Surrey county is situated in southern England, located below the city of London. It is abundant with charming villages, delightful towns such as Guildford, and captivating natural landscapes like the Surrey Hills. Surrey offers a wide range of attractions for everyone. If you're seeking a new open water swimming location in Surrey, you've arrived at the perfect destination. We have curated a list of the top six spots to explore during your next adventurous swim.
While open water swimming inherently carries risks, adhering to safety precautions can effectively minimise these dangers.
Buckland Park Lake
- Location: Betchworth
- Price: £10
- Swim course length: 400m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat or tow float/bag
Buckland Park Lake, operated by the Surrey Hills Adventure Company (SHAC), invites open water swimmers throughout the year. This lake, fed by a natural spring, has a maximum depth of 3 meters and offers a gradual incline on one side, facilitating effortless entry and exit. During your 400-meter swim around the lake, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the adjacent white cliffs and wildlife. The venue prioritises safety, with a dedicated lifeguard on site, as well as amenities like changing rooms and toilets. Buckland Park Lake provides an excellent and secure setting for wild swimming enthusiasts.
Ferris Meadow Lake
- Location: Shepperton
- Price: £6
- Swim course length: 400m & 750m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat
Ferris Meadow Lake, like Buckland Park Lake, offers year-round access for wild swimming. It boasts a lifeguard presence and features a gradual sloping entry into the lake, ensuring ease of access. However, unlike Buckland, Ferris Meadow Lake is exclusively dedicated to open water swimming and does not accommodate other water sports. Shepperton Open Water Swim manages this lake, and prior booking is mandatory to secure a swimming session. Newcomers to this venue are required to undergo a brief induction, typically taking just a few minutes, before enjoying their swim.
Thorpe Lakes
- Location: Chertsey
- Price: £9
- Swim course length: 225m, 400m, 800m, & 1.3km
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat
Thorpe Lakes is conveniently located near the popular theme park Thorpe Park. It features a dedicated lake solely for open water swimming, offering a selection of four different swim distances. Additionally, there is a 3km running track that runs alongside the lake, making it perfect for individuals seeking to combine their swim with a run or for those preparing for a triathlon. This venue operates from April to September and ensures the presence of a lifeguard. To partake in a swimming session, it is necessary to pre-book in advance before arriving at the venue.
Divers Cove
- Location: Godstone
- Price: £9.90
- Swim course length: 450m & 650m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat (not green). Wetsuit in water under 16°C and a wetsuit or tow float/bag in water over 16°C
Divers Cove is a spacious reservoir spanning 7.5 acres, providing supervised open water swimming sessions. The venue boasts exceptional facilities, including secure lockers for storing personal items during your swim, heated changing rooms and showers to help you warm up afterward, and a cozy cafe where you can refuel and socialise with fellow swimmers.
Swimming requirements at Divers Cove vary based on the water temperature. To ensure a smooth experience, it is essential to pre-book your swim and wear a vibrant swim cap that is not green. When the water temperature falls below 16°C, wearing a wetsuit is mandatory. However, if the water exceeds 16°C, you have the option to utilise a tow float or a dry bag instead of a wetsuit.
Frensham Great Pond
- Location: Frensham
Are you fond of sunny beach days? Even in landlocked Surrey, you might be surprised to discover a beach at Frensham Great Pond. While it may not resemble the typical beach with an expansive ocean view, it does offer a picturesque vista across the lake.
Frensham Great Pond, under the management of the National Trust, provides convenient amenities such as on-site toilets and a café where you can enjoy refreshments during your beach excursion or after a swim. The lake is divided into two designated swimming areas, clearly marked by buoys, ensuring a safe environment. With a maximum depth of 1.4m, these sections are particularly suitable for beginners in wild swimming or families with young swimmers.
Silent Pool
- Location: Albury
Situated in the picturesque Surrey countryside, to the southeast of Guildford, you will discover Silent Pool, a tranquil spring-fed lake. Adjacent to Silent Pool Gin Distillery and its convenient car park, this serene lake welcomes swimmers free of charge.
Enveloped by lush trees and natural beauty, Silent Pool offers a refreshing escape from the scorching summer sun, providing a peaceful oasis for those seeking a delightful swim to beat the heat during the warmer months.