Wild swimming is the perfect way to refresh and reconnect with nature. There’s something unexplainably appealing about plunging into cold, clear water in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a secluded spot in a calm river, a peaceful lake, or swimming amongst the waves of the sea, wild swimming is a way to escape the regular everyday.
For those living in the North East of England, we have access to some incredible spots for taking a dip. From coastal locations and plunge pools in valleys to secluded spots in our many rivers - we’ll explore some of the very best wild swimming spots across the region, perfect for anyone who loves the freedom of open water.
Before we get started, we’d recommend that you read our guide to getting started with open water swimming if you currently have no experience. It’s important to ensure you stay safe in these locations, as not all of them will have lifeguards. You can go with a wild swimming group for safety, or on your own if you are prepared. Check the water conditions, tide times, and water quality before you go.
Wild swimming spots near Newcastle
Our recommendation if you live in the city is to venture a little further out into Northumberland where you’ll find some of the most wonderful swimming locations. This is because, despite having the Tyne right on our doorstep, this river is not safe for swimming due to strong undercurrents and poor water quality. With that being said, there are still a couple of spots that are safe and can be easily accessed from the city. This includes:
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King Edward’s Bay - Located in Tynemouth, King Edward’s Bay has good water quality and is in a scenic setting. Depending on the time of day and season, there are also lifeguards present to help you stay safe. Be careful not to go too far out as there are strong riptides and the water can be very cold. With that being said, you don’t have to dip here alone as there is a supportive community, and terrific local amenities. The bay can easily be reached by public transport if you don’t drive, just remember to bring your wetsuit and a tow float.
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Whitley Bay Beach - This is another great spot that can be easily accessed using public transport. You’ll find a beautiful sand beach as well as good water quality and safety support, plus a range of amenities across the town for after your swim.
If you live further afield and don’t need to stay close to the city, we’d recommend checking out the following places in Northumberland:
- Linhope Spout - This gem of a swimming spot features a 60ft waterfall which cascades into a secluded plunge pool roughly 5 m deep for a truly invigorating swim. You’ll find Linhope Spout in the Breamish Valley within Northumberland National Park, so you’ll be guaranteed scenic beauty. To access it, you’ll need to do a moderate hike of around 3-miles (round-trip).
- Beadnell Bay - If hiking isn’t for you, Beadnell Bay is another popular destination. You can park just outside in the pay and display car park before walking across the sandy white shores to the bay. It’s one of the designated EU Blue Flag bathing areas in the region, which indicates high water quality, and plenty of people go to Beadnell beach for water sports such as paddleboarding. The bay is considered to be at a gentle entry level for a relaxed swim. It can get busy though, so you may want to avoid peak times and seasons.
- Hethpool Linn - Hethpool Linn is only recommended for experienced swimmers. It is quite secluded, with no mobile phone coverage and no lifeguards present. With that being said, this is a truly wild spot with a deep pool beneath the falls.
- Druridge Bay South - Part of a seven-mile stretch of pristine beach lined by dunes and featuring Ladyburn Lake, Druridge bay is ideal for both sea and lake swimming. The picturesque surroundings alone merit the trip there, and the swimming quality secures its status as one of our favourites.
- Featherstone Castle - Located near Haltwhistle, this spot offers accessible wild swimming right by the castle. The South Tyne River here features a sandy shoreline, easy access, shallow paddling areas, and a deeper midstream section suitable for those wanting a swim rather than a paddle.
- Harbottle Lake - This tranquil lake sits beneath the ancient Drake Stone. The spot combines a peaceful swim with a peaceful walk through heather lined woodlands. It’s also a little quieter than the other spots, so you’ll have a relaxed swim surrounded only by the sounds of nature.
- Seahouses Beach - Seahouses is another Blue Flag beach on the Northumberland coast, featuring a wide shore and usually calm seas. Seahouses is regularly monitored to maintain high water quality, making it a safe place for open water swimming, though lifeguard presence isn't guaranteed so make sure you’re comfortable in the water.
Wild swimming spots in County Durham
If Newcastle and Northumberland are a little too far out for you to venture, you may want to look to County Durham for some different options. Some of our favourite spots include:
- Low Force - Whilst High Force is too dangerous to swim in, its more gentle counterpart, Low Force, delivers a more relaxed plunge pool beside smaller cascading falls. Be aware that this water is in a rugged setting and can’t easily be reached by public transport, and the water is usually very cold year-round!
- Seaham Harbour Marina - This sheltered marina near Seaham makes for a great beginner-friendly wild swimming site. The waters are calm and protected by the harbour wall, and many swimmers come here so there are convenient changing facilities and nearby cafés, creating a welcoming and accessible dip-in spot.
- Derwent Reservoir - This reservoir is one of England’s largest inland reservoirs. It offers open water swimming, however you must do this via the local sailing club from spring through October. You can’t just turn up and enter the water. We’d still recommend it though as its surrounding nature reserve and wildlife-rich environment add to the experience.
- Gainford, Darlington - Located in the village of Gainford, this spot features a small riverside beach set along the River Tees. It’s praised by locals as a great place for wild swimming. This is a lesser known spot, perfect for relaxed dips in a picturesque rural setting, but we’d recommend talking to locals from the area or other avid wild swimmers to discover the best entry points. You should also have experience with wild swimming before entering the River Tees to ensure your own safety if you get into difficulty.
Equip yourself for the open water with Start Fitness
Water safety is a top priority. Make sure that you’re comfortable with swimming in any location you choose to visit, and check the water conditions where applicable. Where possible, join a wild swimming club so you’ll have others nearby to help if you get into difficulty. Whether you swim alone or in a group, however, getting the right equipment is also extremely important. At Start Fitness, we stock a wide range of swimming gear. This includes wetsuits and swimming buoyancy aids to help keep you protected and afloat.