UK Guided Wild Swimming Holidays & Weekends
Wild swimming holidays and short breaks for people who want to explore new places, swim outdoors and enjoy the experience with a friendly group.
Large Outdoors runs guided wild swimming holidays and weekends across the UK, from mountain lakes and waterfalls in Eryri and the Lake District to lochs, rivers and coastal swimming in Scotland.
You don’t need years of outdoor swimming experience. Some trips are particularly suitable for people relatively new to wild swimming, while our longer Scottish holidays give confident swimmers the chance to explore a wider variety of locations.
Most people Join Large Outdoors on their own, so there’s no need to find somebody to come with you.
Wild Swimming Holidays & Breaks
Each trip page explains the accommodation, group size, swimming experience required and what’s included.
New to Wild Swimming?
You don’t need to be an experienced outdoor swimmer to Join Large Outdoors.
Our wild swimming trips aren’t about swimming long distances or seeing who can stay in cold water the longest. They’re about discovering good places to swim, enjoying the water at your own pace and sharing the experience with a small group.
Some trips are suitable for people trying wild swimming for the first time, while others require you to be a confident swimmer. We’ll always make this clear on the individual trip page.
You’re also never expected to stay in the water longer than you’re comfortable with.
What Are Our Wild Swimming Holidays Like?
Expect a mixture of swimming, exploring and plenty of time out of the water.
Depending on the trip, we might swim in lakes, lochs, rivers, waterfalls or sheltered coastal locations. Conditions matter, so exact swimming spots can change according to the weather, water conditions and the group.
Our longer holidays also give us the freedom to explore several different areas rather than returning to the same swimming spot each day.
And because this is Large Outdoors, the social side matters too. Groups are kept relatively small and there’s time to get to know everyone between swims, over meals and during the evenings.
Wild Swimming Holidays for Solo Travellers
Most people Join Large Outdoors on their own.
That makes our wild swimming weekends and holidays an easy option if you’d love to try a swimming break but don’t have somebody to travel with.
You’ll meet the rest of the group at the start of the trip and spend the following days swimming, exploring and travelling together.
Some trips offer single rooms, while others use shared accommodation. The available room options are shown on each individual trip page.
Wild Swimming Weekends & Longer Holidays
Wild Swimming Weekends
Our shorter breaks are a straightforward way to try a wild swimming trip without committing to a full week away.
Depending on the location, weekends may combine swimming with some easy walking as we explore different lakes, rivers, waterfalls and pools.
Wild Swimming Holidays in Scotland
For more time in the water, our longer Scottish wild swimming holidays take us further afield.
With several days to explore and transport throughout the trip, we can visit different lochs, beaches, rivers and coastal locations according to conditions.
Some Scottish trips also include opportunities for snorkelling. It’s entirely optional — you’re equally welcome to swim, float or simply enjoy being in the water.
Do I Need a Wetsuit?
We strongly recommend bringing a wetsuit on our wild swimming holidays.
Even during summer, UK water temperatures can be cold. A wetsuit can help you stay comfortable for longer and provides some additional protection from rocks, vegetation and marine life.
That doesn’t mean every dip has to be in a wetsuit. Conditions, location and your own experience will all play a part.
We provide a full kit list before your trip so you know what to bring.
Why Wild Swim with Large Outdoors?
Small, sociable groups
Our trips are about enjoying the experience together rather than simply turning up for a swim.
Most people come on their own
Solo bookings are completely normal on Large Outdoors trips.
Guided and organised
We take care of the itinerary and practical arrangements, with accommodation and transport included where stated.
Different places to swim
Trips are built around exploring an area rather than repeatedly using one swimming spot.
No pressure
You don’t have to be the fastest swimmer, stay in longest or take every opportunity to get into the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need wild swimming experience?
Not necessarily. Some trips are suitable for people relatively new to outdoor swimming, although you should be comfortable in the water. Trips requiring greater swimming confidence will say so clearly on the individual page.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
It depends on the trip. You don’t need to be interested in long-distance swimming, but some locations and holidays require you to be a confident swimmer. Check the individual trip before booking.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Most people Join Large Outdoors on their own and you’ll meet the rest of your group when the trip begins.
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
We strongly recommend bringing one. UK water can remain cold even in summer and having a wetsuit gives you more options throughout your trip.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Wild swimming is weather and conditions dependent. Your guide may change a planned swimming location or itinerary if conditions make another option more appropriate.
Is this competitive or long-distance swimming?
No. Our trips are about enjoying outdoor swimming and exploring different locations rather than covering a particular distance or swimming at a particular speed.
Wild Swimming Guides & Inspiration
New to outdoor swimming or getting ready for your next trip? Explore our guides covering wetsuits, safety, swimming for beginners, jellyfish and some of our previous wild swimming adventures.
Thinking about whether to wear a wetsuit for your wild swimming adventure? While it’s not compulsory, we strongly recommend it! A wetsuit helps you stay warm, join more swims, and protects against scrapes and stings. Discover why bringing one can make all the difference on your next wild swimming holiday.