Switch Up Your Swim

So, you’ve switched up your fitness routine by ditching the gym and dedicating your workout to swim, and now you’re ready for the next stage. Check out these adventurous swimming locations to mix up your routine and launch yourself into your next swimming adventure.

 

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#1 City lidos

If you live or work in the capital, it's easy to get swept up with city life. So when summer comes around take a trip to the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park to escape the constraints of city life. Enjoy the views from the sun terrace, children’s play area, paddling pool, and of course the open water swimming area from May until September.

 

After a stressful week, a weekend trip to the Thermae Spa in Bath is exactly the kind of trip we all need from time to time. Located in the heart of the city, you can bathe in the naturally warm and mineral-rich waters. Indulge in the indoor Minerva Bath and then head over to open-air rooftop pool for breath-taking views of the historical city.

 

 

 

 

#2 Rural lidos

The Portishead Lido in Somerset is heated to 28°C by green energy, giving the pool a unique retro atmosphere. As the lido is run and maintained by the local community it is a great location to visit on a family trip. Facilities include a coffee shop and toddler pool, and the pool backs right onto the beach.

 

Pells Pool is the oldest freshwater lido in Britain. Tucked away in Lewes, East Sussex the pool is 46 metres long x 23 metres wide and includes an exercise lane and floats. Enjoy lunch, soft drinks and ice cream on the tree-lined lawn or sun terrace. If you plan on visiting during the cooler seasons remember to bring a wet suit as the pool is sun heated so it can be quite chilly at the beginning of the season.

 

Check out the UK’s top outdoor pools to find your closest lido.

 

 

 

 

#3 Waterparks

Mix up your swimming routine with the ultimate fun day out at Aqua Park Rutland. Challenge yourself at this total wipe out-style inflatable park with trampolines, balance bards, climbing walls, and the UK’s biggest inflatable slides. The park is open from May until September and prices start from £20 per person.

 

We absolutely love waterparks at Simply Swim, and there really isn’t any reason why you can’t too. We’ve reviewed all of the UK’s best water parks so you don’t have to. Plan a trip to one of the UK’s best indoor water parks to see how all of the family can get involved!

 

 

  

 

#4 Spas

A weekend trip to the spa at Pennyhill Park in Surrey is the ultimate wellness retreat. This adult-only spa is the perfect place to truly unwind from the stress of the outside world. With a state of the art fitness suit, world-class spa treatments and eight indoor and outdoor pools you can fully relax amongst the beautiful Surrey countryside.

 

The Scarlet Spa is focused on nourishing your mind, body and wellbeing through the wisdom of Ayurveda in the heart of Cornwall. Spend an afternoon in the clifftop hot tub or outdoor swimming pool, then head inside to the steam room and relaxation rooms. Finish by choosing a treatment from the extensive menu of body treatments for a luxurious spa experience. 

 

 

 

 

#5 The wild outdoors

Immerse yourself into a little patch of paradise at the Lower Ddwli Falls. Found in the heart of Waterfall Woods, Brecon Beacons, there are over 20 natural pools stretching across a five-mile walk. The Lower Ddwli Falls include a large open pool with an impressive natural waterfall so you can submerse yourself into the beauty of the Welsh country side.

 

Make your way to the village of Staverton in Devon, to find a calm and warm stretch of the River Dart. Follow the path downstream to find secluded beaches and a make-shift jump into the river from an old oak tree. Explore the best of the Dart from this picturesque corner of Devon.

 

If you’re still unconvinced, check out 10 of the best outdoor swimming locations in the UK.

 

 

 

 

#6 For the adventurous

Winter swimming is a traditional Finnish outdoor activity which has grown in huge popularity since the 1920s. There are claims that taking a dip in the cold-water pools boost your hormones giving you a wonderful afterglow.

 

Winter swimming season starts as soon as the water temperature drops below 10°c during October. So, for the courageous swimmers out there, try your luck swimming in one of Finland’s notorious ice holes.

 

Budapest’s 100-year-old Szechenyi Bath is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Enjoy the outdoor and indoor geothermal pools, along with the whirlpools and underwater aqua. Then explore the maze of hidden pools before treating yourself to a massage to soak in all of the water’s natural minerals.

 

If these still don’t tickle your fancy, have a look at 8 extreme swimming locations for the adrenaline junkie.

 

 

 

Make sure to watch our Switch Up Your Swim video below for your exclusive offer to get you swim ready this year...