Wild Swimming
Wild Swimming at Wild-Wood UK
Escape the everyday and reconnect with nature.
Welcome to Wild-Wood UK, where nature meets serenity. Discover the invigorating experience of wild swimming in our beautiful open water lake, nestled in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside.
Whether you’re an experienced open water swimmer or taking your very first dip, Wild-Wood UK offers a safe, welcoming and unforgettable outdoor experience. Swim surrounded by woodland, wildlife and fresh country air before warming up with a hot drink around the fire or enhancing your visit with our lakeside wood-fired sauna.
Please note: Wild swimming takes place in our dedicated swimming lake. This is completely separate from our Wellness Area, which features its own natural swimming pool and can be booked independently for exclusive private sessions or enjoyed during our Community Wellness Hours every Sunday.
To make your visit even more special, you can now enhance your swim by adding our Lakeside Wood-Fired Sauna Experience (£7.50) and Tow Float Hire during checkout.
🏊♀️ Swimming Sessions & Lifeguard Times
Lifeguards are available during the following sessions:
Monday
• 8:00am & 6:30pm
Tuesday - adhoc hours- check the booking page
Wednesday
• 5:00pm & 7:00pm
Thursday
• 6:00pm, 7:00pm & 8:00pm
Friday
• 8:00am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm & 6:00pm
Saturday
• 9:00am
Sunday
• 10:00am & 3:00pm
✨ Also discover our 9:00am Swim Club with Curious Rose — a relaxed guided session designed to build confidence, consistency and community in the water.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, swimming is limited to just 15 swimmers per session. Once a session is full, we are unable to accommodate additional swimmers.
🧭 Important Information
All swim sessions must be booked online in advance. We are unable to accept payment on site.
We operate a strict 24-hour cancellation and rescheduling policy. If you need to cancel or move your booking, this must be completed more than 24 hours before your swim.
Please do not contact Mannie to reschedule your booking. Wild-Wood is run by a one-person administration team, and Mannie is often coaching clients or working on-site. All bookings can be amended quickly and easily using the link in your booking confirmation email.
Eligible cancellations will be refunded manually by Mannie. Please allow a few working days for refunds to be processed.
New swimmers must introduce themselves to the lifeguard on arrival for a short safety induction.
We strongly recommend attending one of our Open Water Swimming Workshops before swimming independently.
Please ensure you have read our Health & Safety Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP).
Lakeside Wood-Fired Sauna (£7.50) and Tow Float Hire can both be added during online booking.
Our regular public swim sessions are for adults (16+) only. Children are welcome only during our designated Family Swim sessions.
Sorry, dogs are not permitted at our wild swimming sessions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the swim route?
The lake is approximately 200 metres in circumference.
What’s the minimum age?
Our regular swim sessions are for those aged 16 years and over.
During the summer holidays we also offer selected family-friendly swim sessions.
Do I need a tow float?
Yes. Tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers.
You can:
Bring your own.
Add Tow Float Hire during checkout.
Hire one on arrival (subject to availability).
What is access like?
The lake benefits from stepped access with handrails, a sandbag landing area and an emergency non-step access point. The lake is deep and there is limited standing space.
Are there lifeguards on site?
Yes. Qualified lifeguards are present during all public swim sessions (excluding Swim Club sessions).
Is there a café?
Not currently, but we do have a self-service tea and coffee station together with delicious post-swim bakes.
Simply scan the QR code to pay, and please remember to pay for any refreshments you enjoy.
Can I book the sauna?
Absolutely.
Our Lakeside Wood-Fired Sauna Experience can be added to your swim booking for just £7.50.
Select it during checkout.
Sauna use is included within your one-hour swim session.
The sauna accommodates up to six people.
Access operates on a shared rotation basis throughout your swim session so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it.
Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance.
Please note: This sauna is located beside our wild swimming lake and is not part of our Wellness Area.
Our Wellness Area is a completely separate experience centred around its own natural swimming pool, wood-fired sauna and wellness facilities. It is available to book independently for exclusive private hire or during our Community Wellness Hours every Sunday.
What wildlife might I see?
Our lake is home to carp and is regularly visited by herons, kingfishers and, if you’re lucky, one of our resident otters.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes. Changing rooms are located beside the car park.
Please leave them as you found them.
Are toilets available?
Yes. A toilet and a shower are located beside the changing rooms.
Is wild swimming suitable for beginners?
We only recommend swimming if you can confidently swim 25 metres, as the lake is deep throughout.
During winter we recommend only experienced cold-water swimmers enter the lake, as water temperatures can fall to around 1°C, with ice swimming conditions occasionally occurring.
Can I bring friends or family?
Absolutely. Everyone is welcome, although each swimmer must have their own booking.
Our regular sessions are for ages 16+, with Family Swim sessions available during the summer holidays.
Can I hire the lake exclusively?
Yes.
Exclusive lake hire is available from £120 per hour.
Where appropriate, we also recommend adding a qualified lifeguard for £20 per hour and tow floats or life jackets are compulsory. Optional extras:
sauna £7.50 per person
🎒 What to Bring
Swimwear
Towel
Warm clothing for afterwards
Bright swim cap (recommended)
Water shoes (recommended)
Tow float (required — either bring your own or add Tow Float Hire during checkout)
From October onwards we also recommend gloves, neoprene socks and a warm swim hat for colder conditions.
🌿 Why Choose Wild Swimming?
Rejuvenate Mind & Body
Immerse yourself in cold, natural water to help reduce stress, improve mood, boost circulation and support your overall wellbeing.
Connect with Nature
Swim surrounded by birdsong, woodland and wildlife for a truly peaceful outdoor experience.
Enjoy Every Season
From refreshing summer swims to invigorating winter dips, every season offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature.
☕ After Your Swim
Relax and unwind with:
Self-service tea and coffee (payable via QR code)
Complimentary light snacks
Fire pit and seating area
Optional Lakeside Wood-Fired Sauna Experience (£7.50 when added during booking)
Looking for an even more luxurious wellness experience?
Our Wellness Area, featuring its own natural swimming pool, wood-fired sauna and wellness facilities, can be booked separately for exclusive private sessions or enjoyed during our Community Wellness Hours every Sunday.
🗓 How to Book
Choose your preferred swim session.
Add any optional extras:
Lakeside Wood-Fired Sauna Experience (£7.50)
Tow Float Hire
Complete your booking online.
Arrive ready to reconnect with nature.
Please note:
All bookings must be made online.
We cannot accept payment on site.
Bookings can be amended via the link in your confirmation email up to 24 hours before your session.
Eligible cancellations will be refunded manually.
⚠️ Safety Notice
Please read our Health & Safety Procedures and the Royal Life Saving Society’s guidance on open water swimming before your visit.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Wild-Wood UK for your next wild swimming adventure.
