9 beautiful spots for wild swimming in Suffolk
Have you ever been wild swimming? Many love this adventurous yet relaxing pastime, a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level while enjoying yourself in the great outdoors. As a coastal county with endless rivers, waterways, and lakes, Suffolk is the ideal location for those planning a trip full of refreshing wild swims.
If you’re thinking about planning a Suffolk holiday focused on swimming in nature, let us help. We’ve put together a list of the county’s best wild swimming locations to fill out your trip’s itinerary.
Keeping safe when wild swimming
Before we get into where to wild swim in Suffolk, you must be prepared. Here are some important tips to keep you safe:
- Check water and weather conditions before you head out. Bad weather will likely make the water more treacherous.
- If there is no lifeguard, note exactly where you can enter and exit the water.
- Find out the ‘what3words’ of your location before swimming in case of emergency. We recommend downloading the free app – it comes in handy more often than you think in a rural county like Suffolk!
- Always swim with a buddy so that you can keep each other safe. Wild swimming alone is not recommended, but if you’re going to do it, let people know where you’re going, how long you plan to spend there, and wear bright swimwear that stands out. Brightly coloured tow floats are also great for keeping your exact location visible.
- The water will likely be very cold. Do not jump straight in; instead, acclimatise slowly to avoid shocking your system.
- If possible, invest in swimwear that retains body heat. A wetsuit is ideal, but there are also swimming costumes available, designed to keep you warm, that some swimmers prefer.
For more advice, we recommend checking out the RNLI’s guide to open water swimming safety. Please remember that not all open bodies of water are safe to swim in or accessible. Chemicals, weeds, private land, and currents make some waterways a no-go for public swimming, so it’s essential to only visit places that have been approved for swimming.
Santon Historical Site, Little Ouse River
Nestled in Thetford Forest and situated on the bank of the Little Ouse River, Santon Historical Site (previously called St Helen’s Picnic Site) is the perfect place for a spot of wild swimming with the family. It’s a popular area for children and adults alike to splash and swim while waving to those sailing by in canoes and on paddleboards. You’ll find parking and toilet cubicles on site, but please note that the toilets are only open during the summer.
Santon Downham, Little Ouse River
Swim from Santon Historical Site to the picturesque village of Santon Downham. This is a more peaceful spot than the previous, and the swim here is truly stunning. The banks are full of critters and birds, and you’ll float through the thriving forest to reach this more secluded spot. From here, you could swim the winding 6km through the trees to Brandon, if you fancy a longer swim.
Knettishall Heath, Little Ouse River
Another ideal Little Ouse River wild swimming spot for families, Knettishall Heath is 227 acres of ancient landscape within the stunning 435-acre Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve. The easiest way to reach this swimming location is by parking in the Knettishall Heath Public Car Park. There are toilets, picnic benches, grass for blankets, and even a small playground for children at this brilliant site, making it perfect for spending a few hours. On Saturdays and Sundays, you may even find a coffee van serving up delicious drinks and snacks!
Geldeston Lock, River Waveney
We’re not going to leave this idyllic spot out just because it sits on the very border of Suffolk and Norfolk! Geldeston Lock is such a wonderful place to wild swim that it’s listed on Lonely Planet’s best wild swimming spots in the UK. We recommend entering the water at the deeper, calmer swimming hole for a relaxing float amongst the picturesque countryside. On the water’s edge sits The Lock Inn pub, where you can enjoy a comforting bite to eat. There is a sloping bank to slide down near a bench for putting your things, or you can drop into the water from one of the boat posts.
Outney Common, River Waveney
This beautiful area of around 400 acres sits within the loop of the River Waveney, just north of Bungay. There are multiple spots to enter and swim along the river within the Common, with plenty of gently sloping bays making accessing the water easy for wild swimmers of all ages. There’s roughly 3km of river to swim along through the wildflower meadows and trees. Stop by the Outney Common Caravan Park and hire a canoe if you decide to spend some time floating on the water instead of in it!
Sutton, River Stour
This outdoor swimming spot may seem like a stretch of beach leading into the sea, but it’s actually the River Stour, close to where it transforms into an estuary leading into the ocean. This location is a very well-kept Suffolk secret, so you’re not likely to find any crowds. Swim, relax, and enjoy sweeping views across the river to our neighbouring county of Essex. Make sure to check the tides before visiting, though, as they will be stronger this close to the sea.
Dedham and Flatford, River Stour
Dedham, a historic village, and Flatford, a charming hamlet largely managed by the National Trust, form what’s known as ‘Constable Country’, made famous by the artistic works of English painter John Constable in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Today, it’s a truly special day out in Suffolk, as well as a captivating spot for open water swimming. Locate Fen Bridge and dip into the water, admire the surrounding views, and swim along to pass Flatford Mill, the building in which Constable’s father lived, inspiring some of his paintings.
Alton Water Park
A little different to the other mentions on our list, Alton Water Park is a more organised form of wild swimming. From nature trails to water sports, from public events to fishing spots, there is so much to do on this beautiful, large lake. When it comes to open water swimming in Alton Water Park, it’s only allowed on Sunday mornings between May and September, and you have to book in advance. This is for those who love the soothing rhythm of swimming lengths, with a controlled buoy course guiding your laps. Booking is essential if you want to join a swimming session here.
South Elmham Lakes
These beautiful little lakes are an excellent place for a swim, especially as you can book them so you and your group have the space to yourselves! The 1-acre lake is set amongst trees and wildflowers, and has space for 2 to 12 swimmers at a time. You can book a session and leave the rest of the spaces open for strangers to share your time slot, or book the entire lake so just your group can enjoy it for an hour or two. Imagine having an entire, picturesque lake all to yourself to swim as you please!
Where to stay for your Suffolk wild swimming trip
Are you feeling inspired? Then it’s time to book your open water swimming holiday. We have a large collection of holiday homes spanning the whole county, perfect for providing a place to rest and recuperate after a long day of swimming in wild waters and exploring the countryside. Discover properties around Eye, Hadleigh and Kersey, Woodbridge, and Halesworth to position yourself only a short drive from many of the rivers and lakes.
Suffolk is bordered entirely on the right by the sea, offering even more opportunities for open water swimming at our beaches. We have many fantastic properties lining the coast, from spacious homes in Southwold to cosy cottages in Aldeburgh, waiting to welcome you.
