Wild Wood Swim Clubs

Swim. Dip. Connect.

There's something special about getting into the water together.

Our Wild Wood Swim Clubs are relaxed, friendly sessions for experienced open-water swimmers and cold-water dippers who love being outdoors, enjoying the lake and sharing the experience with others.

Whether you fancy a proper swim, a gentle bob or a chilly dip, come and join our growing community of Wild Wood swimmers.

£9.50 – Swim Club without sauna
£12.50 – Swim Club with lakeside sauna

Both options include a lifeguarded lake session.

🏊‍♀️ Friday Wild Wood Swim Club

Your weekly social swim

Fridays at 9:00am | £9.50 / £12.50 with sauna

Our Friday Swim Club is all about enjoying the lake together.

Swim at your own pace, do some lengths, have a gentle dip or simply enjoy being in the water with a lovely group of like-minded people.

There's no pressure to swim a certain distance or keep up with anyone. It's simply a regular opportunity to get outside, get in the water and connect with our Wild Wood community.

And, of course, there's plenty of time for a natter afterwards!

Perfect for: Confident, experienced open-water swimmers looking for a friendly, regular social swim.

Please note: During autumn and winter, this club is intended for those with previous open-water and cold-water swimming experience. It is not suitable for complete beginners.

❄️ Chilly Dips Club | Women's Cold Water Community

Cold dips. Hot sips. Warm words. Kindred spirits. And cake. Always cake.

Saturdays at 10:00am | £9.50 / £12.50 with sauna

Chilly Dips was born from our Introduction to Cold Water Immersion course, when a group of wonderful women decided they simply didn't want the experience to end!

Now a women-only cold-water dipping club, Chilly Dips is all about connection, confidence and community. A welcoming space to continue your cold-water journey, make new friendships and share the experience with like-minded women.

This isn't about swimming distances, breaking records or seeing who can stay in the longest. It's about listening to your body, respecting the cold and enjoying the experience together.

Expect chilly water, plenty of encouragement, lots of laughter, warm drinks, meaningful conversations and, quite possibly, cake!

Who can join?

Chilly Dips is specifically designed for women who have completed our Introduction to Cold Water Immersion course and want to continue dipping regularly in a supportive group.

This ensures everyone arrives with an understanding of cold-water safety, acclimatisation and how their body responds to colder temperatures.

Chilly Dips is not suitable for complete beginners who have not completed the introductory course.

Please note: This is a social dipping group, not a swimming lesson or beginner's introduction. All participants must be confident in the water and follow lifeguard guidance.

Come for the cold. Stay for the connection.

🌿 New to Wild Swimming or Cold Water?

We love welcoming new swimmers to Wild Wood, but it's important to begin your open-water journey safely.

If you've never swum in open water before, we strongly recommend starting during the warmer summer months rather than autumn or winter.

Our lake is deep throughout, and all swimmers must be confident swimming at least 25 metres.

During autumn and winter, water temperatures can drop extremely low and occasionally reach ice-swimming conditions. Cold-water immersion carries significant risks, particularly for those without previous experience.

We do not recommend joining our regular winter swimming sessions as a first-time open-water swimmer.

Instead, we recommend booking our Introduction to Cold Water Swimming / Immersion course.

Led by an experienced instructor, the course covers:

• Understanding the risks of cold-water immersion

• How your body responds to cold water

• Safe entry and exit techniques

• Breathing and managing the initial cold-water response

• Gradual acclimatisation and recognising your limits

• Recognising signs of cold-related illness

• Warming up safely after your dip

Once you've completed the course and are confident in the water, our Chilly Dips Club offers a lovely opportunity for women to continue their cold-water journey.

Completing a course does not remove the risks of cold-water swimming. Always swim within your experience and ability.

⚠️ Before You Get In

Our lake is a natural, deep, open-water environment, and your safety is incredibly important to us.

Please follow these essential rules:

• Experienced swimmers only during winter. Complete beginners should start with an introductory course rather than joining a regular winter swim.

• Tow floats are compulsory for every swimmer, regardless of experience.

• You must be able to confidently swim at least 25 metres. The lake is deep throughout, with no shallow standing area.

• Introduce yourself to the lifeguard if this is your first visit to Wild Wood, even if you have swum elsewhere.

• Stay close to your entry and exit point when acclimatising to colder water. Never push yourself to swim further than you feel comfortable.

• Enter slowly and carefully. Never jump or dive into cold water.

• Keep your dips short. Cold-water swimming is not a competition. More time in the water does not mean more benefit.

• Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, unusually breathless, weak, confused or unwell, exit the water and alert the lifeguard immediately.

• Disclose relevant medical conditions and severe allergies when booking. If you carry emergency medication, such as an EpiPen or inhaler, inform the lifeguard and make sure it is readily accessible on shore.

• Warm up gradually afterwards. Dry off promptly, put on warm layers, cover your head and enjoy a warm drink. Be aware that your body temperature may continue to fall after leaving the water (afterdrop).

• Allow time to recover before driving. We recommend staying on site for around 30 minutes after a cold swim, and longer if needed. Do not drive while shivering, dizzy or feeling unwell.

• Always follow lifeguard instructions. The lifeguard may advise you not to enter or to leave the water if conditions or individual circumstances make swimming unsafe.

Please bring suitable swimwear, a towel, a tow float, warm layers, a hat and easy-to-put-on clothing for afterwards.

All Wild Wood Swim Clubs are for adults aged 18+.

💚 Come and Join Us

You don't need to be the fastest swimmer, the bravest dipper or know anybody before you arrive.

Our Swim Clubs are about enjoying the water safely, connecting with others and being part of a welcoming community.

If you're already an experienced open-water swimmer, we'd love you to join us.

And if you're just starting out, our introductory courses are the perfect first step.

The water's waiting. 🌿