Wales is made for wild swimming. From electric blue coastal quarries and glassy mountain lakes to tumbling waterfalls and sheltered sea coves, we have some of the finest spots in the UK. And the best bit? You can reach most of them by train.
Wild swimming has had a real revival in recent years, and it's easy to see why. There's something about plunging into a cold Welsh lake or river that makes you feel completely alive. Whether you're a seasoned open water swimmer or a complete beginner thinking about your first dip, Wales delivers.
Safety first: wild swimming carries real risks, so always check conditions before you go. Swim with a friend where possible, know your limits, and look up water quality and weather forecasts in advance. The Outdoor Swimming Society is a brilliant resource for beginners.
Why wild swim in Wales?
We have hundreds of miles of coastline, three National Parks, and more rivers, lakes and reservoirs than you could swim in a lifetime. From the peaks of Eryri to the cliffs of Pembrokeshire, there's a spot to suit every level and every mood.
What's more, our rail and bus network gets you closer to many of them than you might think. Leave the car at home, hop on a train, and arrive relaxed and ready to swim.
Our favourite wild swimming spots in Wales
Discover our favourite wild swimming spots in Wales and start planning your next adventure.
Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy
Location: Pembrokeshire
Closest station: Fishguard and Goodwick
Highlight: The electric blue water
There are few swimming spots in Wales quite like the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy. A flooded former slate quarry on the Pembrokeshire coast, it has a vivid blue-green colour that feels more Mediterranean than Welsh. It's been a famous landmark for adventurers and photographers for decades, and it's easy to see why.
From Fishguard and Goodwick station, you can reach Abereiddy by bus. The lagoon is a short walk from the beach car park, and the sight of that striking water against the dark slate walls never gets old. As with any coastal swim, keep an eye on tides and currents, and bring a brightly coloured swim hat so other water users can spot you easily.
Please note the lagoon closes to swimmers during seal-breeding season each autumn. Check locally before visiting between September and November.
Llyn Padarn, Llanberis
Location: North Wales
Closest station: Bangor
Highlight: Backdrop of Eryri
Sitting at the foot of Yr Wyddfa in the heart of Eryri, Llyn Padarn is one of the most popular wild swimming lakes in North Wales. The water is clean, clear and refreshingly cold, perfect for a summer dip after a day in the mountains.
From Bangor station, regular buses run to Llanberis, where the lake is within easy walking distance. The designated swimming area near the watersports centre is a great place to start, with straightforward access and beautiful views across the water to the mountains beyond.
Fairy Glen, Betws-y-Coed
Location: North Wales
Closest station: Betws-y-Coed
Highlight: River pools in a wooded gorge
Tucked in a wooded gorge just outside the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed, the Fairy Glen is one of the most enchanting swimming spots in Wales. The River Conwy carves through a narrow rocky gorge here, creating a series of pools and cascades that feel like something from a storybook.
It's one of the few wild swimming spots in Wales where you can step off the train and be in the water within a short walk. Betws-y-Coed station sits on the Conwy Valley line, and the Fairy Glen is about two miles from the village. The site is on private land with a small cash entry fee, so bring some coins. It gets busy on summer weekends, so arriving early gives you the best of it.
Llyn Gwynant, Eryri
Location: North Wales
Closest station: Blaenau Ffestiniog
Highlight: Spectacular mountain scenery
Nestled in the Glaslyn valley and surrounded by mountains on all sides, Llyn Gwynant is one of the most beautifully situated lakes in all of Wales. The water is calm, clear and relatively accessible, with a small beach area that's perfect for a leisurely swim.
From Blaenau Ffestiniog station, the Snowdon Sherpa bus service runs along the valley road and stops near the lake. It's a brilliant way to arrive, with the surrounding peaks gradually revealing themselves as you head deeper into Eryri. The lake is at its most inviting in summer, when the water warms enough for a comfortable swim, although the mountain backdrop makes it worthwhile in any season.
Caswell Bay, Gower
Location: Swansea
Closest station: Swansea
Highlight: A sheltered cove perfect for sea swimming
The Gower Peninsula was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designated in the UK, and its beaches are among the finest in Wales. Caswell Bay is one of the most accessible, with its sheltered cove making it a great option for a sea swim.
From Swansea station, a bus gets you to Caswell Bay in under 20 minutes. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months, which is reassuring if you're new to sea swimming. Early morning swims here are particularly special before the beach fills up.
Waterfall Country, Bannau Brycheiniog
Location: South Wales
Closest station: Merthyr Tydfil
Highlight: Swimming beneath a waterfall
If swimming under a waterfall is on your bucket list, Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is the place to do it. The area is home to a series of dramatic falls, including the famous Sgwd yr Eira, where a path leads you behind a curtain of falling water, and Lower Ddwli Falls with its wide open plunge pool that's perfect for a proper swim.
From Merthyr Tydfil station, local bus services run towards the Waterfall Country area, from there a scenic woodland walk leads you to the falls and swimming holes. It's a popular spot in summer, when the pools offer a cool reward after the walk in.
Mwnt Beach, Ceredigion
Location: Ceredigion
Closest station: Aberystwyth
Highlight: Dolphins in the bay
Mwnt is a hidden gem on the Ceredigion coast, a sheltered sandy bay tucked beneath a dramatic headland. The water is among the clearest on the Welsh coast, and the bay is well known as one of the best places in Wales to spot bottlenose dolphins.
From Aberystwyth station, you can catch a bus to Cardigan. It's worth every minute of the journey for this unspoilt stretch of National Trust coastline. There's no lifeguard service here, so it's best suited to confident swimmers who are comfortable in open water. If you can make it on a weekday, you'll likely have more of the beach to yourself.
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
Location: Gwynedd
Closest station: Blaenau Ffestiniog
Highlight: Wales' largest natural lake
Llyn Tegid, or Bala Lake as it's also known, is the largest natural lake in Wales and a genuinely spectacular place for an open water swim. Stretching nearly five miles in length, it's a popular destination for swimmers looking for a proper challenge.
The lake sits on the edge of the market town of Bala, which is well connected by bus from Blaenau Ffestiniog station. The Bala Lake Railway also runs a picturesque narrow gauge route along the lake's southern shore, a wonderful way to take it all in before you take the plunge. Swimming is permitted at the foreshore, where pay-and-display machines are available at the car park. The water is cool and clear, and particularly beautiful in autumn when the surrounding hills turn golden.
Before you go, remember to check our journey planner to plan your route to any of these destinations. We'd recommend buying your ticket early to get the best fares.
