to do is grab your swim cap, dive into the water, relish your swim, and warm up afterward with a delightful hot beverage from the cafe.
Hartham Common
- Location: Hertford
- Supervised?: No
Located at the north-east corner of Hartham Common Park, where the River Beane converges with the River Lea, you'll discover a marvellous spot for river swimming. The confluence of the rivers serves as an excellent starting point, offering a variety of swimming directions to choose from. One option is to swim towards Hertford Lock, passing by the houseboats. For those seeking a more challenging experience, swimming upstream against the strong current of the River Beane is an alternative. Alternatively, if you prefer a relaxed and leisurely swim, we recommend heading downstream along the River Lea towards Ware.