Visit one of these open-air drinking places to cool off. As the summer temperatures rise, more and more people are taking to the water in the wild to cool off. And by combining a swim with overnight stays at one of the UK’s most quiet spots, you can dodge the throng at the seaside.
To the Pheasant Hut in Norfolk
Wild With Nature is an organic farm with six shepherd’s huts, so you can just jump right into the eight-acre lake in the middle of the property. The Pheasant Hut is our top pick since it’s the coziest and has the best views of the lake and the most enticing wooden pontoon. Further, in need of some heat after a refreshing swim? For £30 a night, you can stay in the “roving hot tub” at the farm.
St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly; Troytown Farm
At Troytown Farm, you may pitch your tent on a green camping meadow that leads right down to the Atlantic Ocean, just like in the movies. Campers on the car-free island of St. Agnes, one of the Isles of Scilly off the Cornish coast, pass the day sea bathing or hiring paddle boards and kayaks from the adjacent St. Agnes Watersports. Furthermore, at low tide, you can swim to the island of Gugh from St. Agnes, which is connected by a sand bar.
Ceredigion, Wales, One Cat Farm
One Cat Farm is a glamping resort in north Wales, named after Mogul the ginger cat, who was the first animal to call the property home. The site further consists of four cozy wooden cabins spread out around a swimming pond with lily pads. There is not much to do besides swim, idle in a rowboat, or soak in a hot tub heated by wood outdoors. Moreover, Aberaeron South Beach is only a five-minute drive away, satisfying any saltwater cravings.
Canoe in peace down the Wye River
Further, Canoe down the Wye River in peace and quiet (at Myrtle the Shepherd’s Hut) Everything within this tiny cabin has meticulously organized. Myrtle, further decorated in Moroccan style, is tucked away in a little Welsh glade with views of the River Wye. A path further runs directly down to the river, and there is a rope to help you climb in and out of your own swimming place. After a refreshing dip in the river, freshen up in the hot shower provided, then fire up the grill for a riverside dinner.
Dorset; Farr’s Meadow
This is classic camping in a verdant meadow surrounded by trees and the gurgling waters of the River Stour. Tents only are allowed in Farr’s Meadow, and the campsite has converted horse trailers for showers and composting toilets. Furthermore, take a dip in the river first thing in the morning and then go fishing if you want to catch your own dinner to roast over the campfire.
Cottage in Ditchling, Sussex
Wild swimmers would adore this quaint cabin. Ditchling is on the edge of its own lake, complete with a big wooden platform hovering above the water, not one but three pontoons and a diving platform to jump in from, and an assortment of rowing boats and rafts to punt around on to your heart’s content. Further, two child-friendly box beds tucked away in the living area, while adults may enjoy the spacious double bed and lake-view bathroom upstairs.
Holidays in a Cornish Tipi, Cornwall
In a wonderful hidden valley in north Cornwall lies a sparkling green swimming lake surrounded by tall white tipis, some in a wide meadow and some in their own secluded forest glades. Although the beach is only a 10-minute drive away, the property’s pontoon and row boat further make it tempting to spend all day on the water instead.
Norfolk’s West Lexham
Stay in one of West Lexham’s magnificent tree houses, bell tents, or cozy cottages and enjoy a swimming staycation with all the trimmings. Furthermore, beautiful log fireplaces, comfy double beds, and a shared pizza oven make the tree houses on this forested estate stand out. The pool is moreover closed for the duration of the epidemic, but the reed-lined lake is still available for swimming.
Eilean Shona in Loch Moidart
After visiting Eilean Shona, a real-life Neverland off the coast of Scotland, the author of Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie, inspired to write the story. Further, vacationers can now stay in one of eight cottages spread out throughout car-free Eilean Shona and enjoy swimming in Loch Moidart’s clean, chilly waters by exploring the island’s shoreline for secret coves or diving in directly from the pier.
Tarn Foot Campground, County of Cumbria
Furthermore, you may find this tranquil camping meadow in the Lake District, not far from Ambleside. There are only 25 campsites here, and the facilities aren’t great (“simply a toilet, a tap, and tarn,” as one camper put it), but it’s great for roughing it, and the placid waters of Loughrigg Tarn are just a minute’s walk away. In addition, take a plunge on a hot summer evening or spend the day lounging on the tarn’s shore, where younger swimmers can hunt tadpoles.