Best Wild Swimming Spots in Somerset: A Local’s Guide

If you’re visiting Bath or Somerset (or if you’re a local) and are looking for something fun and adventurous to do you could consider wild swimming. There’s some great spots along it’s rivers and lakes, that are ideal for wild swimming.

Wild swimming, also known as open water swimming can be enjoyed year round. Although the waters can be cold so if you’re new to wild swimming, I do recommend going in the summer. Wild swimming in the summer offers a much more gentle introduction to the hobby, as you’ll be able to cool down from the warm summer sun but also benefit from it warming you back up again.

As a local who loves wild swimming, I regularly swim in the waters around Somerset all year round. Some of us even do a Christmas Eve and New Years Eve dip, and visitors are always welcome to join in.

In this guide I will cover the best spots that I recommend for wild swimming in Somerset, plus some safety tips.

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Safety Tips for Wild Swimming

Wild swimming can be a fun and refreshing experience, but it’s important to take safety precautions to ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe time. You’ll normally be swimming in open waters, away from the crowds so there won’t be a lifeguard on hand to rescue you. But there are ways to stay safe and avoid getting into any trouble.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Check the Water Quality

Before entering any body of water, it’s important to check the water quality. You can check the water quality of many swimming spots in Somerset by visiting the Environment Agency’s website. If the water quality is poor, it’s best to avoid swimming in that area.

If you arrive at a swimming spot and notice the water has brown water, don’t swim. This means it is in spate – so the river has been overflown by flooding and the currents are moving much faster than usual.

Don’t swim after heavy rain

It’s best not to swim after it’s rained, especially heavy rain. The rain can wash pollutants, and other nasties into the water so you’re more likely to end up sick. It’s also colder after it’s been raining so you’ll have a less comfortable swim.

The recommendation is to leave it 48 hours after heavy rain before you go swimming. I personally stick by this rule even for light downpours, just to be safe. I’d rather skip a swim than get sick!

Know Your Limits

It’s important to know your limits when it comes to wild swimming. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t attempt to swim in deep or fast-moving water. Stick to shallow areas where you can touch the bottom and swim with a friend.

Wear Proper Gear

Wearing proper gear can help you stay safe while wild swimming. A wetsuit can keep you warm in cold water, and water shoes can protect your feet from sharp rocks, and other hazards. If you’re squeamish or have a sensory processing disorder swimming shoes also help act as a barrier between your feet and any plants that live in the waters, as they can feel a bit disgusting.

Most importantly make sure to bring a bright coloured swim buoy. These are inflatable devices that have a strap that ties around your waist. If you get tired, or into trouble when swimming you can hold onto the buoy to keep yourself a float, to recover. The bright colours help you stand out against the water so if you do get into trouble, you’re easy to spot. Most of them have a dry pocket so you can put your phone, keys, asthma inhalers or other medications in the bag. I do recommend putting them into a small waterproof bag first, and then putting this into the dry bag (especially with your phone and electronic keys), just in case the dry pocket leaks.

You could also wear a brightly colored swim cap as that can make you more visible to other swimmers and boats. Just avoid blue and swim hats with dark patterns, as these were found to blend into the water and make you harder to spot.

Be Aware of Hazards

When swimming in natural bodies of water, there may be hazards that you need to be aware of. These can include strong currents, underwater rocks or debris, and wildlifes. If you’re swimming in the ocean there can be jellyfish, but in British rivers there might be some fish, frogs, possibly a snake.

Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid swimming in areas where hazards are present.

Swim with a Friend

Swimming with a friend is always a good idea, especially when wild swimming. Having someone with you can help in case of an emergency, and you can watch out for each other while swimming.

Best Time to Visit Somerset for Wild Swimming

Somerset is a great destination for wild swimming, with many beautiful rivers, lakes, and waterfalls to explore. The best time to visit Somerset for wild swimming is during the summer months, from June to August, when the water is warm and the weather is pleasant.

During this time, the rivers and lakes are at their busiest, so it’s important to arrive early to secure a good spot. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go, as heavy rain can make the water levels rise quickly, making swimming dangerous.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can also visit Somerset for wild swimming in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The water may be a bit cooler, but the scenery is just as beautiful, and you’ll have more space to yourself.

It’s important to note that wild swimming can be dangerous, so it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Always check the water depth and current before entering, and never swim alone. It’s also a good idea to wear appropriate swimwear and footwear, and to bring a first aid kit and emergency whistle with you.

Overall, Somerset is a fantastic destination for wild swimming, with plenty of stunning locations to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a beginner, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of the country.

River Parrett – Langport

One of my faveorite places to go wild swimming in Somerset, is along the section of the River Parrett that runs through Langport. This area of Somerset is beauitful, with places to enjoy walkings, spot wildlife and of course – go wild swimming.

There’s a few different places near Langport that offer easy access to the river. Many of them are near car parks, and have much shorter walks than most of Somerset’s wild swimming spots. If you have limited mobility, Langport will probably be the most accessible place for you to enjoy open water swimming and wild swimming in Somerset.

You can check out this map below of the swimming spots:

One of my faveorite spots is near River Parrett New Footbridge which is by The Bridge Bakery and Canteen on the Westover Trading Estate. This spot is quite popular with people enjoying the water, and walkers so make sure to arrive early. You can usually park in the River Parrett Trail Car Park, or on the road if the car park is full. After you’ve parked, walk over the footbridge and you’ll find steps and a pontoon.

Another good spot in Langport, is near two of the main car parks in the town – Bow Street Car Park (Max 2 hours) and Parrett Close Parking (Max 2 hours). Both car parks have a path running to the rivers edge by here. Along the riverside path, there’s a few different spots you can get into the water using a pontoon.

The final wild swimming spot I recommend is right next to Black Bridge Car Park. This spot can get busy, so I recommend arriving early. The car park has a slip so it is a popular spot for kayakers as well. You can see the view of the swimming spot below:

Cow Castle – River Barle

The River Barle is located in the beautiful Exmoor National Park and offers a really peaceful place to go swimming. The river has a few locations you can go for a dip, but some are better than others.

You can see the swimming spots on this map:

One of the best spots to swim in River Barle is Cow Castle which is a small plunge pool, and is about 1.5 meters deep. It’s surrounded by wild scenery beneath the ancient hill fort ‘Cow Castle’. You can find the Cow Castle Plunge Pool here, and it’s co-ords are 51.122868, -3.726486. To get here, you have to park in Simonsbath and walk to Cow Castle.

Cow Castle is quite a long walk from the car park – about 7.7km (4.8 miles), over grassy uneven terrian so if you do want to head here, make sure to allow plenty of time to walk both ways + take plenty of water, snacks, and I also recommend taking a swimming changing robe to warm up with after.

Sherdon and Landacre – River Barle

Another great swimming spot along the River Barle is the Sherdon and Landacre junction pool. The pool is located right where Sherdon Waters and the River Barle merge. You can find it here – or with the map co-ords 51.11173478969296, -3.7076332881362632.

The best way to get here, is to park nearby at Landacre Bridge, and then walk along the road until you see a pathway – here or if that’s overgrown head to the farmers lane here. Folllow the lane round and you’ll get to a path here, that leads right to the junction pool. Please don’t park on the farmers lane. It’s a single track lane that is used by tractors. Please also don’t use any of the passing places or park on the verges on the single track roads in Exmoor, as this makes it harder for vehicles to pass.

See this map for the swimming spots:

Tarr Steps – River BArle

The final place I recommend on the River Barle is Tarr Steps. This is a great spot for walking + paddling near the bridge, or wild swimming further up stream.

When you get here, park in the car park and then walk the 500 meters down to Tarr Steps. Here you can enjoy paddling or continue on the walk to find an ideal swiming spot. Cross over the bridge, and follow the path along the riverside. Eventually, you’ll get to areas which are deeper and more swimmable. Just be careful because the currents can get strong along this river.

Tarr Steps is near Dulverton, so it is easy to get to. If you’d like to stay nearby, you could book into the Tarr Farm Inn, a beautiful 5 star hotel that is close to the river.

You can see the location of the car park + Tarr steps on this map:

Woody Bay Tidal Pool – Exmoor

Another place on Exmoor I’d recommend checking out for open water swimming is Woody Bay. This isn’t actually a naturally formed area – but a man made open water tidal swimming pool. The pool was created by the victorians, when a victorian businessman originally aimed to create a beachside resort here. The plan failed after he was arrested for fraud, but we’ve been left with an amazing tidal pool to relax in!

To get to Woody Bay, you’ll need to head towards Woody Bay Railway Station, then turn off as if you were going to drive to Martinhoe, go past the first junction and continue on until you’re at Berry’s Ground lane. There’s a car park here, the co-orindates are 51.220087, -3.899972. From here, you’ll need to walk to the bay as the road is for residents.

Check the map below for a view of where to park

If you fancy staying nearby Woody Bay, you could consider this cottage. You’ll be able to park at the property and you’re only a 9 minute walk from the bay. You’ll also be near some of the best things to do on Exmoor’s coast such as the Valley of the Rocks and Wingcliff Beach.

Farleigh Hungerford – Near Frome

Farleigh Hungerford has a popular swimming spot in a beauitful location along the River Frome. The spot is managed by the Farleigh Hungerford Swimming Club that is said to be the oldest wild swimming club in the UK.

Here’s a map showing the clubs location:

To swim here, you need to purchase membership but it’s well worth it as you’ll get access to a clean lawn area, and changing huts. The club is only open during the summer (May to September). Membership is £12 a year per person or £25 for a family.

Although this is a paid club, they don’t have lifeguards so make sure to be careful when swimming here.

Hope you found this guide to wild swimming in Somerset helpful.

Remember to keep safe: bring a swimming buoy, be aware of strong currents, underwater hazards, and always have a buddy with you. Additionally, be respectful of the environment and leave no trace behind.