Where to swim outdoors in Buckinghamshire
It’s tough living in a landlocked county in the middle of summer – particularly if these hot summers continue. But help is at hand! Buckinghamshire, along with its neighbours Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, has some fantastic places for an outdoor dip. There are two lidos in Buckinghamshire as well as some fantastic open water swimming lakes. I’ve yet to find any suitable spots for wild swimming in Buckinghamshire’s rivers but I hope to do some hands on research this summer.
If you decide to swim outdoors in Buckinghamshire, please familiarise yourself with the open water swimming safety tips on the Royal Life Saving Society website.
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Many open water swimming locations request that swimmers become members of NOWCA – a network of open water swimming venues. Some venues have a rule that swimmers must use a tow float – many of the lakes are used for other purposes so it’s essential that swimmers are visible to other water users.
Lidos are increasingly popular and since covid, pre-booking is essential at some pools.
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Outdoor pools and lidos in Buckinghamshire
There’s something truly wonderful about outdoor swimming pools. Particularly if the pool is heated! Buckinghamshire has two open air pools to choose from and there are plenty close by over the borders into Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Chesham open air pool
Chesham open air swimming pool is 25 metres long and it’s heated all year round to a toasty 27 degrees. There’s plenty going on – exercise classes, swimming lessons and inflatables to leap on (or off).
This is a great outdoor pool for swimmers with sensitive skin. Chesham has a specially designed ionisation unit which reduces the need for high levels of chlorine (obviously they still need some). The swim centre also has solar panels – it’s definitely more eco-friendly than your average pool.
Find out more about Chesham lido
High Wycombe Lido
Wycombe Rye Lido is 33 metres in length and there’s a smaller pool for children. Wycombe outdoor pool is heated and it’s open year round.
Find out more about the lido in Wycombe here
Lake swimming in Buckinghamshire
Open water swimming at Willen Lake
This popular lake for outdoor swimming in Milton Keynes is part of a large park with lots of facilities include a café and restaurant, high ropes course, play area and various activities on the water.
Swimming at Willen Lake is organised by Love Open Water which has venues in various places around the country. Everything is official and well organised – sessions must be booked in advance. There are changing rooms and showers and there are courses of varying lengths.
Find out more about swimming at Willen Lake
Denham Water Ski Club
As the name suggests, this is a water-skiing lake which offers open water swimming sessions – mostly in the morning – and wakeboarding.
Denham lake is right in the south east corner of Buckinghamshire, not far from Watford.
Find out more about open water swimming at Denham
Taplow Lakeside open water swimming
Taplow Lake is close to the River Thames near Maidenhead. It benefits from being just a 10 minute walk from Taplow railway station which in turn is just over 30 minutes by train from London Paddington on the Elizabeth Line. So if you’re looking for an appealing place to go open water swimming near London, this is a good choice.
There are two courses at the lake – a 100 metre course for beginners who want to be near the shore and a 400 metre course for more advanced open water swimmers.
There are various other activities available at Taplow including water skiing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. And there’s the all important restaurant to enjoy a snack in post-swim.
Find out more about open water swimming at Taplow Lakeside
Open water swimming in Marlow at West Thorpe Lake
This venue might not be running open water swimming this year. Please check their website for updates.
Find out more about Marlow open water swimming
Outdoor swimming essentials
All you need to swim outdoors is a tolerance to cold water, right? If – like me – you need a few accessories to get you in the water, here are some swimming gear essentials to give you that extra encouragement to enjoy open water swimming.
Tow float
If you’re swimming in a lake or river, it’s really important to ensure you can be seen by other water users. We spent a day on a boat on the Thames recently and it was a lot easier to see the swimmers with tow floats than those without.
As well as enhancing your visibility, tow floats often have a waterproof pouch where you can hold car keys, your wallet or other valuables. And of course, the float can be used as a buoyancy aid.
Swim socks or boots
If walking through squelchy mud as you enter the water is something that doesn’t appeal (or you’re worried about stepping on something sharp), swim socks are a real game changer. I used mine the other day when we went paddle boarding on the River Wye – it made walking into the pebbly water so much easier.
Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks
Wetsuits
If you’ve completely forgotten how you used to leap through the waves in just your swimsuit when you were a child (that’s me), then a wetsuit might be a good idea. This honestly makes a huge difference to outdoor swimming – it’s so much easier to get into cold water when you’re wearing a wetsuit.
You can often find good quality wetsuits on Ebay but it you want a new one, I’d recommend trying the triathlon specialist Wiggle for a high spec suit or Decathlon if you’re after something cheaper.
Shop for wetsuits with Decathlon
Tips for safer outdoor swimming
I’ve put together these suggestions on how to swim safely outdoors. More information can be found on the Royal Life Saving Society website.
Use a tow float – they help you be seen, they can assist you in staying afloat and some have a waterproof compartment for keys, wallet and so forth.
Swim with a buddy – even confident swimmers can get into difficulties and although some open water swimming lakes have lifeguards, it’s still important to be with another person. Cramp, cold water shock and after drop can affect anyone.
Consider wearing a wetsuit – if you’re new to open water swimming, wear a wetsuit. A hat, swimming gloves and swim shoes or swim socks are also a good idea.
Wear a swimming hat – as well as keeping you warm, a brightly coloured hat will keep you visible to others in the water.
Acclimatize to the water slowly – don’t be tempted to jump in. Gasping as you enter the water – cold water shock – can lead to drowning or at the very least inhaling dirty water. The depth of the water can be deceptive and you never know what you might land on.
Cover open wounds – use a waterproof plaster.
Look out for blue-green algae – don’t enter the water if there is any of this itch-inducing plant floating around.
Warm up carefully afterwards – make sure you have warm clothes to wear post-swim. Don’t be tempted to rush home and jump in the shower – this isn’t good for your body. Enjoy a warm drink and a snack before heading off.
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If you’re happy to travel a bit further for an outdoor swim, check out my articles about where to swim outdoors in Hertfordshire, open water swimming in Bedfordshire and outdoor swimming in Cambridgeshire.
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Do you go open water swimming in Buckinghamshire? Let me know about your favourite open air spot in the comments below.
