All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
The first wild swimming retreat I did was in Cornwall. It was back in 2020 when swim stays were not quite the phenomenon they are now. Once we’d settled in, the first thing we did was go around and share why we were there. I was immediately moved by the openness of the other guests. Responses varied from burnout and heartbreak to redundancy, grief, or simply needing a rest. It seemed that everyone had arrived at a crossroads in their life or—more likely—a desire for there to be a crossroads. Although the catalyst for attending a week-long swimming trip was different for each of us, we were united in being ready for change and hopeful for connection. We were all looking for an opportunity to take a different path, and what better way to take that first step than leaping into the water? It’s a perfect metaphor, really—diving, plunging, cleansing.
When we’re waterside, we’re far from our usual uniforms of clothing, profession, and status. This is a big part of what allows such a beautiful in-person connection—there’s no hiding. We’re stripped back, both literally and metaphorically. I was in the depths of grief at its most painful stage and, up to that point, had mostly hidden my emotions beneath the surface. But there was something freeing about the quiet, contemplative nature of the retreat. It meant I had the time and space to open up, be more honest about what I was going through, and embrace the freedom to talk and cultivate genuine connections with those around me instead of shutting down and keeping my thoughts and feelings inside. Within moments, I immediately formed a connection with a fellow swimmer—an experience I can only truly describe as love at first sight. Across the rest of the retreat, we became fast friends.
After this first retreat, we started going on more and more swimming trips together. These adventures sparked my decision to swim in every tidal pool in Britain—which, in turn, became the focus for my first book, a story of swimming and sisterhood titled The Tidal Year.
Searching for this kind of genuine companionship can be tough in an increasingly online world where many of us feel lonelier than ever. There’s a growing cynicism surrounding online connections. Going back to basics and making friends through shared interests and activity-based events can be a great way to meet people—as shown by the increased interest in running clubs as a replacement for dating apps. Water is a wonderful way to meet people—swimming is good exercise, often done in the great outdoors, and there’s the allure of a warming cup of tea and slice of cake afterwards.
Swimming is one of the only sports where women outperform men. Studies have shown women excel long-distance due to better buoyancy, metabolic efficiency, and resilience, as well as benefiting from the physiological advantages of cold-water exposure. Potentially, as a result of this, wild swimming communities are often primarily women—some retreats are advertised as women only. Still, even if they’re not, they end up with mostly female guests. It’s not that they set out to be exclusive but rather nurture the desire to reflect, open up, and find deeper connections.
Beyond the health benefits and opportunity to meet new people, a final and arguably most important reason why these retreats are so wonderful is that wild swimming retreats are true retreats. Life is busy; we’re all burnt out. A swim stay offers the ultimate excuse to escape. You simply cannot reply to emails, answer phone calls, or make to-do lists while you’re in the water. At many of these retreats, the itinerary, meals, and transportation are sorted for you. All you need to do is show up and every decision is taken care of. Now that’s a real vacation. Below, we’ve rounded up the best wild swimming retreats in the UK.
The UK's best wild swimming retreats
The Salt Sisterhood, Falmouth, Cornwall
This is the retreat that sparked my friendship. On this women's-only retreat, guests have the option of private or communal rooms in a Scandi-style wooden house set back from the Helford River. You start the day with a swim in the secluded creek that inspired Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman ’s Creek, followed by breakfast and yoga led by The Salt Sisterhood founder Lauren Biddulph. Each day, Lauren guides guests to different secret swim spots in Cornwall. Godrevy’s Cove was my favorite—it begins with a coastal hike through a tangle of blackberry bushes. Lauren is joined by a chef who cooks colorful and wholesome vegetarian food, then it’s hot chocolate and yin yoga before bed. Cornwall is leading the trend for guided swim stays, with Watergate Bay Hotel offering surf lessons and coaching on your swim stroke work, while the beachfront Scarlet Hotel offers weekends at its outdoor natural reed pond and eco spa.
Chapel House, Penzance, Cornwall
Chapel House has an unbeatable location in Penzance for swimming. Every morning you’re within walking distance of a sunrise swim at Jubilee Lido or Battery Rocks. When you return, the sauna is waiting to warm you up. During the day, a local guide arranges trips to nearby fairy pools, beaches and tidal pools. You’ll be sent off with a DryRobe, a thermos of tea or coffee and a homemade packed lunch. Part of Chapel House’s charm is its tasteful townhouse interiors and connection to local art history. The building was once home to the Penzance Arts Club, and now The Newlyn School of Art curates a constantly changing gallery of artwork adorning the halls. Staying here is a real home away from home experience (if your home has sea views, a marble fireplace, and a grand sweeping staircase, that is). This is a perfect retreat for those wanting time alone but the option to join activities like swims, saunas, and breathwork. Guests have private rooms, but the communal areas are cozy and welcoming for late-night games with others in front of the fire.
Another Place, Lake District
Nestled on the shores of England’s second largest lake lies boutique hotel Another Place. It’s an idyllic place to make the most of Ullswater. Take a wetsuit from the sheep shed, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on the private jetty. These active breaks are invigorating—accompanied by yoga and pilates; they’re designed to get energy levels up and stress levels down in the mountain air. Their three-day wild swim camp is led by an expert open-water swim coach. It’s perfect for triathlon swimmers looking to develop their technique, but the team assure me all abilities are welcome, whether you’ll be leaping in, paddling across, or stretching out. Beyond daily swims in Ullswater, guests have the opportunity to explore the inspiring landscape of the Lake District, visiting hidden tarns, rivers, and even a stargazing night.
Wild Hebridean Swimming, Scotland
If you’re looking to swim somewhere off-the-beaten path, then the sea lochs, waterfalls, and hidden coves of the Hebrides await. Retreat founder and local guide Emma Macdonald guides guests through this breathtaking destination. Winter retreats enjoy darker skies, log burners, and the affectionately known ‘Pottie Hottie’, where you alternate between quick dips in Loch Pottie and the wood-fired hot tub. Whereas if you join in April your trip coincides with the Mull Folk Music Festival, and, if you’re lucky, the first sounds of the corncrake signaling the arrival of spring.
I spoke to Emma, who said she’s “constantly amazed and thankful to see how our retreats have such a positive impact on our guests. Everyone has a story, whether it’s caring for someone at home, bringing up children with challenging needs, or recovering from illness. Everyone finds such comfort and solace with the group when they’re in the water.” A relaxed atmosphere means there are no forced conversations or activities. There’s always a diverse mix of people, and Emma said that after the trip, the women will often start a WhatsApp group, sharing pictures of their swims and meeting up.
Glow Retreats at Fforest, Wales
Fforest is a coastal camp combining Welsh warmth and folklore with Japandi design. Each year, Fforest hosts Glow retreats in March, June, and September. These nurturing and inspiring weekends are where women get together in the goodness of wild nature to share skills, ideas, stories, nourishment and laughter, comfort and kinship. Sessions are planned to busy our hands and calm minds, leaving plenty of time for walks and swims. This retreat has less scheduled swimming, but Penbyn Beach is on your doorstep, with nearby rivers and the Ceredigion Coastal Path ready to explore, too. Guests stay in Ty Manorafon, the main farmhouse with a cozy living room and wood-burning stove. Imagine snuggly comfort with beautiful Welsh blankets and cushions. The scenic glamping village creates a communal atmosphere where the goal is to inspire, support, and help each other; to have some fun; and to maybe learn something new. Oh, and let’s not forget the barrel sauna and firepit!
Burgh Island, Devon
Burgh Island is an Art Deco hotel based on a unique tidal island. Situated on Saint Michael’s ley line, the island has long been associated with restorative energy and rich mythological lore, including its connections to Avalon and Arthurian legend. Their Midweek Wellbeing Escape offers two nights of gentle activities, including swimming, yoga, and relaxing in the hotel’s spa and steam room. The hotel had its outdoor mermaid pool carved into the cliffside in WWII. Guests who aren’t brave enough to take the plunge can row across the seawater lagoon. Agatha Christie stayed on the island, and the hotel’s original beach house was built for her to write in. Her home in Greenway is a day trip from Burgh Island for those looking to transform their swim stay into an inspiring, creative retreat.
River Flow Yoga, Wales
If river swimming is more your thing, then head to the silky waterways of River Wye. For a real communion with nature, there’s nothing like floating in a gentle river current with reeds dancing beneath the surface and dragonflies darting overhead. Flow Like a River is based in a quaint converted chapel nestled in the heart of the Black Mountains in Mid Wales. The property sits directly on the water’s edge, allowing you to slip from your morning yoga practice straight into a revitalizing swim. Other cold-water swims are mountain lakes, hidden river pools, and even a moonlit swim under the stars. Hosts focus on nature immersion with guided walking meditations and outdoor sensory explorations in a nature reserve. If you’re up for it, there’s even an opportunity to connect with your voice and spirit through uplifting group chanting and singing sessions.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller.
